The Department for Transport has recently spent £13.8 million on a contract with a ferry company, that has no ferries.

I have repeatedly raised concerns that the Department for Transport is not prepared for Brexit.

I’m concerned about the legality of this contract and I am interrogating further.

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During the recent Liaison Committee hearing I questioned the Prime Minister on austerity and the economic impact of Brexit.

The Prime Minister claims austerity is coming to an end. However, all evidence suggests that the UK will be economically worse off after Brexit.

You can read the full transcript from the hearing here.

 

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We have a 'No Second Night Out' shelter in Hackney, funded by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. 'No Second Night Out' focuses on helping those who find themselves rough sleeping on the streets of London for the first time.

If you see a rough sleeper alert Street Link via their app or website here. Street Link will help connect people to services and get them support. 

You can donate money to the London Homeless Charities Group on the GoFundMe page here

 

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On the 17 December the Secretary of State for Education annouced funding for children with special educational needs and disabilities. 

This is a big concern to parents in Hackney. I am asking Hackney Council to let me know what impact this will have in Hackney.

Please click here to see the Secretary of States statement. 

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Media this month has included BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions.

Sky’s Sophy Ridge programme to discuss the impact of a no deal Brexit on the UK and various other press and radio.

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I visited local mental health arts charity ‘Studio Upstairs’. The Hackney-based charity runs art therapy sessions which support people with mental illness to explore their creativity. It’s celebrating its 30-year anniversary in December.

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I visited Berger Primary School to judge the pupils Voice Box entries. Voice Box is a national joke competition run by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, created to raise awareness of the importance of key communication skills.

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I asked the Economic Secretary to the Treasury about the Sale of Public Assets and whether they offer value for money.

The Public Accounts Committee, which I Chair, has been challenging the Governments selling of assets that could be of benefit to the public in the long term.

See my questions and the answers here.

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November marked the centenary of women first standing in Parliament. I was the 275th female MP to be elected to Parliament in 2005.

The 209 Women in Parliament exhibition, currently on display in Portcullis House until February, showcases portraits of the 209 female MPs currently elected into Parliament. My photograph was taken by local Hackney Photographer Rut Blees Luxemburg at a bus stop in Hoxton.

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The House of Commons and the House of Lords have both appointed members to a joint Committee to scrutinise the Draft Parliamentary Buildings (Restoration and Renewal) Bill. I am one of the 12 members of the Committee.

A major refurbishment of the Palace of Westminster is needed to protect and preserve the heritage of the Palace and to ensure it can continue to serve as home to the UK Parliament and provide a better service to the public.  The Bill provides the oversight to the Restoration and Renewal Programme and the Committee has been appointed to scrutinise it.

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