Stephen urges Ministers to mitigate funding shortfall in Higher Education

Stephen has joined academic associations from across the country in calling on the government to support a new deal for higher education.

The group, led by the British Society for Middle Eastern Studies, wrote to Education Ministers last week. They pointed out that the sharp drop in universities’ income - as a result of a fall in student numbers in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic - will endanger the ability of the UK Higher Education sector to maintain excellence in education and research.

The associations called the current government funding model “inadequate” and said rather than providing a one-time bailout, public spending on colleges and universities needs to be increased to be in line with the 34 countries which make up the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Even before the pandemic nearly 25 percent of all UK universities were in deficit and are announcing job cuts and even cuts to the range of courses and subjects being offered.

Speaking to the Newham Recorder, Stephen said: “A recent report by London Economics for the University and College Union showed that coronavirus and ensuing recession will likely lead to 111,000 fewer UK and 121,000 fewer international first-year students attending UK universities this year, resulting in a £2.5bn funding black hole. This would be disastrous.

“Without Government intervention, an estimated 30,000 university jobs are at risk, with a further 32,000 jobs under threat throughout the wider economy.” He added that UK universities need to be valued as part of the frontline response to the pandemic since they supply students to the NHS and conduct research into the virus.

A Department for Education spokesperson said it has introduced a package of measures to stabilise the admissions system and ease pressure on universities’ finances.

Raise the rates of legacy benefits to support people hit hard by coronavirus pandemic, not just Universal Credit, says the Work and Pensions Select Committee

The Work and Pensions Committee, which Stephen chairs, has today published its report on DWP’s response to coronavirus outbreak. The report praises the work of DWP’s frontline staff, but calls the Government to raise rate of so-called legacy benefits, and suspend the No recourse to public funds (NRPF) condition for the duration of the crisis on public health grounds.

The Committee report finds that the pandemic has left huge numbers of people struggling to cover the costs of essentials, with some disabled people in particular hit hard by increased costs of care and rising food prices. It argues that rates of older benefits must be raised by an equivalent amount to the rise in UC, backdated to April, to provide help for millions of people who are struggling to meet the extra inescapable costs imposed by the pandemic.

The report also calls for the immediate suspension of the NRPF condition that prevents an estimated million people who live and work in the UK legally from claiming benefits and receiving access to financial support because of their immigration status. The Committee argues that during a pandemic it cannot be in the public interest to expect people, some of whom are key workers and front-line medical staff, to comply fully with restrictive public health guidance while simultaneously denying them full access to the welfare safety net.

Stephen praised the hard work of the DWP’s frontline staff, saying that without this “the impact of the pandemic could have been much worse”.

He commented: “But the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted weaknesses in a social security system which at times is too inflexible and slow to adapt to support people in times of crisis. The focus has mostly been on the unprecedented numbers of new claims for Universal Credit. But in the background, people on legacy benefits—including disabled people, carers and people with young families—have slipped down the list of priorities. It’s now time for the Government to redress that balance and increase legacy benefits too. It’s simply not right for people to miss out on support just because they happen, through no fault of their own, to be claiming the ‘wrong’ kind of benefit.

“At the same time, people whose immigration status leaves them with no recourse to public funds have been left with no support from the benefits system at all—and at risk of destitution and homelessness. Some have had to face the invidious choice between staying at home and facing financial ruin, for themselves and their children, or going to work and risking spreading the disease. The Government must suspend these rules for the duration of the pandemic.”

Stephen questions Foreign Secretary on FCO-DFID merger

In an Urgent Question on 18 June, Stephen questioned Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab about the proposed merger of the Foreign Office and the Department for International Development.

Stephen highlighted the consensus across the House about the importance of international development since the Jubilee 2000 campaign. He argued for the profound difference between focusing on doing good in the world—tackling poverty and dealing with the climate crisis—and ‘our own national interests’.

Stephen commented: ‘I deeply regret the Government decision to downgrade International Development last week. The churches were largely responsible for delivering the consensus around it twenty years ago. Ending that consensus makes Britain weaker.’

Stephen speaks in debate on the impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities

In a debate in the House of Commons on Thursday 18 June, Stephen spoke in a debate brought by Dawn Butler on the impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities, arguing for the "No Recourse to Public Funds" (NRPF) restriction to be suspended.

Stephen noted that the Public Health England report released last week highlighted that "people of BAME groups are also more likely than people of white British ethnicity to be born abroad, which means they may face additional barriers in accessing services”. He highlighted the NRPF restrictions on leave to remain as a particular barrier.

The restriction applies to over a million migrants with leave to remain and legally working in the UK - many with children born in the UK, who might be British nationals - from accessing Universal Credit and most benefits.

