Stephen visits Maximus UK's employability centre in Newham

Maximus have launched their latest Restart scheme in Newham to help people into work. Stephen recently visited the new site to hear about their work.

Restart is a government backed scheme to provide people who have been unemployed for 12 to 18 months with the tailored support they need to overcome barriers and find work. They are working with local community groups to deliver this support.

Stephen visited the new site and met some of the employment advisors helping to deliver the scheme. Speaking after the visit, he said: “I enjoyed visiting Maximus’ new premises in Newham. The Restart scheme has great potential in helping people overcome barriers to work. I applaud the approach Maximus is taking in forming close partnerships with employers urgently looking for staff, and with local initiatives.”

Stephen calls for re-think on arms trade with Israel

Stephen has written to the International Trade Secretary, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, asking that the Government re-think its policy of selling weapons to Israel.

During the violence last spring, Stephen supported calls for the Government to report to Parliament with an assessment of the use of any exported arms and equipment in the conflict and for it to examine the risks involved in any future arms sales to the Israeli security forces. This has not happened.

The Government’s latest annual report on export licensing decisions, which covers 2020, lists 109 licences for military goods, worth £27.8 million, issued between 1 January and 31 December 2020. Despite these figures, the Government has repeatedly said that it takes its export control responsibilities very seriously and that it considers all export applications thoroughly against a strict risk assessment framework.

Having sent his letter, Stephen said: “I believe we need a new arms export regime that is truly transparent, free from arbitrary political judgments and reflects our commitment to upholding international law.

“I would have liked to see Government Ministers review what type of weapons the UK sells to Israel, and whether there is a risk they will be used to violate international law. If Ministers find that is the case, then they have not just a moral duty to stop those arms sales, but a legal requirement to do so as well.”

Stephen warns DWP about pension claims

Credit: Sarah Agnew, Unsplash

Stephen has voiced concern that elderly men and women who have been underpaid on their state pensions are being turned away by government call centre staff – with some having phones hung up on them.

Officials at the Department for Work and Pensions have been ordered to cut short calls about the state pension from anyone who does not fit into a specific set of groups, according to both the Public Accounts Committee and the Work and Pensions Select Committee, which Stephen chairs.

The “extremely worrying” policy was highlighted in a joint letter from Stephen and the chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Meg Hillier. They warned some pensioners could lose hope in the fight for a fair pension.

Around 134,000 have been underpaid in total. Some of them could be owed lump sums amounting to tens of thousands of pounds – but the DWP has previously said it could take years to pay the funds back because of the time it takes to track each individual down. The departement has set its own deadline of December 2023 for these reviews.

Latest figures show just 9% of the £1billion owed has been repaid. Stephen described the situation was “worrying” and added “…the onus is on the DWP to repay those whose pensions have been underpaid. This should be done as soon as possible.”

Stephen attends Diabetes UK reception

Stephen has attended the launch of a new report, ‘Diabetes in Serious,’ organised by Diabetes UK. The report seeks to emphasise the prevalence of diabetes in our society and the impact the pandemic has had on diabetes sufferers.

At the event, Stephen inspected artwork by some of the 4.9 million people living with or affected by diabetes in the UK, expressing their experiences with diabetes.

The report included a new survey of over 10,000 people who suffer from the condition, and investigated how the COVID pandemic has interacted with existing pressures to affect those with diabetes. For example, it revealed that only 36% of people with diabetes received their recommended care checks in 2020-21, down from 57% in 2019-20.

Speaking afterwards, Stephen said “It was enlightening to see how those suffering from diabetes expressed their perspective through art. I found the work Diabetes UK does to tackle issues faced by those with Diabetes encouraging.

“I support Diabetes UK in their campaign for a recovery plan specifically addressing the challenges facing diabetes services.”

Stephen pledges support to Guide Dogs' All Things Equal campaign

Stephen has attended a Guide Dogs’ parliamentary event to back their campaign to support young people with a vision impairment.

During the event, Stephen met with children and their families to discuss the challenges they face in the education system. Guide Dogs’ recent research has found that 69% of teachers lack confidence that they have the right skills to support disabled children, including those with sight loss, to reach their full potential.

Guide Dogs’ All Things Equal campaign is calling for greater recognition of vision impairment throughout the Special Educational Needs and Disability system.

