I signed and voted for Yvette Cooper MP’s amendment to the Finance Bill, making it harder for Government to allow a No Deal Brexit without Parliament having a say.

I am clear that a No Deal Brexit would be a disaster for our economy. As Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, I have repeatedly raised concerns about No Deal.

On 8 January, the Government was defeated by seven votes.

This amendment makes Parliament’s opposition to a No Deal Brexit clear and provides legislative safeguards to prevent a No Deal Brexit.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.