Today at the Public Accounts Committee I pressed the most senior civil servant at the Department for Transport on free travel for under-18s.
Free travel is a lifeline for cash-strapped families. Paying for travel is a cost many simply can't afford to backfill.
I am also clear there are safety considerations that must be taken into account; many parents specifically choose bus routes so their children will be safe from gangs.
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At the Liaison Committee on the 27 May, I challenged the Prime Minister over the Dominic Cummings scandal and his double standards for lockdown. The Liaison Committee is the committee comprised of the chairs of all House of Commons select committees. See my original question to the Prime Minister, and his response, here.
Today at 2:30pm, I'll be questioning Government officials over the Ventilator Challenge. This was the attempt by Government to procure medical ventilators at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis.
I'll be asking:
- Was there value for taxpayers' money?
- Did it work to equip our NHS for the first COVID-19 peak?
- Is the NHS now prepared for a second wave?
Watch live by clicking here.
COVID-19 cases are rising at a concerning rate, including in Hackney.
This week the Public Accounts Committee challenged Home Office officials over the ludicrous suggestion asylum seekers may be sent offshore for processing.
Tonight we’re voting on the Internal Market Bill, which is an utter shambles.
❌ It breaks international law,
❌ Shreds our country’s credibility,
❌ Risks a No Deal Brexit.
I called out the Prime Minister for shredding our country’s international credibility and challenged him over his constant use of cheap slogans that are now coming home to roost.
The removal of dangerous cladding and delays in obtaining an EWS1 form is an issue that continues to affect thousands of leaseholders in Hackney.
The Public Accounts Committee, which I chair, published a report on this issue that calls out the Government’s unacceptably slow progress in resolving this issue. Read that report here.
This week the Government announced a new set of COVID-19 restrictions.
See my weekly round up for my take on the Government’s testing fiasco and the impact on Hackney. People have been turned away from the two walk-in centres in the borough. The Secretary of State undertook to look into the matter. The Government needs to get to grips with this quickly; it’s critical, particularly with a second wave looming.
I continue to press the Government for action to support those who are self employed, many of whom have been living on fresh air during the pandemic.
Many have good track records with HMRC but still fall into the gaps in support. The Government needs to understand the cost to the Exchequer as well as the impact on people’s lives.
I will continue to make the case.