By KLTV Newsdesk – 

From tackling knife crime and supporting victims of exploitation to celebrating local industry and youth projects, Huddersfield MP Harpreet Uppal shares the latest updates on her work throughout October.

Visiting Sandy Mount in Crosland Moor

Harpreet recently visited Sandy Mount, a modern 41-apartment complex in Crosland Moor offering specialist housing for older people, disabled residents, and those with long-term conditions.

She praised the flexible support system that helps tenants live independently while fostering a sense of community. One resident, she noted, “spoke warmly about how living in a safe, supportive environment has positively impacted his wellbeing.”

Harpreet described the visit as a reminder of the value of creating housing that supports dignity, independence, and social connection.

Speaking Up in Prime Minister’s Questions

Harpreet has once again made her voice heard in Parliament, using her second appearance at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday 22nd October to raise the tragic case of 16-year-old Ahmad Mamdouh Al Ibrahim, who was fatally stabbed in Huddersfield.

Addressing the Prime Minister directly, she called for a renewed commitment to tackling serious violence and knife crime.

“We need to see more visible policing, stronger prevention, and real investment in youth services,” Harpreet urged.

She also noted that young people in Huddersfield are deeply concerned about the issue, having recently discussed knife crime with GCSE Citizenship students at Netherhall Learning Campus.

Following her question, Harpreet welcomed the Prime Minister’s response outlining government action but pledged to “keep working hard to ensure young people in Huddersfield can grow up safe and free from violence.”

Standing Up for Victims of Child Sexual Exploitation

In Parliament, Harpreet also pressed the Safeguarding Minister for stronger support for victims and survivors of child sexual exploitation and grooming gangs.

She emphasised the importance of ensuring that “the national inquiry is properly resourced to support victims through the process and that their voices must be heard.”

Harpreet highlighted the need to address court delays that hinder justice and called for updates on the Jay Inquiry recommendations to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.

Empowering Huddersfield’s Young People

Harpreet also met with Tashan from Empower Gym and Cllr Amanda Pinnock to discuss the Empower Youth Project, which runs free after-school sessions every Tuesday and Thursday thanks to Lottery Community funding.

“These sessions are helping young people build confidence and community through sport,” she said. “It’s one of many fantastic initiatives giving young people in Huddersfield the opportunities they deserve. Huge thanks to Tashan and the team for making it all happen!”

Championing Hospice Care

Harpreet recently joined Hospice UK in Parliament for their annual Hospice Care Week, themed “Hospice care is more than you think.”

She said the message “is a powerful reminder that hospices do so much more than provide care within their walls.”

Drawing on her experiences with The Kirkwood and Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, Harpreet praised their “incredible teams of staff and volunteers” for providing not only end-of-life care but also emotional support, respite, therapy, and counselling across communities.

While she welcomed the government’s commitment to sustainable funding for children’s hospices, she recognised ongoing challenges.

“I know how important these services are for residents across Huddersfield,” she said, vowing to “continue to stand up for the difference hospices make to families in our communities.”

Backing Local Industry

Continuing her commitment to supporting local businesses, Harpreet visited leading Huddersfield manufacturers C+J Antich and Sons and Thomas Broadbent, and took part in a roundtable discussion with the Calderdale and Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance (CKMA).

She heard directly from business leaders about their top priorities, including tackling high energy costs, developing skills pipelines, strengthening supply chains, and securing investment in local infrastructure.

“I’ll be taking these conversations back to Parliament,” she confirmed, “to raise them with Ministers and other MPs.”