Stephen said: ‘The welfare safety net is not there for people with no recourse to public funds. That has created a very serious problem of destitution and a huge increase in food bank demand in many parts of the country. The no recourse to public funds restriction must be suspended for the duration of this crisis.’

Stephen paid tribute to organisations in East Ham who are helping, including the Bonny Downs Baptist church and the Bonny Downs Community Association; the Masjid Ibrahim mosque; the Malayalee Association of the UK; the London Tamil Sangam; and Councillor Lakmini Shah.

Stephen presses Boris Johnson on support for those with No Recourse to Public Funds

In Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday 17 June, Stephen questioned Prime Minister Boris Johnson on his previous commitment at the Liaison Committee to support those with No Recourse to Public Funds.

Stephen pressed Boris Johnson to suspend the restriction for the duration of the coronavirus outbreak and ensure families with NRPF can access the free school meal vouchers over the summer.

Stephen commented afterwards: ‘The Prime Minister should keep his promise at the Liaison Committee to support those with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF). Many can't get any help at all. And he needs to make good on his comment that all families with NRPF can claim Free School Meals over the summer.’

Stephen speaks to Dersingham Primary School pupils about Internet Safety

On Thursday, Stephen took part in a virtual assembly at Dersingham Primary School.

The interactive assembly was run by Google and Parent Zone helped the children to become ‘internet legends’. The initiative is part of a wider campaign which offers primary school teachers free training and resources about Digital Wellbeing. The pupils heard how crucial it is to be sharp about what they share online, be alert to dangerous sites, keep their personal information secure, and be kind to other people on the internet.

Speaking to the children, Stephen said: “The internet is very exciting, and offers a lot of opportunities to learn about all sorts of things. That is why it is so important to make sure that we use it safely, so that we can make the most of it.”

Stephen calls on the Government to fund free school meals

Stephen has written to the Secretary of State for Education demanding he reverses his decision to withdraw funding for free school meals over the summer holidays as part of Labour’s ‘Holiday without Hunger’ campaign.

Many children are at risk of going hungry this summer as the government withdraws support for the provision of free school meals. With the added pressure of the coronavirus crisis plunging families into deeper poverty and social distancing and added pressures raising questions on whether holiday lunch schemes may run, many families are rightly concerned about how they will afford food during the summer holidays.

Stephen said: ‘’Children are at a heightened risk of going hungry this summer as the Covid-19 crisis hits family incomes and charities and food banks struggle to provide the same level of holiday support. There is a simple solution to this, and that is for the government to continue funding free school meals throughout the summer holidays. Their refusal to do so is a deeply callous move. That is why I have written to the Secretary of State today to ask him to reverse his decision as part of Labour’s ‘Holiday without Hunger’ campaign.’’

Stephen asks Ministers to consider including Black History in National Curriculum

Stephen has written to the Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, asking if Ministers are looking at including Black history in the National Curriculum.

In recent weeks, Stephen has been contacted by a number of his constituents who have raised concerns about events of the last few weeks which have disproportionately affected Black people in the UK. They are troubled that the national curriculum excludes Black histories and omits the contributions Black people have made to the UK.

There have been numerous calls over the years to reform the national curriculum to incorporate Black histories, but that these requests have been denied.

You can read Stephen’s letter here.

Stephen criticises Covid-19 BAME report

Stephen has written to the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, asking that he release the full, unredacted, report authored by Public Health England on the “Disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19”.

Sections of the report were removed from the review, including the experiences and perspectives of BAME stakeholders from across the UK. Stephen also raised questions about the lack of analysis in the report. It contained only two paragraphs detailing why BAME people are more likely to die from coronavirus. There were also no clear and actionable recommendations for government.

Speaking about the report, Stephen said: “The review was deeply disappointing. It told us what we already know - that BAME people and the most disadvantaged communities are disproportionately impacted by Covid-19.

“But it failed to provide any recommendations on how to reduce these disparities, leaving us with more questions than answers. The Government must not wait any longer to address underlying racial and socioeconomic injustices, so that no more lives are lost.”

To read Stephen’s letter to the Health Secretary, click here.

Stephen calls for UK to stop teargas and rubber bullet exports to US

Stephen has called on the government to suspend the export of British riot gear, teargas, and rubber bullets to the US in light of a violent police crackdown against peaceful civil rights protesters in the country.

In his letter to the International Trade Secretary, Stephen said: “…it has been the policy of successive governments over the past two decades to refuse licences for the export of arms and equipment that might be used for internal repression in the countries to whom they are being sold. I am therefore troubled that exports from the UK may have been used by police in the US to attack people who have gathered – peacefully and unarmed – to protest against George Floyd’s death. “

Labour leader Keir Starmer echoed Stephen’s thoughts when he asked Boris Johnson to review such exports. All major opposition parties have now backed the call.

