I was very proud to stand alongside so many amazing young people at Leicester’s Climate Strike last week. You can watch my short video about the event here. 

I recently met with Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust to discuss their campaign for a “Wilder Future”. It was great to discuss their ideas to encourage wildlife in urban areas and what local and national politicians can do to help. You can read more here.

I recently caught up with Leicester West Neighbourhood Policing Area Inspector , Rob Randall, where we discussed important local policing issues such as Operation Lionheart – the recent investigation to tackle gangs and organised crime networks that are using children and vulnerable adults to sell illegal drugs across Leicestershire.

We also discussed other issues such as the increase in knife crime in the city and the pressures facing our local police force. Since 2010 we’ve lost over 500 police offices in Leicestershire due to Government cuts to policing budgets. I’ve constantly backed calls from our Police and Crime Commissioner for increased funding to enable us to recruit more officers into the force.

Religious hate crime increased by 40% last year with more than half directed at Muslims. We know from the attack on Zaynab Hussein and a 12 year old school in Beaumont Leys the devastating consequences anti-Muslim hate can have.

I’m very concerned about the impact on my constituents and recently met with Beaumont Leys Muslims to discuss this issue and what more can be done both locally and nationally. I will be following this up with two more meetings, specifically with Muslim women and young people.

I’ve also met with the national organisation Tell MAMA, which supports victims of anti-Muslim hate. They told me there is a direct correlation between increases in anti-Muslim incidents and both terrorist incidents and anti-Muslim comments by high profile politicians in the media. I will be working closely with Tell MAMA to support the work they do, and to make sure everybody knows: words have consequences and anti-Muslim comments are completely unacceptable.