Stephen endorses 2022 Social Mobility Foundation Programmes

Credit: Štefan Štefančík, Unsplash

Stephen has welcomed the launch of employer and sector insight programmes, run by the The Social Mobility Foundation (SMF).

The SMF looks supports ambitious young people from low-income backgrounds to access top universities and professional careers. Their new programmes - which are free of charge - include mentoring, internships with top companies, university application support, and skills workshops.

The charity provides support in 11 professional sectors, including Law, Medicine and Accountancy. Students apply to join the programmes in Year 12 (England and Wales), Year 13 (Northern Ireland) and S5 (Scotland). Support continues from this point throughout university to help young people obtain graduate jobs.

Applications are now open for the 2022 programme. More information and the closing dates can be found here.

Stephen presses Government on unemployment support levels

During oral questions to the Department for Work and Pensions on Monday 8 November, Stephen asked the Minister why unemployment support is at its lowest level in over 30 years, in real terms.

At the end of September, the Government reduced Universal Credit by £20 a week. According to independent research, this is costing six million families an estimated £1,000 a year and support for those out of work is at its lowest level in decades.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Stephen asked the Work and Pensions Minister, “why has the level of unemployment support been set at this historically, extremely low level?”

You can watch Stephen’s full contribution, and the Minister’s response, below.

Stephen congratulates local charity walkers

Stephen has congratulated a local family who have completed a 55km walk in support of the mental health charity, MIND. The walk – which took fourteen hours to complete – raised over £3,000.

The Alaudin family from East Ham resolved to undertake the walk for charity after seeing friends and family struggle with mental health problems, particularly over lockdown.

The walkers – who were aged between 13 and 42 – undertook a number of training walks prior setting off for Woking earlier this week. They aimed to raise £1,200 but their current donations have totalled £3,200. Some of the group suffered injuries along the way, but refused to give up. They eventually arrived in Woking and were met by a jubilant group of local residents who had been monitoring their progress.

The group’s organiser, Shafiq Abidin, said: “Mental health is a topic which still generates a lot of stigma, both in silence and out loud. This is especially true in the Asian community, where the pleas of many that are suffering in silence are still being ignored.

We wanted to participate in a charitable cause that we thought could accumulate a meaningful amount of money for MIND. I am glad we did it, even if we did have to fight through the pain barrier to do so!”

After speaking to the group outside East Ham Town Hall, Stephen said: “The pandemic and social distancing measures have had a profound effect on the people’s mental health, and particularly in East Ham. The pressures that have been placed on those already suffering from mental ill health cannot be underestimated, and we must do our best to help.

“I congratulate the Alaudin family on completing such a gruelling walk. They have raised a huge amount of money which will, no doubt, go some way to helping those who are struggling with mental health problems in our community.

“It is not too late to make a donation – I made one earlier this week – and would encourage others to do so!”

Should you wish to donate to the group, then you can do so here.

Stephen leads debate on adult dependent relatives

On Wednesday 3 November, Stephen led a debate in Parliament on adult dependent relative visas.

In 2012, the Government made significant changes to the immigration rules which made it harder for British nationals to bring their elderly parents or grandparents to the UK to care for them. Family members are only permitted to stay in the UK if they can demonstrate that they require a level of long-term personal care that their home country cannot provide.

Before the rule changes, thousands of applications for adult dependent relative visas were approved. In 2016, the Home Office reported that, in 2010, 2,665 applications for adult dependent relatives were successful. After the changes, in 2014, only 723 were successful. In 2017, the Home Office did not issue a single adult dependent relative visa.

Stephen led a Westminster Hall debate on this matter, to highlight the impact of this immigration policy on healthcare professionals in particular. He told the story of one doctor, a British National based in Birmingham, who came from India in 2004 to train as a GP. He lost his father to Covid-19 in India earlier this year. His 70-year-old mother wants to join him here, but is being prevented from doing so as she does not qualify for an adult dependent relative visa.

