Stephen joins Primark's 50th Anniversary Reception to celebrate the British high street

Yesterday, Tuesday 22 October, Stephen joined Primark’s 50th Anniversary Reception to celebrate the British high street and Primark’s support of it.

Stephen joined Primark’s 50th Anniversary Reception to hear more about how Primark are supporting the local high street and their commitment to keep investing in physical retail.

Every week, Primark stores draw 2.3 million people onto the high street. Primark’s has invested more than £100 million in its UK stores in 2024 alone.

“The high street is part of the fabric of our local community,” Stephen said after the reception. “Primark has supported our high street in Newham, through their investment in their store on High Street North, and I am delighted to hear that they intend to continue their fifty-year tradition of putting local retail first.”

Stephen lends support for a "smoke free generation"

Earlier today, Stephen wrote to the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, about the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

The Bill proposes raising the age of sale for tobacco products to prevent individuals born on or after 1 January 2009 from buying cigarettes. This would effectively raise the smoking age by one year every year until it applies to the entire population. Wider measures in the bill include restricting the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes to children.

In recent weeks, Stephen has been contacted by a number of his constituents who support the move to gradually increase the age limit of purchasing tobacco. The constituents who have been in touch are troubled that 160 cancer cases are diagnosed each day as a result of smoking.

Having sent the letter, Stephen said "I welcome this bill, it includes measures that I have long supported. I believe it has the power to make a real difference to our society. Putting cigarettes and tobacco products out of the reach of young people will lead, overtime, to a smoke free generation. “

Stephen seeks clarification for constituents about the Rough Sleeping Initiative

Earlier today, Stephen wrote to the Secretary of State for Housing, Angela Rayner, asking that she extend funding for the Rough Sleeping Initiative (RSI). 

The RSI provides targeted support for frontline services who work directly with people who sleep rough on the streets. The initiative was introduced in 2018. The current funding package, which began in 2022, is due to end in Spring next year. Many charities and local authorities are concerned that this might put thousands of homeless people at risk. 

A number of constituents have been in touch with Stephen over recent weeks. They have asked ministers to extend the initiative and provide wider funding to tackle homelessness in the UK. Stephen's constituents have noted that over 324,000 households were at risk of homelessness last year, with nearly 4,000 people sleeping rough each night. They have warned that without extra funding, almost a third of services may have to close. 

Having sent the letter, Stephen said, "The Rough Sleeping Initiative has been an important tool in tackling homelessness. It is important that we build on projects that have established themselves in the last few years.

“I hope that ministers will consider the calls being made by my constituents in East Ham, and charities like St Mungo's, as we look to tackle the problem of rough sleeping together."

Stephen visits a pop-up shop in Parliament for Hospice Care Week

On Thursday 10 October, Stephen dropped by a pop-up charity shop in Parliament run by Hospices UK to hear about the funding crisis facing hospices.

Hospices offer care to people suffering from incurable and terminal diseases, placing a premium on a person’s dignity as they approach the end of their life. However, the hospie sector is facing its worst financial situation in over two decades, according to Hospices UK.

Only one third of hospice funding is provided by the Government, with more money spent in charity shops run by hospices than received from Government funds. The cost-of-living crisis has reduced income from charity shops while raising costs for hospices, forcing many of them to cut essential services.

Stephen visited a pop-up charity shop run by Hospices UK in Parliament on 10 October to hear about the funding crisis facing the sector.

“I am grateful to Hospices UK for raising the financial crisis that the hospice sector faces,” Stephen said. “All people deserve dignity as they approach the end of their life, and the hospice sector is vital to providing that.”

Stephen speaks with Guide Dogs UK at Labour Conference

Stephen visited the Guide Dog UK at their stand at Labour Party Conference on Sunday 22 September to hear learn about the impact of businesses illegally turning away guide dog owners.

Thousands of people rely on their guide dog to live independently, yet Guide Dogs UK’s latest survey found that 88% of Guide Dog owners have been refused entry or asked to leave a business or other venue because they are with their guide dog.

