Rutland and Stamford MP Secures Legislative Victory for Allergy Safety as Campaigning Continues on Multiple Fronts

Local MP Secures Legislative Victory for Allergy Safety as Campaigning Continues on Multiple Fronts By the Rutland and Stamford Democracy Reporter

MP Alicia Kearns

It has been a whirlwind fortnight for local residents and their representative, with major progress secured on a long-standing legislative campaign alongside a packed agenda covering everything from local high street recognition to national security concerns.

Following a tense period of parliamentary back-and-forth, local MP Alicia Kearns has announced that the government has committed to introducing "Benedict’s Law." This critical amendment, which she drafted, aims to bolster protections for children with allergies within school environments. The legislation is named in memory of five-year-old Benedict Blythe from Stamford, who tragically passed away after an allergic reaction at school in 2021.

The path to this victory was far from straightforward. While the amendment faced opposition from the government in the House of Lords, sustained pressure from cross-party peers and campaign groups led by the Benedict Blythe Foundation ultimately forced a reversal. Following intense negotiations, the government agreed to back the measure, ensuring its path into law as the bill returns to the Lords for its final stages.

Beyond the legislative win, there is further cause for optimism regarding the proposed "Child Cruelty Register," a campaign that has received long-standing support from the MP. After years of advocacy, the government has signaled it will now legislate to introduce the register often referred to as "Tony’s Law" which aims to prevent convicted child abusers from disappearing by changing their names or moving locations.

Amidst the high-stakes politics in Westminster, there has been cause for celebration closer to home. The annual Rutland and Stamford’s Favourite Independent Shop Awards saw record engagement this year, with over 41,000 votes cast by residents.

The overall winner for 2026 was announced as Walkers Bookshop in Stamford, a title that highlights the community's dedication to supporting local high streets during economically challenging times.

The broader economic outlook remains a primary focus for the constituency office. Following the Spring Statement, concerns have been raised regarding the forecast for 2026, which highlights halved growth predictions, rising unemployment, and the continued burden of high food and energy costs on households. The MP continues to urge the government to freeze fuel duties to offer some respite to residents and businesses.

Local issues also remain at the forefront. Residents are being urged to submit their views on the government’s public consultation regarding Local Government Re-Organisation before the March 26 deadline. This follows a period of frustration for the MP, who had to repeatedly press the Local Government Minister to secure a meeting to discuss concerns over the potential loss of Rutland’s ceremonial county status.

Other ongoing efforts in the community include:

Heating Oil, coordination with fellow MPs to challenge predatory pricing practices in the heating oil market.

Dementia Support, promotion of the new Rutland Carers Support Group, which will meet monthly at Uppingham Town Hall.

Uppingham Post Office, continued efforts to support the local Community Benefit Society in its bid to secure the future of the vital town service.

In her capacity as Shadow Minister for the Home Office, the local MP has been vocal on several fronts. This includes staunch opposition to government plans to restrict trial by jury for certain offences, which she has labeled an attack on civil liberties.

On the international stage, her recent work has spanned from securing Kosovo’s Presidential Medal of Merit for her support of the nation's sovereignty, to scrutinising government policy regarding the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the situation in Venezuela. Following a recent fact-finding trip to Guyana, she expressed reservations about the path toward democratic transition in Venezuela and emphasised the need for a coherent, strategic approach to international interventions.

As the weeks progress, the focus remains firmly on local representation and national policy advocacy. Residents seeking more information on the ongoing consultations or the MP’s recent parliamentary work are encouraged to visit her official website for further updates.

www.aliciakearns.com

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