Speaking afterwards, Stephen said “I enjoyed attending Guide Dogs’ event in Parliament to pledge my support for their All Things Equal campaign. I applaud Guide Dogs for all they are doing to help improve access to education and support for young people with sight loss. “

Stephen attends Vodafone's parliamentary drop-in to mark 10 years of their Digital Parenting Magazine

Last Wednesday, Vodafone celebrated 10 years of their Digital Parenting Magazine, which is a tool to help parents, carers, and grandparents make the most of their digital opportunities for themselves and their family.

A number of charities working towards better online safety were also at the event, including NSPCC and the Good Things Foundation. Vodafone shared their work around tackling the digital divide ahead of the Online Safety Bill, which is currently awaiting Committee Stage.

Stephen recently welcomed the Government’s decision to impose a new legal duty on online platforms to make the internet safer by tackling scam adverts through the Online Safety Bill. The Select Committee for Work and Pensions - which Stephen chairs - has been calling for the inclusion of scam adverts in the Bill for the past year.

Stephen calls for removal of asbestos by 2062

Credit: Tneil Abt, Unsplash

Stephen - as Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee - has called on the government to commit to a strategy to remove all asbestos from public and commercial buildings by 2062.

Despite being banned more than 20 years ago, the WPC estimates that asbestos still exists in around 300,000 non-domestic buildings, including schools. The Health and Safety Executive, however, is yet to provide a clear time frame and strategy for its total removal, nor does it provide evidence-based “safe and effective” removal techniques, according to the report.

Asbestos is still the greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, linked to more than 5,000 deaths in 2019 alone, including cancers and long-term injury from past exposure.

In its latest report, Stephen’s committee cited a growing public health risk as buildings are adapted in line with the move to net zero and other energy efficiency targets, disturbing the toxic materials in the process.

Speaking about the report, Stephen said: “Asbestos is one of the great workplace tragedies of modern times and the risk remains real.

“Falling back on regulations which devolve responsibility to individual building owners and maintenance managers will not be sufficient to protect people’s health.

“Setting a clear deadline of 40 years will help to focus minds. The clock is ticking and this is no time for laissez-faire.”

Stephen welcomes Archbishop's intervention on Rwanda

Credit: Aaron Burden, Unsplash

Stephen has welcomed comments by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, after he spoke out about government plans to send migrants and asylum seekers to Rwanda whilst their claims are processed.

During his Easter Sunday sermon, Archbishop Welby accused Ministers of "subcontracting our responsibilities" over its plans. He said the idea was "opposite to the nature of God."

In a letter to The Times, Stephen said the Archbishop’s interventions were nothing new. He noted that Many of Archbishop Welby’s predecessors had spoken out about government policies. He wrote:

“Political interventions by Archbishops are nothing new. Rowan Williams criticised the Labour Government of which I was a member. He was outspoken about the Iraq war and the Equality Bill. His predecessors, George Carey and Robert Runcie, were not afraid to speak out against governments whilst they were in Lambeth Palace. The modern welfare state — perhaps Labour’s greatest achievement—owes much to the efforts of wartime Archbishop William Temple. As leader of a worldwide church, Justin Welby is appointed to speak up for those who cannot speak themselves. He is right to speak out.”


Stephen presses Prime Minister on police fines

On 19 April, the Prime Minister - Boris Johnson - gave an update to the House of Commons. This followed the revelation that he had been issued a fine from the police for breaking lockdown rules.

Johnson has been issued a fixed-penalty notice for breaking Covid-19 laws whilst attending a party in No 10 Downing Street last year. The police are still investigating a number of other parties he is alleged to have attended. Johnson has given a full apology and resisted calls to resign.

During the statement in the House of Commons, Stephen asked “does the Prime Minister recognise that there is a very serious problem for the long term in leaving a lawbreaker in charge of the lawmakers?”

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

Stephen questions Prime Minister on unemployment levels

Last week, Stephen challenged the Prime Minister on his claim that unemployment levels are now lower than since the start of the pandemic. Boris Johnson told Stephen he had corrected the record for this misleading claim, but there is no evidence of him doing so.

The Prime Minister has claimed repeatedly in the House of Commons that employment figures are up since the start of the pandemic. On 24 February, the Chair of the UK Statistics Authority - Sir David Norgrove - wrote to the Prime Minister challenging this assertion. His letter states “according to the latest ONS figures, it is wrong to claim that there are now more people in work than before the pandemic began: the increase in the number of people who are on payrolls is more than offset by the reduction in the number of people who are self-employed.” In fact, there are now around 600,000 fewer people in employment.

During questions to the Deputy Prime Minister on 16 March, Stephen highlighted Johnson’s misleading claim and asked if he accepted the correction from Sir David Norgrove. Then, on 30 March, Stephen asked the Prime Minister the same question during the Liaison Committee - which is a meeting between Select Committee Chairs.