Minicab and taxi drivers are the most common source of rejection, with 58% of guide dog owners saying that a minicab or taxi driver or company had refused to take them with their guide dog.

Stephen visited Guide Dog UK’s stand at Labour Conference to hear about the impact on guide dog owners. He spoke to Lynette, a guide dog owner, about her experience of being turned away by businesses and services.

“No one should be turned away because they need a guide dog,” Stephen said after his visit. “It is horrifying to think that guide dog owners are being discriminated against in this way. I am glad Guide Dog’s UK is highlighting this problem.”

Stephen visits the British Heart Foundation at Labour Party Conference

On Sunday 22 September, Stephen met with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool to discuss the urgent need to improve the UK’s heart care.

Over the past six decades, the UK has made large strides in improving outcomes for people with heart and circulatory diseases. Yet, recent BHF analysis shows that progress is at risk, with premature deaths from heart and circulatory diseases at a 10-year high.

Stephen discussed BHF’s call on the new Government to make heart health a priority. He heard about their Heart Disease Action Plan. BHF also showed Stephen data about heart disease in East Ham, where 7,300 people are living with a heart or circulatory disease.

Speaking after meeting BHF, Stephen said, “I was pleased to meet with BHF at Labour Conference and hear about the state of heart health in the UK and East Ham. Our Government is dedicated to building an NHS fit for the future, and that includes improving outcomes for patients with heart disease from the low ebb that the last Government left them in.”

Stephen hosts the Faith Reception at Labour Party Conference

On Monday 23 September, Stephen hosted the Faith Reception at the Labour Party Conference. The Reception recognises the unique role of diverse faith communities and groups in the Labour Party.

The Faith Reception, run by Faith in Labour, took place between 15:30 and 17:00 on Monday 23 September in Liverpool. Stephen hosted the event, which included songs from the Love and Joy Gospel Choir of Liverpool Lighthouse and a speech by the Faith Minister, The Lord Wajid Khan of Burnley.

The Faith Reception has been an annual fixture of the Labour Party Conference since 2007. In 2022, Keir Starmer launched the Parliamentary Faith Champions Network at the Faith Reception. The Network includes 17 Labour MPs from diverse faith backgrounds who help represent faiths within the Party. Four of the Parliamentary Faith Champions spoke at this year’s reception: Tan Dhesi MP, Nav Mishra MP, Afzal Khan MP, and Baroness Ruth Anderson.

“I was delighted to host the Faith Reception at the Labour Party Conference,” Stephen said following the event.

“Too often, faith communities have been ignored or instrumentalised by government. I believe that the new Government can, and must, recognise the immense value of faith communities and their contribution to their local areas.”

Stephen writes to the Rail Minister to advocate for international rail services to Stratford

On Saturday, 28 September, Stephen wrote to the Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy of Richmond Hill, to ask about the prospects for international rail services to Stratford International Station.

Stratford International Station opened in 2009. Its construction allowed for London to bid 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and aided in the large-scale investment that Stratford received as a result. However, international trains never reached Stratford, despite the original plans.

On Saturday, Stephen wrote to the Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy of Richmond Hill, to ask after the prospects for international rail coming to Stratford. Stephen pointed out that demand for cross-channel rail travel is growing and that St Pancras faces capacity constraints that could be reduced by permitting passengers to embark at Stratford International.

“Stratford International has been a matter of interest for me ever since I chaired Newham Council’s Planning Committee in 1987,” Stephen said.

“It has already been part of the economic transformation of Stratford and I firmly believe that international rail coming to Stratford would bring huge benefits to Newham.”

Stephen has campaigned for international rail to come to Starford International since he chaired Newham Council’s Planning Committee in 1987. He also raised the issue in his maiden speech as an MP in 1994.

Stephen hosts Minhaj Welfare event celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

On 10 September, Stephen co-hosted an event in Parliament with Uma Kumaran, MP for Stratford and Bow, to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the work of the Minhaj Foundation, a humanitarian aid organisation.

