I had a productive meeting in Parliament yesterday with representatives from the Britanya Alevi Federasyonu and the Syrian Alawite Association in Britain.
It was harrowing to hear the extent of the crisis as attacks on minorities continue. The Government must put pressure on the Syrian administration to intervene.
It was wonderful to attend Soccer Aid for UNICEF’s parliamentary reception this week ahead of the big day next month.
The reception is a testament to the generosity of the UK public and the power of UK aid in providing life-saving support to the world’s most disadvantaged children.
This week, I met with young people and the Teenage Cancer Trust to deliver their letter to the Department of Health and Social Care.
#AndYoungPeople is calling for children and young people to be included in the National Cancer Plan, ensuring their voices are listened to.
This morning, I spoke up for public libraries in Southgate and Wood Green by celebrating the wonderful ‘Library Lates’ in Haringey.
These sessions encourage our diverse community to come together and utilise the public space that libraries offer. Listen here:
Today, I asked the Government what steps were being taken to prevent future attacks on Alawite, Druze, and Christian minority communities in Syria. Listen below:
Today, during Justice Questions, I asked the Minister for Courts what attention the Government had to offer the state of the court estate, as many courts are not operating due to ongoing repairs. This question follows a visit from the Minister for Sentencing to Wood Green Crown Court in December, on which I was pleased to join him.
I was glad to hear that the Government are serious about tackling court delays, whatever the cause.
Justice delayed is justice denied.
Listen here.
I asked the Minister for the Future of Roads, Lillian Greenwood, what steps the Government were taking to protect two-wheeling couriers in the gig economy. These riders are at a higher risk of road danger than the average rider, due to time pressures from employers.
You can listen to her response here:
Today, I met with my constituent Susan Cole from Valproate Victims UK, and many other dedicated campaigners, amid her 20 year fight for justice for valproate victims like her and her daughter.
In a debate secured by Sharon Hodgson MP, I called on the Government to offer interim payments and speed up compensation for those harmed by valproate & pelvic mesh, as recommended by the Hughes Report in their steps towards justice.
We must deliver for these women and children.
Today, I spoke up for our local Enfield and Haringey Councils in the Local Government Finances in London Westminster Hall debate.
Enfield and Haringey deserve the right funding to provide good services for residents, and both councils have seen severe declines in their funding since 2010. Damping council funds is wrong – the inner-outer London formula is unfair and must be scrapped.
Today, I spoke in support of Peter Lamb MP’s Free School Meals (Automatic Registration of Eligible Children) Bill.
Free school meals are a lifeline for low-income families and every child has the right to eat a nutritious meal to help them learn, achieve, & thrive at school.
According to the Food Foundation, 250,000 eligible primary school children are missing out due to barriers to entry. Auto-enrolment is the right thing to do.
Listen to the highlights of my speech here.