Green MP Hannah Spencer Sworn In and Criticises Labour's Approach
Hannah Spencer, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Gorton and Denton, was officially sworn in at the House of Commons on 2 March 2026. The Green Party representative brings a unique perspective to Westminster, having worked as a plumber until just six weeks prior to her parliamentary debut.
A Stark Transition from Plumbing to Parliament
In her first weeks as an MP, Spencer has experienced what she describes as a profound culture shock. "I was completing a plastering qualification and looking forward to using those skills," she explains. "Now I find myself in parliament, and it's become clear why many MPs don't understand how difficult life has become for ordinary people across the country."
Spencer argues that Westminster operates as an insulated bubble, with too few representatives who come from working-class backgrounds or have held ordinary jobs. "Most politicians simply don't know what it feels like in your bones when you're struggling to make ends meet," she states.
The Reality of the Cost of Living Crisis
The Green MP paints a stark picture of contemporary Britain, where families find it increasingly difficult to pay monthly bills, afford supermarket essentials, or purchase new shoes for growing children. "Too many people I speak to are just one unexpected expense away from complete financial collapse," Spencer observes. "A broken washing machine, a parking ticket, or reduced work hours can bring their entire financial house of cards tumbling down."
She notes that what were once considered luxuries have long been eliminated from household budgets, and even well-off individuals feel increasingly ripped off as living standards decline across income levels. "Working hard used to guarantee you a house, a decent life, and holidays," Spencer reflects. "Now people work harder than ever but struggle to afford basic necessities."
Critique of Labour's Policy Response
While acknowledging that the Labour government has bowed to pressure and plans to introduce new cost of living measures this month, Spencer argues their approach remains fundamentally inadequate.
Energy Policy Shortcomings
The Green MP highlights the impending energy crisis, with bills projected to increase by over £330 annually this summer due to geopolitical tensions involving Iran. "The government refuses to commit to universal support," Spencer criticises. "The Green Party believes ordinary people should not pay for this crisis. The government should guarantee that energy bills won't rise beyond the April-June price cap, and redirect every pound of energy company profiteering toward this goal."
Water Privatisation Concerns
Spencer also addresses water bills in England and Wales, which increased by an average of 5% this week while sewage continues to pollute rivers. "Most people recognise that privatised water companies are taking advantage of consumers and want renationalisation," she states, noting this has long been Green Party policy. "Yet the government refuses to even consider this solution."
Benefit Cap Controversy
The MP welcomes Labour's decision to scrap the two-child benefit cap next week following relentless pressure, but questions why this wasn't implemented immediately. "330,000 children remained in poverty simply because they had more than one sibling," Spencer points out. "That represents years of unnecessary suffering that Labour could have prevented."
She further criticises the government for maintaining the household benefit cap, which continues to penalise approximately 140,000 children from larger families. "It's baffling that Keir Starmer and his cabinet show such lack of imagination and boldness," Spencer concludes. "They need only look at their constituents' suffering and the national mood. Perhaps they don't understand it, or perhaps they simply don't care."
