On Thursday 27th June I was on BBC Question Time with the Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts MP, the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats Simon Hughes MP, writer and social policy analyst Jill Kirby, and the comedian Mark Steel. We discussed the state of the economy, internet […]
Many constituents tell me they want to be able to book an appointment with their GP outside of normal working hours. It’s hard to take time off during work, and many people also have to commute or pick their children up after school. My new analysis shows that 19% – […]
Kirton Lodge – a supported housing project for young mums – is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and I had a lovely time when I joined all the staff and residents at their recent party. While I was there I met Jenny Pepper, who told me about the huge […]
Saturday 29th June was Armed Forces Day, a vital opportunity to celebrate and honour the commitment and courage of our exceptional soldiers, sailors and aircrews. I’m a strong supporter of the Armed Forces Covenant – a pledge made by the Government to ensure our armed forces are not disadvantaged as […]
Beaumont Lodge Neighbourhood Association has just started a great community gardening project. Local volunteers are growing all sorts of vegetables, providing healthy food as well as a nice place for residents to meet up and do some gardening. This project has been made possible with money from the Council Ward […]
1.3 million elderly people in England claim Attendance Allowance (AA). New research shows 80 per cent have a long-term illness like heart disease, diabetes, stroke and arthritis, and over a half have 9 or more mobility problems or difficulties with the basic activities of daily living – like getting washed […]
On 20th June Sir Michael Wilshaw, the Chief Inspector of Schools In England, gave a speech on how to can make our education system truly world class. I was to delighted to hear Sir Michael praise the transformation that has taken place in the performance of Leicester schools over recent years. […]
On Thursday 20th June I spoke in a House of Commons debate on Britain’s 6.5 million unpaid carers. My speech included some practical measures that would help identify the many ‘hidden’ carers; improve information, advice and support for carers; and ensure carers can stay in paid work whilst still […]
I have written to the Bank of England, along with 45 other women MPs and Peers, to express my concern following the Bank’s announcement that it intends to remove the only woman historical figure on our bank notes. This means for the first time in a decade only men will […]
I recently met with Julie Jay Charles, who runs the Equalities National Council. ENC’s mission is to pioneer and develop advocacy services and community programmes to meet the needs of Britain’s 1 million disabled people from black and minority ethnic communities. The ENC and Scope recently published an important report […]
I warmly welcome the decision to overturn the flawed “Safe and Sustainable review” and to look again at the decision to close children’s heart surgery at Glenfield. Ensuring children get the very best quality of care has always been my top priority and the focus of our cross-party campaign. I […]
Manor House is a fantastic community centre that offers a wide range of brilliant services to local people in and around the Narborough Road and Braunstone. On Saturday, I joined constituents, friends and colleagues for a Vintage Tea Party at Manor House. The event was organised by the local Labour […]