Stephen reminded the Committee that Johnson has said in the House of Commons 9 times that the number of people in work is higher now than it was before the start of the pandemic. When questioned on whether he accepts that was claim was incorrect, the Prime Minister said “I think I have repeatedly and I think I took steps to correct the record earlier.”

There is, however, no evidence that the Prime Minister has corrected the record.

You can watch the full exchange below.

Stephen presses Government on Multi-Academy trusts

On Monday 28 March, the Government published the Schools White Paper. The Education Secretary - Nadhim Zahawi - presented the White Paper to the House of Commons. Stephen pressed him on Multi-Academy trusts.

The document, called “Opportunity for all: strong schools with great teachers for your child”, outlines the Government’s vision for schools for the next eight years. Nadhim Zahawi launched its publication at a visit to Monega Primary School in East Ham.

During the Education Secretary’s statement in the House of Commons, Stephen raised the problems around Multi-Academy trusts. He said “I welcome his proposal to allow local authorities to set up and lead trusts. Does he have plans, as has been reported, also to allow schools to exit from MATs that do not suit them, and to increase the accountability of trusts to local authorities?”

You can watch Stephen’s full question - and the Minister’s response - below.

Stephen urges Government to invest in jobs

On 17 March, the Government responded to an urgent question on the Department for Work and Pensions’ office closures, by confirming these proposals will go ahead.

During the statement, Stephen urged the Minister to invest in jobs. He explained that recent employment figures show 580,000 fewer people in jobs than before the pandemic He also said there are many older workers choosing to retire early without claiming benefit.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Stephen said “we all want a full labour market recovery. Does the Minister recognise this is going to require major Government investment rather than the disinvestment which I think he is announcing this morning?”

You can watch Stephen’s full question - and the Minister’s response - below.

Stephen urges Government to review No Recourse to Public Funds policy

On 17 March, the Government gave a statement on its response to the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities. During the Minister's statement, Stephen raised the No Recourse to Public Funds policy.

In March 2021, the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities published a report on race and ethnic disparities in education, employment, crime and policing, and health across the UK. A year later, the Government has set out a plan to tackle inequality based on these recommendations. The Inclusion Britain strategy was published on Wednesday evening.

Equalities Minister, Kemi Badenoch, gave a statement to the House of Commons about the strategy. During the statement, Stephen raised the plight of families with No Recourse to Public Funds. He said “the No Recourse to Public Funds condition meant that many got no support at all. The Work and Pensions Select Committee has heard harrowing testimony of the hardship that resulted. Will the action plan she has announced review No Recourse to Public Funds, which has driven ethnic disparity?”

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

Stephen pledges support to Working Minds campaign

On Wednesday 9 March, Stephen attended the Health and Safety Executive’s parliamentary drop-in, to discuss the support they offer for workplaces in East Ham and beyond.

At the event, Stephen pledged his support to the Health and Safety Executive’s Working Minds campaign, which calls on businesses to join the effort to improve wellbeing within the workplace by becoming a Working Minds Champion.

The Working Minds campaign is calling for a culture change across Britain’s workplaces, to ensure psychological risks are treated the same as physical ones in health and safety risk management.

Speaking after the event, Stephen said “I enjoyed meeting with the Health and Safety Executive in Parliament last week to discuss their work around helping my constituents lead healthier and safer lives. I fully support their campaign to prevent work-related stress and encourage good mental health in the workplace.

Mental health does not exist in isolation. It is fundamentally bound up with how we live our lives, and the stresses and strains of modern life. Some of the best action employers can take to improve productivity and profitability is to invest in the health and mental wellbeing of their workforce, which is paramount.”

Stephen calls on government to protect access to cash

Stephen has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, urging him to look at the issue of access to cash in East Ham.

Research from the consumer body Which? found that 32% of free-to-use-cashpoints in East Ham vanished between August 2018 and December 2021. The research followed a report by the Financial Conduct Authority which showed that 5 million adults still use cash for their purchases. Many of these individuals are from low-income families or the elderly, who have little access to the internet.

In his letter to the Chancellor, Stephen asked what plans the government has on introducing legislation to protect access to cash. Ministers previously committed to doing this in March 2020, but two years later this required legislation is yet to be introduced to the house of commons.

Speaking about the campaign Stephen said, "Cash remains essential to people's lives. My constituents, who rely on cash, are troubled by the fact that there is a third fewer cashpoints in East Ham than there were four years ago.

