December 2024 newsletter

December 2024 newsletter

Debate on tackling violence against women and girls

I recently spoke in a Parliamentary debate on tackling violence against women and girls. This came as the UN marks its 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.

Last year, there were at least 2.2 million victims of domestic violence. This is an endemic issue which must be addressed. I spoke about the need to invest in local services so that all women experiencing domestic violence are able to get the help they need.

Women’s health roundtable

I was pleased to Chair a roundtable in Parliament on women’s health, organised by OVID Healthcare. We brought together experts from a range of medical fields such as gynaecology and obstetrics. We focused on how we need to break down barriers to healthcare, ensuring that women receive the services they need without undue delay. It was brilliant to hear from so many experts who know the current challenges all too well and whose voices must be heard as the Government begins the work of fixing our NHS.

All-party group on Kashmir

I recently attended a meeting of the all-party group on Kashmir, chaired by Imran Hussain MP. We were briefed on the current situation in the region by representatives from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.

I remain deeply concerned by the human rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir, including a blackout on information leaving the area. We must do all we can to call out these human rights abuses, and I will shortly be joining British Kashmiris in handing a petition to the Prime Minister in Downing Street.

Visit to Support Dogs Sheffield

This month, I was delighted to visit Support Dogs, a fantastic charity based in Sheffield. I had a tour round their new headquarters in Hillsborough, and spoke about their ambitious plans to expand so that they can help more people.

Founded in 1992, Support Dogs trains and provides assistance dogs to empower autistic children and adults with epilepsy or physical disability to live safer, more independent lives.

To find our more, and to make a donation to support their vital work, just search “support dogs”.

Casework Corner

Over the past month, my team and I have opened 683new cases, helping people with their issues and concerns.

The most common topics raised with me were:

Health services
International affairs
Social security

World AIDS Day

On the 1st of December, we marked World AIDS Day. I recently met with the all-party group on HIV and AIDS and reaffirmed my support for ending new cases by 2030.

I am pleased to see the Government is investing £27 million in the HIV opt-out testing programme to save and improve the quality of thousands of lives.

HIV testing is quick, easy and free. It can be done in a number of ways, including at home and in a sexual health clinic.

Roundtable discussion on tackling knife crime

I recently chaired a roundtable discussion on how we can prevent knife crime in Sheffield. This is an issue which affects so many lives, so it is important that all stakeholders work together to prevent young people falling into it. I was pleased to bring together a range of representatives from the police, schools, local government and charities to discuss how we can stop knife crime once and for all.

Committees and all-party groups

Most Parliamentary work takes place outside the Chamber; for instance, in committee meetings and all-party groups. Here are some of the committees and groups I have joined since the election:

Chair of the all-party groups on Women’s Health, Consumer Protection, and Debt and Financial Inclusion
Member of the Administration and Procedure Committees
Member of the all-party groups on Kosovo, Endometriosis and Sixth Form Education

Labour Government announces greater protections for victims of stalking

The Government has unveiled plans to ensure that victims of stalking are better protected. These measures will:

Empower police to reveal online stalkers’ true identities under new ‘Right to Know’ measures
Make Stalking Protection Orders more widely avaialble and introduce new measures that include stopping offenders from contacting their victims in prison
Ensure police work with all support services to give victims the protection they deserve