Reform of the House of Lords is long overdue – now we must act
The reform of the House of Lords has been on the cards for centuries. It was actually abolished in 1649, but re-instated a few years later (along with the monarchy), and has remained the subject of intense debate ever since. The idea of unelected peers having inherited access to parliament, alongside crony appointees and establishment […]
Ninety years on from the Jarrow Crusade, Westminster must heed its lessons
Last Monday, I had the enormous privilege of taking descendants of the Jarrow marchers to 10 Downing Street to meet our prime minister, Andy Burnham, 90 years after their ancestors made the long journey from Jarrow to London. We brought with us the original wooden petition box carried by the marchers in 1936, along with […]
Screening newborns for MLD would save lives
For parents and family members, a diagnosis of Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, known as MLD, is devastating. MLD is a genetic disease that progressively destroys the nervous system. Children born apparently healthy lose their ability to walk, talk, see, hear, swallow and eventually, to breathe. The majority of children with MLD in the UK do not live […]
Healey unveils £100 energy payment for millions in ‘breathing space’ budget
John Healey has announced a £100 energy payment for 20 million households in council tax bands A to D, paid directly into bank accounts this winter. Delivering his first budget as chancellor, Healey said the £2.6 billion scheme would “take the pressure off in the coldest months and see people through to the spring”. He […]
‘We stand taller in the world’: Nigel Farage says Brexit has been a ‘success’
Nigel Farage has said Brexit has been a “success” and that Britain stands “taller in the world” having left the European Union. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the Reform UK leader was asked whether he saw Brexit “objectively as a success” 10 years on. He replied: “Yes, I do. We certainly stand taller […]
EU freedom of movement debate risks undermining voter trust
Almost a decade after the referendum, freedom of movement is finding its way back into our national political conversation. Just as the wounds of Brexit begin to heal, there is a risk of pulling out the staples prematurely. With further negotiations between the UK and EU approaching, there are compelling reasons to strengthen our relationship […]
Britain cannot shut the door on Hongkongers persecuted for defending democracy
Hongkongers who stood up for democracy have paid a heavy price. Some have lost their freedom, spent years in prison and emerged to find the city they knew changed beyond recognition. Now, for some seeking a future in Britain, the convictions used to silence them are being used to turn them away. I raised this […]
Multi-academy trust governance needs urgent reform to protect pupils and staff
When parents up and down the country think about their child’s education – their hopes and fears – few will think about multi-academy trust (MAT) governance. Until, that is, things go wrong – and teachers and pupils pay the price. Half of all schools in England are now part of a MAT. When the Conservative-led […]
Shabana Mahmood appears to dispute Brexit’s role in small boats crisis
Shabana Mahmood has appeared to dispute Brexit’s contribution to the small boats crisis, telling MPs the UK did not deport more people when it was part of the EU’s asylum arrangements. The home secretary stressed that the EU’s asylum pact was not the answer some suggest, saying returns for countries inside it “are not happening […]
The devastating Local Housing Allowance freeze must end
Renters of all ages deserve access to a secure and affordable home, and Local Housing Allowance (LHA) can help with this by providing financial support to help with rent. LHA is the mechanism which determines how much Housing Benefit you receive depending on where you live in the country. Originally, it covered the cheapest 30% […]
