Huddersfield’s new MP Harpreet Uppal has delivered her maiden speech in Parliament, focusing on Huddersfield’s vibrant heritage and culture, the town’s government-funded regeneration projects and the importance of tackling youth violence.

In her speech, Ms Uppal emphasised Huddersfield’s proud history in textiles, its diverse communities and the cultural significance of institutions like Dixons Milk Ices, Huddersfield Choral Society and the Lawrence Batley Theatre.

Huddersfield’s place in sports history, from rugby league’s origins at the George Hotel to Huddersfield Town’s league championships in the 1920s, were also highlighted.

Ms Uppal welcomed the government’s recent budget announcement which secured funding for projects central to Huddersfield’s renewal, including the TransPennine Route Upgrade, improvements to the Huddersfield Open Market, and the Penistone Line.

Alongside the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus, these investments reflect her vision of a thriving town centre which benefits everyone in Huddersfield.

“Huddersfield has long been a town of innovation, resilience, and diversity,” said Ms Uppal. “Our potential is huge, and this growth must reach every corner of Huddersfield.”

 

Harpreet Uppal and Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle

 

Ms Uppal also emphasised the importance of tackling youth violence by supporting local organisations like Positive Steps and Conscious Youth that work with young people.

She highlighted the need to halve knife crime and foster positive spaces for young people to “grow, learn and thrive.”

Ms Uppal concluded by sharing her journey to Parliament with reference to her teacher Mrs Perry from Fartown High School and, as a testament to Huddersfield’s values, vowing to work tirelessly to bring positive change to the communities in which she has grown up in.

Ms Uppal, elected to replace Barry Sheerman on July 4, has had to be patient until she was called to make her maiden speech as there were 335 new MPs.

Ms Uppal said: “As someone who went to Fartown High School and was born and raised in Huddersfield, making my maiden speech in the House of Commons as Huddersfield’s MP was the greatest privilege of my life, if not also a little daunting.

“I am committed to working diligently on behalf of the people of Huddersfield to deliver the support our town needs – whether through revitalising our town centre, improving youth safety or expanding opportunities for future generations.

“I will work tirelessly to make Huddersfield an even better place to live, work and thrive.”

 

Labour’s first Budget confirms funding for new-look Huddersfield Open Market and Penistone Line rail upgrade