“It is vital that the Government find ways to protect access to cash and ensure that a decline in cash use does not contribute to inequality."

Stephen tours new UCL campus in Stratford

Stephen has visited UCL’s brand new campus on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park ahead of its first building opening this autumn. 

Stephen was accompanied on his visit by UCL President and Provost Dr Michael Spence, UCL East Director Professor Paola Lettieri, UCL Pro-Provost for London Professor Alan Thompson and UCL Vice-Provost for External Engagement Professor Dame Hazel Genn.  

UCL East in Stratford will give the Bloomsbury based university the additional scale and space it needs to bring together the public, scientists, students, business and industry to create the knowledge and tools needed to tackle the challenges of tomorrow’s world. 

As part of the tour, Stephen visited the East Marshgate building that stands next to the ArcelorMittal Oribit tower and London Stadium. It comprises a vast atrium and eight floors housing labs, learning and teaching areas as well as workshops, a library, a refectory and quiet contemplation and prayer space.  He also met a group of young apprentices from east London who are working for the construction company MACE on the Marshgate campus building as part of UCL East’s commitment to employment and training opportunities at East Bank.  

Speaking afterwards, Stephen said:  “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to UCL East.  The buildings are really striking.  UCL’s new campus will provide a major hub for learning, research and innovation for this part of London for decades to come.  It is an excellent contribution to the fastest growing part of London.” 

Stephen hosts NatWest reception

On 9 March, Stephen hosted a reception in Parliament with the NatWest Group and Citizens Advice, to mark the publication of their joint report, “Strengthening the safety net: supporting NatWest Group’s most vulnerable customers”.

Over the past year, specialist advisers from NatWest have been working with local Citizens Advice branches to deliver support to financially vulnerable customers in parts of the UK. The report measures the impact of the service from the previous 12 months, which has reached over 2,000 people –  nearly 60% of whom were not previously in contact with Citizens Advice. Customers have been seeking support mainly around issues relating to debt, benefits and family. The pandemic, rising living costs and Universal Credit cuts have increased the need for these services.

Speaking at the event, Stephen said “it’s important that my constituents can access support when experiencing financial difficulty. As we continue to recover from the pandemic – and in the face of rising living costs – it is encouraging that organisations such as NatWest Group and Citizens Advice are working together to meet the wider needs of vulnerable customers. I hope that others might look at this partnership as a model of what can be achieved.”

You can read the full report here.

Stephen hosts community roadshow in Parliament

On Thursday 3 March, Stephen hosted an event in the House of Commons, with Never Such Innocence, to celebrate the work of students in East Ham.

Never Such Innocence is a charity aiming to give young people across the world a voice on conflict. Their practitioners recently visited Brampton Manor, Little Ilford School and Plashet School to host free workshops on poetry, speech writing and song writing.

The students who took part were invited to Parliament to showcase their work. One of those students was Bakirathe, from Brampton Manor. She was awarded first place in the 11-14 age group in Never Such Innocence’s poetry, art, speech and song competition last year. She delivered her winning speech, Cultural Conflict, at the roadshow in Parliament, in which she shared her experience of living in the UK as a Tamil.

Speaking after the event, Stephen said “I enjoyed the roadshow, and hearing and seeing the students’ work on conflict. I applaud Never Such Innocence for supporting young people to achieve their full potential. There is a great deal of talent amongst young people in Newham. We need to hear their voices, and support local initiatives which enable them to flourish.”

Stephen welcomes announcement on Online Safety Bill

Credit: Glenn Carstens-Peters, Unsplash

Stephen has welcomed the announcement from the Government that the forthcoming Online Safety Bill is to impose a new legal duty on social media platforms and search engines to crackdown on scam adverts.

The Work and Pensions Committee, which Stephen chairs, first called for a crackdown on online fraud in its report on pension scams in March last year. In its response, the Government rejected the recommendation that financial online harms should be included in the Bill.

In December, a joint committee published a report on the draft Bill, which is due to be introduced to Parliament this year.

Speaking about the announcement, Stephen said: "We are pleased that nearly 12 months after we first called for the inclusion of paid-for adverts in the proposed legislation, the Government has finally taken this important first step to protect people online from the devastating financial and psychological harm that scams have been causing.

“Over the last year, the Committee, along with a growing number of voices from Parliament and beyond, have been warning of the pernicious effects of online scams. It is only right that those internet giants, which have been profiting from hosting fraudulent adverts, should be compelled to take action. We look forward to seeing more details on how the proposals will work when the Bill is introduced to Parliament."


T: 020 7219 4000 | E: Email stephen here