The Minhaj Foundation was founded in 1989 in Manchester. They work in communities throughout the world to support education and healthcare, and support emergency relief efforts and interfaith dialogue.

The event celebrated the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Islamic month of Rabi al-Awwal. It included contributions from Stephen, Uma Kumaran, the Minister for Faith The Lord Wajid Khan of Burnley, Unmesh Desai, Assembly Member for City and East, and Martin Weightman, the director of All Faiths Network.

“During the pandemic, it was clear just how much our communities depended on the support from places of worship and faith-based organisations,” Stephen said. “I saw the excellent work that the Minhaj Foundation did then. I am pleased to welcome them to Parliament and co-host their event with Uma.”

Stephen delighted as the Home Office plans to waive fees for bereaved partners facing destitution

On 10 September, the Home Office announced plans to waive the application fees of bereaved partners facing destitution. Stephen signed a letter urging the Government to do so on 28 May.

Photo by Danie Franco on Unsplash

Last week, the Government announced plans to waive the application fees for indefinite leave to remain for bereaved partners who meet the criteria for destitution or whose partner was a member of the armed forces.

Bereaved partners of British citizens can apply for indefinite leave to remain under the bereaved partners concession. However, they must pay £2,885 for the concession, though the application only costs the Government £491 to process. This places a significant financial burden on grieving widows and widowers.

Stephen previously lobbied the Home Office to waive the fees. He supported an Early Day Motion against the fees on 22 November 2023 and signed a letter to the Home Office against the fees on 28 May 2024.

“I am delighted that the Government has decided to waive the bereaved partner concession fees for partners facing destitution,” Stephen said. “These fees placed an unfair and cruel burden on already destitute and grieving people.”

Stephen writes to Minister about caged animals

Earlier today, Stephen wrote to the Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, about the treatment of farm animals in the UK. It follows a recent campaign by the RSPCA.

The RSPCA is campaigning to prohibit the use of cages in farming. A recent survey conducted by the RSPCA reported that 84% of the British public oppose the use of cages for laying hens and 78% oppose the use of farrowing crates.

A number of constituents in East Ham have contacted Stephen about this issue over the summer. They are asking the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs to bring forward a consultation to ban the use of cages and close confinement systems in England. This would follow the Scottish Government’s consultation launched earlier this year.

Speaking about his letter, Stephen said: “I have long-supported ending the use of cages on farms. They are outdated, and cause animals distress, whilst restricting their natural behaviour.

“I am hopeful Ministers will be able to look at this issue. It is clear from the emails I have received over the summer that my constituents in East Ham want a ban introduced as soon as possible.”

Stephen presents awards to the partners of NASSA

On Thursday 18 July, Stephen joined the Newham All Star Sports Academy (NASSA) to present awards recognising the work of their partner organisations.

NASSA uses basketball and indoor sports to provide children and youth in Newham a safe haven from the lure of drug and gang culture. NASSA started in 2006 and offers school clubs, summer schemes, outreach in local parks, and coaching qualifications. It has also run campaigns like “carry a basketball, not a blade.”

On Thursday 18 July, NASSA hosted an event to recognise the work of its partner organisations. Stephen joined NASSA and was asked to present the awards.

“NASSA is a remarkable charity, which I am proud to support,” Stephen said. “I was honoured to present awards to their partners and about hear the fantastic work they are also doing.”

Stephen visits Manor Farm Care Home's new simulated train

On 31 May, Stephen visited Manor Farm Care Home to experience their new simulated train carriage. He took a short (simulated) train ride alongside Marta Giza-Uwake, the manager of the care home, and a pet therapy dog.

The “Jolly Station”, as the simulated train carriage is known, is the latest addition in £200,000 refurbishment of the Manor Farm Care Home. It is designed to stimulate the memories of people suffering from dementia and help them to socialise. A smart screen TV shows videos of steam train journeys and the room resembles a 1940s train carriage.

