Crime and Policing Bill
Many people have got in touch to express their views on certain amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill regarding the issue of abortion. I have made my views clear on this for many years. I am not “anti abortion” as I believe that there are circumstances when it is right to assist a woman terminate […]
PIP Changes
Many people have got in touch about the Government’s changes to disability benefits. I am firmly of the belief that the Government has a duty to ensure the most vulnerable in our society are able to live with the dignity they deserve. Our welfare system should encourage and support people into work, while providing a […]
Data Bill: Recording Data on Sex and Gender
Many of my constituents have contacted me about recording data on sex and gender. Last year, the previous Government commissioned Professor Alice Sullivan to conduct an independent review of the accuracy of public data on biological sex and gender. Professor Sullivan was tasked with identifying obstacles to accurate data collection and research on sex and […]
Assisted Dying
I continue to receive a huge amount of correspondence on the Assisted Dying Bill currently before Parliament. This is a profoundly sensitive and deeply personal issue. I want to begin by acknowledging that many people support this bill out of compassion — often informed by painful personal experiences of watching loved ones suffer. I have […]
Supreme Court Ruling on the definition of a woman
Many of my constituents have got in touch to share their heartfelt concerns regarding the recent Supreme Court judgment in the case of For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers (UKSC 16). I fully recognise the impact that decisions like this can have on the daily lives of transgender, non-binary, intersex, and gender non-conforming […]
Wealth Taxes
A number of people have contacted me about wealth taxes. The UK does not have a comprehensive, single wealth tax, but it does have several taxes on assets and wealth. Notably, the Wealth Tax Commission, which has no connection or link to the Government, found in 2020 that, if considering Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Stamp Duty, and Stamp Duty Land Tax, […]
Solar Radiation Modification (SRM)
A number of people have contacted me about solar radiation modification (SRM). Proposed SRM technologies would reflect some of the Sun’s energy that reaches Earth back into space. This could include adding aerosol particles into the atmosphere to reflect the Sun’s rays or spraying sea water to increase the reflectivity of clouds over the ocean. It is important to […]
Foreign Interference in British Politics
A number of people have contacted me regarding the role of influential figures like Elon Musk, and the safeguarding of our democracy. I appreciate the importance of addressing these issues and my constituents’ commitment to defending democratic values and prioritising the welfare of victims of heinous crimes such as grooming gangs. However, I must respectfully […]
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Many of my constituents have contacted me about the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and the escalating violence affecting Palestinian civilians. I fully understand and share the deep concern about the devastating humanitarian crisis unfolding, particularly in northern Gaza, and the alarming reports from the UN Commission of Inquiry regarding potential war crimes. I too am alarmed by the destruction […]
Assisted Dying (Post-Vote)
Following the debate on the Assisted Dying Bill, I wanted to thank you for letting me know your views and to explain why, after much very careful thought, I decided to vote against the Bill. In the last few weeks, I have received an enormous number of messages from my constituents, expressing strong opinions both […]