On 24th June I went to a ‘hustings’ debate organised by students at Leicester College. The students, who are adult learners doing the citizenship model on the pre-access course, were in two teams: Say No To Size Zero, who are campaigning to raise awareness about the dangers of unhealthy body […]
On 16th June, I joined hundreds of people from across Leicester and as far afield as Sheffield and York to show our support for Glenfield’s Congenital Heart Centre at the public consultation on the Government’s review of Children’s Heart Surgery, So many people wanted to have their say that two […]
On Friday, I attended the Primary Schools Athletics Competition at Saffron Lane Sports Centre. Pupils from many of the primary schools in my constituency took part in sprint races, relays, throwing and other events. It was a really exciting day and the atmosphere at the stadium was electric. The competition […]
On Friday, at one of my regular surgeries at the Tudor Centre, I met with a group of local residents to discuss their concerns about travellers setting up a camp near to their homes. The residents told me that rubbish has been dumped in the area and that they have […]
I think that the Land Registry’s public sector status is vital to the impartiality and integrity of its work, and I have been actively campaigning against any suggestion that the Registry should be privatised over recent months. I have met with staff and trade union officials at the Land Registry’s […]
I’m backing the campaign to keep children’s heart surgery at Glenfield hospital. I recently hosted a meeting in Parliament with doctors and nurses from the unit, parents whose children have benefited from this fantastic service and MPs from across the region. The meeting was really successful with 10 MPs attending […]
On Monday I took part in a House of Commons debate about the Government’s ‘Big Society’. The Government claims the ‘Big Society’ is about giving power to local people, and supporting voluntary and community organisations. But in reality the ‘Big Society’ is about rolling back the state, using markets alone […]
I recently attended an event in Parliament which aimed to raise awareness of the importance of getting your blood pressure checked, organised by the British Heart Foundation and Lloyds Pharmacy. One in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure and many people aren’t aware they have the condition, […]
One of the issues I’m increasingly concerned about is the number of my constituents who are getting into debt by taking out loans with extortionate interest rates. By the time they talk to me, they are desperate for help. That’s why I was dismayed to learn that Leicester Money Advice, […]
The Petition of residents of Leicester and the surrounding area, Declares that the Petitioners oppose the abolition of the Education Maintenance Allowance; notes that a substantial number of young people are in receipt of the education maintenance allowance in Leicester; and further notes that education can provide a better future […]
This week is National Apprenticeship Week and I’m supporting the campaign by Leicester College and the Leicester Mercury’s to create 100 apprentices in 100 days. Apprentices get highly valued qualifications and on the job training which can make a real difference in getting a job. Apprenticeships aren’t just for young […]
One of the jobs I had before I became the MP for Leicester West was director of the Maternity Alliance – a national charity which campaigned for better rights and services for pregnant women, new parents and babies under one-year-old So I was very interested to read a report by […]
