Presentation of a Petition
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
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
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
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.
United Nations International Day of Education
To mark the UN International Day of Education, I secured a Westminster Hall debate to discuss the importance of education in our societies and how disruption impacts the next generation. Listen to the highlights of my speech here:
Hospices and Palliative Care Debate
On the 13th January 2025, I spoke in a general debate on Hospices and Palliative Care to discuss the extraordinary work carried out by North London Hospice and Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice. Financial challenges faced by hospices outline the importance of long-term reform to the hospice funding model.
Read my speech here: Hospice and Palliative Care – Hansard – UK Parliament
Impact of Conflict on Women and Girls
On 9th January 2025, I spoke in a Westminster Hall debate on the impact that conflict has on women and girls, in particular the impact war and conflict has on education. Listen to my intervention below:
Question to the Leader of the House
On 9th January 2025, I asked the Leader of the House for a debate in Government time to discuss the 3.3 billion people living in debt distressed countries where more is spent on debt servicing than on health and education combined. Listen to my question here:
Question to the Minister for Development on Syria
On 19 December 2024, I asked the Minister for Development to offer reassurance that the Government will use all its powers to ensure that minority groups in Syria will be protected from attack from HTS and other hostile actors.
Listen to her response below.
Creative Arts Education Debate
As the Chair of the APPG for Music Education, it was a privilege to speak in the Westminster Hall debate on creative arts education. Listen to the highlights of my speech below.