Speaking in the debate, Stephen said “there is no justification for forcing committed, dedicated NHS doctors to choose between their work and their home in the UK, on the one hand, and their deeply felt duty to their elderly parents on the other, to support and care for them in difficulty and in old age. Will the Minister commit today to review this unfair policy?”

You can watch Stephen’s speech, and the Minister’s response, below.

Tribute to David Amess

David was a kind and generous man.  His wife and children have my deepest condolences. He was committed to his constituency in Southend, and gave his life - tragically and appallingly - in serving his constituents. Members of Parliament must always be accessible to their constituents, as David was.

David also loved Newham.  He was born in Plaistow and grew up in Forest Gate, where his mother lived until her death, aged over 100. David was proud of his old school, St Bonaventure’s - an excellent Catholic boys’ school when he was there, as now - and was known to wear his  school tie in the House of Commons. He used to visit the school often.

He stood for election to Newham Council in 1974 and 1978.  He wasn’t successful, but, despite party differences, always took a supportive interest in the Council.  When I was Council Leader, trying to persuade the Conservative Government to bring the Channel Tunnel Rail Link through a station in Stratford, he was our one committed and unwavering ally on the Government benches. His contribution was crucial to the success of the campaign, which led on to London hosting the 2012 Olympics with the stadium at Stratford, and to the regeneration under way now.  Newham has lost a great friend today.

Stephen attends the Labour Party conference

The annual national conference of the Labour Party was held in Brighton this year, from Saturday 25 to Wednesday 29 September.

Stephen met with party members, campaign groups and charities. He also attended a number of events and held a Faiths Reception.

Over the course of the conference, Stephen spoke at several events. This includes a panel discussion on improving security within the gig economy, a roundtable on ending homelessness, and a Christians on the Left prayer breakfast. Stephen also shared some thoughts at the Trussell Trust’s event on ending the need for foodbanks, the Prince’s Trust’s roundtable on employment for young people and the Tamils for Labour reception.

At each event, Stephen was able to share some of the work the Select Committee for Work and Pensions, which he chairs, is doing in these areas. He also spoke about the impact on and experience of his constituency of East Ham around these issues.

Speaking after the conference, Stephen said “I enjoyed returning to Brighton for the Labour Party Conference this year. It was uplifting to meet so many members, volunteers and campaigners working hard to bring positive change in this crucial period of recovery. I look forward to working alongside them again in the future as the new Parliamentary term kicks off this month.”

Stephen supports Cure the Care System

Stephen met with representatives from the Alzheimer’s Society at the Party Conference to lend their support to their Cure the Care System campaign. The campaign envisions a future where people affected by dementia are able to live the life they want, with greater independence, choice and control.

As there are only a limited range of medicines available to treat dementias, such as Alzheimer’s disease, many people with the condition get the support through social care, such as home care or residential care. While dementia isn’t curable yet, we can cure the care system.

Figures from Alzheimer’s Society show that there are as many as 770,000 people with dementia in England, with that number set to grow to over a million in just ten years.

Stephen said “It was great to meet with Alzheimer’s Society at the Labour Party Conference this year. I will continue working with them on their campaign to ensure that social care reforms brought forward by Government meet the needs of the 1,830 people living with dementia in Newham, which is projected to rise to 2,680 by 2030.”

Fiona Carragher, Director of Research and Influencing at Alzheimer’s Society, added “We really welcome Stephen’s support for our Cure the Care System campaign. Social care reform has been ignored for too long, but that’s changing.

While there’s still a long way to go, Alzheimer’s Society have a pragmatic, long-term plan for social care that delivers for people living with dementia in East Ham. We look forward to working with Stephen to bring about a social care system to be proud of as a nation.”

Stephen gives speech in Parliament about Universal Credit payments

On Wednesday 15 September, Labour MPs held a debate on Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits. Stephen spoke about the Government’s planned welfare cuts.

The reduction, due to take place on 6 October, will see 6 million families lose £20 a week. It will lower the level of support for an unemployed family to the smallest amount as a proportion of average earnings at any time since the Second World War. It will also impact the 40% of people claiming Universal Credit who are already in employment.