Government export licence records show that the US is one of the world’s largest buyers of UK arms, with almost £6bn worth licensed for export since 2010. The licences have included £18m worth of ammunition, including so-called “rubber bullets”, smoke and pyrotechnic charges, CS gas grenades, and teargas.

To read the letter, click here.

Stephen questions Belly Mujinga investigation

Stephen has questioned the outcome of the investigation into the death of Belly Mujinga. Ms Mujinga died on 5 April, a few weeks after a 57-year-old man spat at her at Victoria Station, where she worked. The man claimed to have coronavirus.

British Transport Police interviewed a 57-year-old man but said "…there was insufficient evidence to support a prosecution based upon the allegation that the man spat deliberately on Mrs Mujinga or said that he had the virus".

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has now been asked to review the evidence after more than a million people signed a petition in support of Ms Mujinga. BTP said it requested the review in light of the "wider public interest".

Prior the announcement of the review, Stephen wrote to the Chief Executive of Govia Thameslink, the Commissioner of Transport for London and the Chief Constable of British Transport Police about the case.

Stephen responds to review on Covid-19 on BAME communities

Stephen has responded to the publication of Public Health England’s review into the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities. He said: “I am relieved that the government has – belatedly – published the review authored by Public Health England. It confirms much of what we already knew, namely that the those in the poorest households and from BAME backgrounds are disproportionately impacted.

“I am puzzled that the review makes no recommendations to Ministers. Residents of Newham – as well as other communities across the country – will want to know what action the Government plans to deal with the unequal suffering of the BAME community from coronavirus. I will write to the Health Secretary later today asking what his department plans to do for our borough in light of the review.”

The report can be read here.

Stephen secures promise from Boris Johnson to look at ‘no recourse to public funds’ condition

In a meeting of the Liaison Committee today on 27 May, Stephen questioned Boris Johnson about No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), securing a promise from the Prime Minister to look again at the policy.

No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) is a condition applied to people staying in the UK with a temporary immigration status. Stephen highlighted a couple in East Ham with two children who were being forced into “destitution” as a result of NRPF.

However, Johnson appeared not to be familiar with the policy when questioned, asking why they were not eligible for benefits like Universal Credit.

Johnson said he would look at how NRPF works: “You’ve raised a very, very important point if a condition of their leave to remain is that they should have no recourse to public funds. I will find out how many there are in that position, and we will see what we can do to help.”

Stephen commented afterwards: “Our social security system should be a safety net that protects people from destitution. But for hundreds of thousands of people who live and work in the UK legally, and for their children, it offers no support at all. In the midst of a global pandemic, with so many people prevented from working through no fault of their own, there is an urgent need for Government action. For two months, Ministers have been promising to act, but we’ve seen no substantial change.

The Prime Minister was clearly surprised to hear that people in this situation can’t claim Universal Credit or other benefits – so I am hopeful that he will now put his foot on the accelerator and offer much needed support to people facing financial hardship.”

Stephen has written to the Prime Minister following the Committee hearing.

Stephen presses Minister on re-opening places of worship

Stephen has pressed the Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick, to provide details of the Government’s plan to re-open places of worship.

Following the official guidance on social distancing, churches, mosques, synagogues and many other places of worship have made the difficult decision to close their doors. Although many are adapting to the situation by hosting services online, many would prefer to some form of collective worship as soon as practically possible.

Responding to Stephen, Mr Jenrick confirmed that the Government aims to reopen places of worship on 4 July. A taskforce has also been launched, which is working alongside faith leaders to ensure a safe return. The Government is funding the group FaithAction to consult with faith communities to ensure their views are being represented at the Taskforce’s meetings. However, the Minister has made clear that “…no place of worship will be able to reopen before a final decision by the Government and the accompanying changes to the legal position in the published regulations.”

Speaking about the issue, Stephen said “In times of crisis, faith offers many people hope and reassurance. I sympathise deeply with anyone who has been unable to worship with their faith communities during this time and will continue to press the Government for a detailed strategy for reopening places of worship as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Stephen attends Shpresa Programme’s youth club

Last week, Stephen joined, via zoom, a large group of Albanian young people from East London at their weekly online youth club.

The club is run by the Shpresa programme, who work in Newham and other areas of East London providing support to the Albanian community. Many on the call had come to the UK several years ago yet are still waiting for the determination of their asylum claims. They are therefore unable to work.

Those present candidly shared their stories, telling Stephen of their dream to work and contribute to society. They described the frustration and boredom of being young and having nothing to do all day. Some explained how they must live on only £35 a week of financial support. Stephen also discussed with the young people how best they can share their stories with more decision makers and aim to change the policy that prevents them from working.

