The Home Secretary, Priti Patel MP, updated the Government's position on visas for Ukrainians refugees. Ukrainians fleeing war will no longer be subject to procedural hurdles such as English language requirements or minimum income tests. I've been working with my frontbench Labour colleagues urging the Government to simplify the visa process for Ukrainian refugees since the outbreak of war. This is now a welcome step, but the Government has been slow off the mark. The Government must also follow through with its commitment to support Ukrainian refugees by ensuring there is adequate housing and support ready for when they arrive.

It can feel pretty helpless in Hackney watching events unfold in Ukraine. But if you want to show your support, then consider donating to the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain charitable appeal here.

Under legislation passed in 2019, the UK is legally bound to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. But in a report published by the Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday, the committee called out the Government for having no clear plan on how the transition to net zero will be funded. There is also no plan for how the Government will replace income from taxes such as fuel duty, leaving taxpayers in the dark about possible future taxes. See here to read the report in full and see here for a summary.

The Public Accounts Committee also published a report today on school funding. Hackney children deserve the best education no matter their background. But the Government has taken its eye off the ball on school funding and is risking damage to Hackney children’s education. Children with special educational needs and disabilities are being hit particularly hard. See my round-up for further details and see here to read the report and here for a summary.