Speaking in the debate, Stephen drew upon evidence taken by the Work and Pensions Select Committee, which he chairs. The Committee had previously heard from a single father of two who said the cuts will force him to ask the question: “do I go hungry, do my kids go hungry, or do we keep the house warm?”

Speaking in the debate, Stephen said “somebody worrying about about how to buy their next meal is not going to be able to focus on finding a decent job. Taking £20 a week away will leave the level of support below the basic minimum that is needed.”

At the end of the debate, Labour put forward a motion calling on the Government to stop the cuts, which passed by 253 votes to 0. However, the vote is not legally binding.

You can watched Stephen’s full speech below.

Stephen urges Chancellor against Universal Credit cuts

During questions to the Chancellor in Parliament on Tuesday 7 September, Stephen highlighted the impact the £20 a week Universal Credit cut will have on households across the UK.

The cuts, due to go ahead on 6 October 2021, will impact 5.5 million families both in and out of work.

Speaking in the chamber, Stephen said “40% of the people who claim Universal Credit are already in work. Does the Chancellor understand that they will be very hard hit by this cut, which is the biggest overnight benefit cut in our history?”

The Chancellor explained that the Government is looking at other ways to support people in work, but did not promise to reconsider the cuts to Universal Credit.

You can watch the full exchange below.

Stephen writes to minister about the need for climate change progress

Stephen has written to the Secretary of State for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice MP calling for further action on climate change. The letter followed a campaign by residents of East Ham which urged the government to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. 

In his letter, Stephen outlined how achieving net zero emissions would benefit the economy and bring about a healthier way of life, whilst also preserving nature. The World Wildlife Fund noted recently that delaying spending of just 1% of GDP now risks doubling the cost for future generations. This could risk £90 billion of annual benefits from cleaner air, improved health and long-term sustainable jobs.

Stephen has previously called for the Prime Minister to “do his homework” and ensure COP26 delivers what is needed. His letter outlined steps that the government could take, such as a step-by-step net zero strategy and the need to bring in public and private investment into the sector.

Stephen hosts Archbishops’ Commission on Households and Families in Newham

The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York have set up a Commission to look at families and households. Stephen invited Commission members to observe family life in Newham to help their research.

The Commission are looking to address the challenges facing households, whilst highlighting the positive work that is being done to support families. They aim to report in Winter 2022 with policy recommendations for government.

Newham has the UK’s highest proportion of children living in poverty. An estimated 10,000 families have No Recourse to Public funds and many face severe financial difficulties. These pressures have been exacerbated by the pandemic, as the number of Trussell Trust foodbank parcels rose more than fivefold in Newham in 2020-2021. However, there are several community organisations and faith groups in the borough, working hard to support these families.

Five of the Commissioners – Chair Professor Janet Walker, Co-Chair Rt Revd Paul Butler, Elaine Storkey, Julie Gittoes and Dez Brown – took part in the visit to Newham. They visited local community organisations and faith groups, including Ascension Community Trust, Alternatives Trust and the Renewal Programme. Stephen also chaired a roundtable at Bonny Downs Community Centre with a number of grassroots groups, charities and faith leaders supporting families across Newham. The Commission also visited two local households to hear of their experience of raising a family in Newham.

Speaking after the visit, Stephen said: “Newham families have faced acute pressures during the pandemic, made worse by poor housing and benefit problems. Church-based and other faith and voluntary sector initiatives have been crucial in supporting families. They have been key to our community’s resilience.  Their commitment to local people has meant a great deal.

I was glad to introduce Commission members to groups supporting family life in the borough. I hope their efforts will influence policy that affects families, and look forward to their report towards the end of next year.”

Stephen congratulates local British Kebab Awards finalist

Credit: Habib Dadkhah, Unsplash

Stephen has congratulated The Ottoman restaurant in Manor Park on being shortlisted for a prestigious British Kebab Awards.