Stephen commented: ‘“I am very impressed by the motivation and skills of these young people, many of whom spoke no English when they arrived as teenagers in this country. It is important that we continue to fight for the right to work for people waiting for asylum claims. I am sure that this campaign will gain further momentum with such committed and passionate individuals behind it.”

Stephen urges caution with re-opening of schools

Stephen has written to the Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, urging the Government to ensure schools are safe for staff and pupils – and their families – by the time they re-open, with the necessary protective measures.

The Government has said it wants some pupils in England to return to their classrooms on June the first, but teaching unions are concerned about the spread of Covid 19, if that happens. Ministers have said that primary pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 should go back initially and have criticised unions for their approach.

In his letter, Stephen urges the Government to ensure that scientific evidence and expert opinion have confirmed schools’ safety by the time they reopen.

Speaking about the letter, Stephen said “…the closure of schools has been very difficult for many families in East Ham.   I especially sympathise with parents who are struggling to work and home school their children, and I want schools to re-open as soon as possible. However, we cannot risk another surge in Covid-19 cases, so the Government must ensure adequate safety measures are in place first.”

Stephen calls for suspension of No Recourse to Public Funds

On Monday 11 May, in a general debate on COVID-19 in the House of Commons, Stephen called for the suspension of the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition for families for the duration of the coronavirus outbreak.

Stephen highlighted how families with leave to remain but with No Recourse to Public Funds but are barred from accessing mainstream welfare benefits, such as Universal Credit. Unable to work in the current pandemic, many are not eligible for the job retention or the self-employment schemes. Many are now facing serious financial hardship and food poverty. Some who should self-isolate because they have symptoms, have no choice but to work, endangering others.

Last week, the High Court heard the case of an 8-year-old boy and his migrant mother with NRPF. The Court ruled the policy denying families like his access to the welfare safety net unlawful, and that it breaches Article 3 of the ECHR, which prohibits inhuman and degrading treatment.

Stephen commented after the debate yesterday: “For the duration of this crisis – on moral grounds, and on public health grounds – the No Recourse to Public Funds condition must be suspended. Ministers have consistently said that the issue is under review, but swift action is needed.”

The Home Office will not say how many have the NRPF restriction in the UK. However, a Children’s Society report released last week, drawing from Oxford University’s Migration Observatory, estimated the figure of over a million people with leave to remain but no recourse to public funds, including at least 100,000 children.

There is a particularly large number of those with the NRPF status in Newham. Requests for NRPF support to Newham Council have increased by 300% during the outbreak.

Stephen asks Minister Will Quince about five week wait

In Work and Pensions Questions on 11 May, Stephen asked Will Quince, Minister for Universal Credit Delivery, about the inbuilt five-week wait for the first Universal Credit payment.

Stephen said: ‘Especially during the coronavirus outbreak, ministers must surely recognise that the five week delay problem in Universal Credit has to be fixed.’

Stephen speaks on Shelter webinar

On Thursday 7 May, Stephen spoke at a Shelter webinar entitled “Cliff edge: What will happen when the lockdown ends?" alongside Polly Neate, Chief Executive of Shelter, Ryan Shorthouse, Chief Executive of BrightBlue and Bim Afolami, MP for Hitchin and Harpenden.

The webinar looked at how we avoid the end of the coronavirus lockdown leading to an economic and health cliff edge.

Stephen applauded the speed at which the Department for Work and Pensions has been able to respond to the crisis, changes to Universal Credit rates, and efforts to re-house rough sleepers. However, he outlined a number of measures necessary to stop hardship now and encourage growth going forward, including suspending No Recourse to Public Funds, lift the benefit cap, fix the Universal Credit five week wait and prioritise youth employment.

Stephen commented afterwards: ‘To ensure economic resilience during and after the crisis, we need to make our social security system is fit for purpose. This means fixing the Universal Credit five week wait, suspending No Recourse to Public Funds and ensuring that housing support remains linked to local rent levels. I would also like to see Ministers examine the prospect of a Jobs Guarantee to combat youth unemployment.’

Newham politicians outline demands to Health Secretary

Stephen has joined West Ham MP, Lyn Brown, and the Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz, in calling for urgent government action following the publication of data last weekend COVID-19 deaths.

The data, which was released by the Office for National Statistics, showed Newham has the country’s highest death rate: 144.3 deaths per 100,000 people, some four times higher than the average.

The letter asks the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, to focus the government’s response on areas like Newham. It states “…additional resource[s] and support for both the NHS and local government must be targeted at the worst-affected areas, and we believe this should include targeting testing and tracing resources, while these remain very scarce, at high risk areas and groups.”

The politicians also call on Ministers to lift the No Recourse to Public Funds condition. They note this group is at particular risk from coronavirus because “…they are barred from social security support, so may be forced to disobey guidance in order to obtain an income.”

The full letter can be read here.