Thanks to Plastic Free Hackney for raising with me concerns about the poor recycling rates of disposable cups in Parliament. During the pandemic, I’ve become increasing concerned about the impact that many new behaviours are having on sustainability and our need to urgently transition to a net zero economy. On the parliamentary estate, for instance, you are no longer allowed to bring your own reusable cups when purchasing a drink. This is a small but important example of how we can slowly start going backwards on these important issues.

Are you 18+ and need to receive your first COVID-19 vaccine? 

You can this Saturday at the London Stadium, Olympic Park, Stratford at a mass vaccination event.

This is your chance to receive a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine this weekend. See here for further details and to book.

A number of constituents wrote to me regarding arms exports to Israel.  

I wrote to the Government and have recently received a response from the Minister for International Trade, Ranil Jayawardena MP, on this issue.

Click the pdf link below to read the response in full. 

I am clear that there is no place for this dangerous and harmful practice in the UK. I am disappointed that nearly two years after first pledging to ban this practice, the Government has not yet done so. 

I wrote to the Government to press it on this issue. The Minister for Equalities, Kemi Badenoch MP, has recently replied to this letter. You can read her response in full by clicking the pdf link below.

I will continue working with my frontbench Labour colleagues to urge the Government to introduce a swift ban on this practice.

So grateful and excited to have had my second vaccine. Quick and painless and one of the best moments in my life.

If you are in groups 1-9 and have hesitated - do book your appointment. It's not too late. It's safe, quick, and vital with the more transmissible variant now spreading.