The Ottoman on the Romford Road has been shortlisted for the British Kebab Awards for Best Newcomer category. It was announced as the finalist and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in London.

Speaking after the news was announced, Stephen said “I am delighted the Ottoman has been shortlisted. It is richly deserved! I know the restaurant has been popular with residents of Manor Park since it opened.”

Stephen urges Prime Minister against Universal Credit cuts

During Prime Minister’s Questions today, Stephen asked Boris Johnson if he will stop the planned cuts to Universal Credit.

In October, the Government plans to cut Universal Credit by £20 each week. This will leave unemployment support at its lowest level ever relative to average earnings. It will also come at a time when, according to the independent Office for Budget Responsibility, there may be a further 500,000 people out of work than there are today.

Speaking in the chamber, Stephen explained the impact this will have on families across the UK and asked Boris Johnson “instead of cutting down, will the Prime Minister not follow his own policy and level up and leave the £20 a week in place?” The Prime Minister responded by saying the Government’s priority is getting people into work.

You can watch the full exchange here.

Stephen presses Government on changes to the asylum system

On Monday 19 July, Stephen spoke in the debate following the Second Reading of the Nationality and Borders Bill.

Earlier in the year, the Government announced several proposed changes to the UK’s asylum system including differentiated treatment based on how an asylum seeker arrives in the UK, harsher sentences, and plans to hold asylum seekers in offshore hubs. The Government has introduced the Nationality and Borders Bill to implement these proposals.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Stephen urged MPs to vote against the Bill, arguing that it fails to fix the “broken system.” He spoke out against the Government’s plans to judge asylum cases based on the applicants’ routes to the UK and to process claims overseas.

Stephen also raised the increasing number of asylum processing delays in the Home Office, where the number of people waiting over a year for a decision has risen tenfold since 2010. He said “the current gross inefficiency helps nobody. I hope the House will reject this Bill.”

You can watch Stephen’s speech below.

Stephen writes to Health Secretary about NHS reforms

Stephen has written to the new Health Secretary, Sajiid Javid, outlining a number of concerns about the the Health and Care Bill which passed its second reading in the House of Commons last week.

The Health and Care Bill is part of the government’s NHS long-term plan. It aims to expand the powers of the Secretary of State and establishes the Health Services Safety Investigation Body. Critics have argued that the changes will erode local accountability for NHS services and give major contracts to the private sector, without adequate scrutiny. 

In the last week a number of constituents have contacted Stephen arguing that now is not the time to embark on a major NHS reorganisation,. They note that staff are demoralised and exhausted from the pandemic. In his letter, Stephen expressed his worry that scrapping the local authority obligation to carry out a social care needs assessment before discharge will leave vulnerable patients at risk. He also raised concerns that the bill will allow contracts to be awarded to unaccountable private healthcare providers.

Having sent the letter, Stephen said “The NHS and its staff have been vital during the pandemic. Now is not the time to force through damaging changes that make their work more difficult, and reduce the quality of care for patients and their families.”

Stephen leads debate on alternative student finance

Stephen has pressed the Universities Minister on why the Government is yet to follow through on its promise to deliver a sharia-compliant student loan system.

In an adjournment debate in the House of Commons, Stephen set out how little progress had been made since David Cameron made a pledge in 2013 to introduce an alternative model of student finance for Muslim students since then. This was despite a government consultation in 2014, which found:

• 94% of the respondents believed there would be demand for a sharia-compliant loan.

• 81% believed that the model proposed was acceptable.

Stephen highlighted the impact the delay has had on the British Muslim community. Many Muslims were – and still are – effected by interest-bearing loans. Despite wanting to attend university, many students are choosing between their faith and their education.

Stephen urged the Minister, Michelle Donelan, to introduce a sharia-compliant model in time for the 2022-2023 academic year. Although she did commit to this, she did offer Stephen a meeting to discuss the matter further.

Speaking after the debate, Stephen said: “I am pleased the Minister agreed to meet m. I hope I can persuade her to keep the promise her government made eight years ago.”

