Women’s Branch of the CLP in Parliament

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I welcomed the Southgate and Wood Green Women’s Constituency Labour Party to Parliament to have a serious discussion about tackling violence against women and girls in today’s society as we marked International Women’s Day last week. We spoke about the resources local authorities can use to help victims of domestic abuse and the severe impact social media has on cultivating misogynist attitudes among teenage boys and young men. We also discussed the role of the UK Government in supporting women in conflict zones internationally. We took a tour of Parliament where we saw pieces of suffragette history, including the cupboard where Emily Wilding Davison hid in on the night of the 1911 census!

This discussion served as a powerful reminder that there is still a long way to go in creating a safer society for women and girls. Currently there is a worrying level of sexual violence, domestic abuse and harassment experienced by women daily in the UK. By the end of 2023, there were only 2008 convictions for the 67,938 rape offences recorded by the police and data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has shown that almost a quarter of women aged 16-24 experienced sexual harassment last year.

Beyond these numbers are survivors whose lives have not only been deeply harmed by the abuse they have experienced, but also the failing systems they have turned to for support. It is imperative that the Government views the safety of women and girls as an utmost priority over this parliament, so we can strive towards a society where women are empowered rather than inhibited. 

Question to the Minister for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan

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I am deeply concerned about recent attacks on Alawite, Druze, Christian, Kurdish, and other minority communities in Syria.

Today, I asked the Minister for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan to condemn these attacks and to outline what support the Government can give to these communities.

Listen to his response here.

Covid-19 Day of Reflection

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Sunday the 9th of March marked Covid Reflection Day, a time to remember the lives lost during the pandemic. I would like to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our community and brave frontline workers in Southgate and Wood Green.

Marking the fifth anniversary of the pandemic, I paid a visit to the Covid Memorial Wall earlier this week, where families honour their loved ones and the 247,458 people who died from coronavirus.

Meeting with Larry Lamb and Marie Curie

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This week, as part of the Great Daffodil Appeal, I met with nurses and volunteers from Marie Curie, along with their supporter, Larry Lamb, in Parliament.

It was important to discuss palliative and end of life care, focusing on how MPs can show support to the sector, as I continue to call for increased funding for hospices.

It was great to talk to them, and I am proud to support Marie Curie and the incredible service they give to people at the end of life.

Meeting with the Global Partnership for Education

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As the Chair of the APPG for Global Education, it was wonderful to meet Laura Frigenti, the CEO of the Global Partnership for Education, in Parliament.

We discussed the importance of quality education for improving life chances worldwide and the need for international support.

I was proud to commit both mine and the APPG’s support for GPE.

Endometriosis Action Month

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To mark Endometriosis Action month, I met with representatives from Endometriosis UK, Anita Nneka Jones, and Charlotte Henshaw in Parliament. We had an important discussion around the impact endometriosis has on the daily life as well as physical and mental health.

It was great to hear more about how MPs can how support for women’s health.

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with issues relating to endometriosis, please contact Endometriosis UK’s nurse helpline.

Presentation of a Petition

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Today, I presented a petition to the House on behalf of my constituent, Jane Wessman, to call for free RSV and Shingles vaccines to be extended for those over the age of 80.

Debt Cancellation: Low-Income Countries Debate

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As the global debt crises cripples the Global South, I secured a debate on debt cancellation for low income countries. It was great to see so many other MPs show support for this cause and contribute to a productive afternoon in Westminster Hall.

I asked the Govt to support my Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Bill which would:
– compel private creditors to accept the same terms as other lenders
– reduce debt burden for the poorest countries
– cost the Treasury absolutely nothing

Spending more on debt servicing than on health or education cannot continue. The UK must act now.

The Second Reading of my Bill is due to be the 14th March 2025.

Low-income Countries: Debt Cancellation – Hansard – UK Parliament

Stem Cell Meeting

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It was wonderful to meet my constituent Michael Efstratiou’s uncle and daughter, Costas and Ellianna, today in Parliament as they continue their tireless campaign to find a stem cell match for Michael.

Before Christmas, Michael was sadly diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer and urgently needs a stem cell transplant. Due to his Cypriot heritage, it is proving difficult to find a match for Michael.

He needs people to sign up to the stem cell register, in the hope that they could be a match for someone just like him.

Aged 16-30? Sign up to the register today @ https://www.anthonynolan.org/…/michaelsstemcelldrive

Letter to Foreign Secretary

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As the decision to ban UNRWA comes into effect, I have signed a cross-party letter to the Foreign Secretary to call for intervention and to protect humanitarian aid going to Gaza.

Joint-letter-to-Foreign-Secretary-28.01.25Download