Stephen visited the Manor Farm Care Home on 31 May to experience the Jolly station. During the visit, he met with Marta Giza-Ukawe to discuss the work of the care home and the progress of its refurbishment.

“The Jolly Station is an ingenuous way to support people with dementia,” Stephen said following his visit. “I am pleased with the work Manor Farm Care Home are doing to provide the best possible care to residents.”

Stephen questions the Government about its treatment of disabled benefit claimants

Today in Parliament, 23 May, Stephen questioned the Government about its treatment of disabled benefit claimants, after the Equality and Human Rights Commission launched an investigation into the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) yesterday.

The EHRC is the UK’s independent human right’s regulator. Yesterday, it launched an investigation into the DWP over suspicions that the Government had broken equality law by failing to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people with learning disabilities and long-term mental health conditions during health assessments.

The EHRC first began investigating the DWP in 2021. It initially tried to sign a legally binding agreement with the DWP to address its concerns. However, negotiations to bring about an agreement failed, leading to yesterday’s announcement.

Stephen questioned the Government about the investigation and the negotiations. He pointed out that, now the negotiations had ended, the Government is free to share information about the negotiations.

“Confidence of disabled people in the department is at a terribly, terribly low ebb,” Stephen said. “At the very least, we need some explanation of the department’s view of why it has not been possible to reach an agreement [with the EHRC].”

Stephen urges the Government to bring forward proposals on WASPI compensation

Last week, Thursday 16 May, Stephen spoke in a parliamentary debate about the Parliament Health and Service Ombudsman’s (PHSO) investigation into the increase in the women’s State Pension Age. He called on the Government to bring forward proposals for a compensation scheme before summer.

In 1995, the Government legislated to equalise the State Pension age for men and women by increasing the State Pension age for women born in the 1950s from 60 to 65 between 2010 and 2020. However, many women were unaware of the change - only 43% of women reported knowing of it in 2004 - leading to them suffering financial hardship.

The Parliamentary Health and Service Ombudsman (PHSO) conclused its investigation into the women’s State Pension age on 21 March 2024. The investigation found maladministration in how the Department for Work and Pensions had managed the change.

In particular, the PHSO decided that the DWP failed to provide targeted and tailored information to ensure women were aware of how the increase would impact them. The PHSO called for the Government to compensate affected women.

Stephen spoke in a debate on the PHSO’s investigation last week, following his committee’s one-off hearing about the report on 7 May. He reflected on his own experience as Pensions Minister in the last Labour Government and argued for the Government to bring forward proposals for compensation.

“We need to find a resolution to this issue, and to find it quite quickly, because it has dragged on for a very long time,” Stephen said.

Stephen visits the Isaac Newton Institute at the University of Cambridge

On Thursday 9 May, Stephen visited the Isaac Newton Institute at the University of Cambridge to learn about their research and work promoting mathematical sciences.

The Isaac Newton Institute was founded in 1992 to be an international hub for mathematical sciences. The institute attracts leading researchers as well as running workshops, one-off events, and long and short thematic programmes.

Stephen visited the institute to learn more about their work to support the mathematical sciences throughout the UK.

Speaking after his visit, Stephen said, “I am delighted to have visited the Isaac Newton Institute. The mathematical sciences are key to understanding our world better and, of course, they benefit the UK’s economy too! I am grateful for all the work the Isaac Newton Institute does to promote its research.”

Stephen's committee calls for the Government to tackle Carer's Allowance overpayments urgently

Last week, the Work and Pensions Select Committee, which Stephen chairs, called on the Government to improve how it monitors and communicates Carer’s Allowance overpayments, as unpaid carer’s are being forced to repay the DWP £250 million.

Carer’s allowance is a benefit given by the Government to people unable to work due to caring responsibilities. People who care for someone for at least 35 hours per week can receive £81.90 per week.