Stephen speaks at launch event for report on assistive technology

Today, Stephen spoke at the launch of the APPG on Assistive Technology’s report, Talent and Technology.

Assistive technology includes devices and systems that help individuals with disabilities to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. A great deal of assistive technologies are already present in commonly used software, such as Microsoft Word, but they also exist in mobile devices, such as scanning pens.

The report, which was commissioned by both the APPG and thinktank Policy Connect, explores the current systems of provision for helping disabled people access technology in the workplace. It found that, whilst 82% of online advertised roles in the UK require a certain level of digital skill, only 38% of people with a physical impairment meet this requirement. Talent and Technology argues that the Government needs to be more ambitious in delivering a framework that guarantees access for disabled people.

In welcoming the recommendations of the report, Stephen spoke about the importance of assistive technology in tackling digital barriers to work. He also spoke about his work as Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, which published a report last month on the DWP’s preparations for changes in the world of work. The Committee have discovered a concerning lack of data about the pace of accessible technology adoption by employers in the UK and has urged the Government to develop a strategy in response to the impact of new technology on jobs.

Speaking at the event, Stephen said “we need to work with disabled people for an inclusive society, where no one is held back from fulfilling their potential and realising their aspirations. Government needs to recognise that digital access is a key enabler to employment and needs to work hard so that disabled people can access and use technology. I applaud the work of this APPG and welcome the support of Policy Connect in compiling the report.”

Stephen opposes foreign aid cuts

On Tuesday in the House of Commons, Stephen urged MPs to vote against Government cuts to international aid.

MPs debated a motion to reduce overseas aid spending from the legally binding target of 0.7% of gross national income to 0.5%. Stephen argued against the cuts, drawing on the work of the Christian charity Compassion UK and their Child Survival Programme. With the help of UK aid, this programme has supported over 4,000 people in extreme poverty.

Speaking in the debate, Stephen said “even a small amount of aid saves lives. The cuts to UK aid put thousands of projects, like those run by Compassion UK…at risk.”

After the debate, MPs backed the bill to reduce international aid by around £4.4 billion by 333 votes to 298, making the UK the only G7 nation to cut its aid budget this year.

You can watch Stephen’s speech below.

Stephen questions the Prime Minister on Universal Credit cuts

On Wednesday 7 July, the Prime Minister appeared at the Liaison Committee to answer questions from Committee chairs. Stephen, who is chair of the Select Committee for Work and Pensions, pressed him on Government plans to cut Universal Credit.

Earlier that day, the Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions - Thérèse Coffey - confirmed to the Select Committee that the Government were continuing with plans to cut Universal Credit by £20 a week in September. This means six million families are set to lose £1,000 a year.

At the Liaison Committee, Stephen asked Boris Johnson to respond to the Committee’s recommendation to scrap the cut. He also explained that all six of the former Conservative Secretaries of State for Work and Pensions since 2010 have made the same call. The Prime Minister responded by saying “the emphasis has got to be on getting people into work.” He did, however, assure Stephen he would keep this issue under review.

You can watch a clip of Stephen’s question below, as well as his other questions to the Prime Minister around online scams.

Stephen presses Education Secretary on free school meals

On 30 June, during an urgent question to the Department for Education, Stephen raised with the Minister the possibility of children missing out on food support during the holidays due to pandemic restrictions.

Data released by the Department for Education has shown that around 5.1% of all pupils in state-funded schools did not attend class for Covid-19 related reasons last week – a total of 375,000 children. This increased from 3.3% on 17 June and 1.2% on 10 June.

Many are worried that this will continue into the summer, preventing children from accessing activity programmes and free school meals over the holidays.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Stephen asked the Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, “can the Secretary of State give an assurance that, whatever happens, children who are entitled to access food support over the summer will still be able to do that?”

In his response, Gavin Williamson said the Government will look to ensure that funding is made available to local authorities so that they can continue to provide free school meals.

You can watch the full clip below.