The Government’s sudden and chaotic lockdown announcement last weekend has dominated parliamentary discussion and debate this week.
Weeks ago Keir Starmer called for a shorter, circuit break lockdown over half term. Instead we are locked down again until 2 December. The Government’s economic planning has been inadequate, with the announcement of the furlough scheme extension made within hours of its planned end. The announcement came too late for those already made redundant.
Many constituents have contacted me to raise their concerns about the danger posed to hen harriers and other birds of prey as a result of wildlife crime.
I wrote to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and received this response. Please open the pdf attachment at the bottom of this post to click on the links and see the response in full.
I will continue pressing the Government to take this issue seriously.
Yesterday the Chancellor announced a new last minute package of economic support. This is his third major economic announcement in under a month – his original Winter Economic Plan has not even survived to the winter.
During the summer, I received hundreds of emails from constituents who raised their concerns about the lack of diversity in our national curriculum. I share these concerns and wrote to the Secretary of State for Education. You can see his response above.
I am clear that it is vital our curriculum reflects the rich diversity and history of our country. The contribution of people from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities must be celebrated in schools. I am also clear that we have a responsibility to teach the truth about our colonial past.
At midnight London will enter Tier 2 of COVID restrictions.
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.
If you agree, sign the petition by clicking here.
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.