However, there is a strict earning’s limit on Carer’s Allowance that prevents anyone earning over £151 per week from receiving it. People who earn above the limit while claiming Carer’s Allowance must repay the difference.

Stephen’s committee found that many carer’s unwittingly earn above the limit - for example, due to uncertain working hours. The DWP often fails to alert carer’s that they have been overpaid, meaning they accrue large debts to the Government without realising. In 2022/23, 7,300 carer’s were repaying debts of over £2,000.

Stephen wrote to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride, on 15 May to urge him to improve the Government’s systems for preventing overpayments.

Speaking as chair of the committee, Stephen said, “the Government has known for years about flaws that have plagued the payments system for Carer’s Allowance but has just allowed many unpaid carers to unwittingly rack up unmanageable levels of debt.”

“The DWP must now move without delay to get a grip of the problem and ensure carers are no longer subjected to the distress that such overpayments can cause.”

Stephen supports Alzheimer's Society during Dementia Action Week

Dementia Action Week 2024 was last week, 13 to 19 May. Stephen joined a drop in hosted by the Alzheimer’s Society in Parliament to support the charity’s call for action to improve dementia diagnosis.

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer and a third of people born today will develop the condition. Though almost one million people in the UK have dementia, a one-in-three have not been diagnosed.

At the drop-in, Stephen learned about the importance of a dementia diagnosis in giving people the care and support they need, as well as helping them plan for the future. Early and accurate diagnosis also helps identify people eligible for potential disease-modifying treatments.

The Alzheimer’s Sociey is calling for new dementia diagnosis rate targets, action to address regional variation in diagnosis rates, and investment into the workforce and equipment needed.

“Too many people are missing out on a vital early dementia diagnosis,” Stephen said. “I am grateful the Alzheimer’s Society is bringing attention to this issue. The Government must do better.”

If you’re worried about yourself, or someone close to you, then check your symptoms today using Alzheimer’s Society’s symptom checklist.  Visit alzheimers.org.uk/checklist or call the Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.

Stephen raises awareness of local Big Help Out opportunities

Last Tuesday, 14 May, Stephen attended a parliamentary drop-in to learn more about the Big Help Out, which is taking place between 7 and 9 June.

The Big Help Out is the biggest mass volunteering event of the year, encouraging millions of people across the UK to give their time to support local community groups. Any organisation or individual can join or register an event on the Big Help Out platform.

Last Tuesday, Asda and the /together coalition hosted an event in parliament to raise awareness about the Big Help Out. Asda’s 390 community champions are organising many of the events. Devina Ruchaya is the community champion at the Asda in Beckton - she is on the left in the picture below. Asda plans to hold 350 litter picks and run local food drives from 17 to 19 May.

“I am grateful to the /together coalition and Asda for supporting the Big Help Out,” Stephen said. “I hope everyone in East Ham uses this opportunity to help out in our local community.”

Stephen with Asda community champions. Devina Ruchaya, the community champion for Asda Beckton, is on the left.

Stephen speaks in favour of free school meals

Yesterday, Tuesday 7 May, Parliament debated the provision of free school meals. Stephen spoke in the debate to advocate for using free school meals to help reduce child poverty.

Free school meals are only available nationally to children from households who earn less than £7,400 per year and receive certain benefits, such as universal credit. In London, however, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has provided free school meals to all children in primary schools since February 2023.

On Tuesday 7 May, MPs debated the provision of free school meals in the UK. Stephen argued that free school meals are a vital for tackling child poverty. In 2022/23, child poverty was at its highest since 1998/99. 4.3 million children were in relative poverty after housing costs, and 23.4% of children were in moderately or severely food insecure households according to the Food Foundation.

Stephen also noted that Newham was among the first local authorities to introduce free school meals, as part of a pilot programme in 2009. “The assessment of the pilot showed that it led to improvements in classroom behaviour, concentration and attainment,” he said.

“Free school meals help alleviate poverty and improve children’s health and educational attainment. Let us use this lever much more widely to tackle the scourge of child poverty.”