Stephen asks for further support for MND carers

Stephen has written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care asking him to commit to an urgent review of carers’ assessments, highlighting a lack of support for many carers of people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Research by the MND Association found many carers are physically and mentally exhausted. A carer’s assessment is usually the first step to a carer gaining additional support. Yet only 25% of carers of people with MND have received or are in the process of having an assessment and 40% are unaware that they have a statutory right to an assessment. Stephen’s letter urges the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to launch a review of carers’ assessments to ensure carers get the support they need.

“People caring for loved ones suffering MND should not be left exhausted, poorer, or unable to juggle the demands of work and parenting due to their selfless act,” Stephen said. “A carer’s assessment is a statutory right. The government must act to ensure carers are offered suitable support that understands the needs of MND patients.”

MND is a fatal disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It leaves people unable to move, talk, and eventually breathe. The family of those suffering MND often take on the majority of the caring responsibilities.

Stephen calls for action on no fault evictions

Stephen has today written to the Prime Minister asking that ministers restate their commitment to scrapping Section 21 no fault evictions.

Section 21 means landlords can evict renters without a reason, leaving the renters with only two months’ notice to find a new home. A number of constituents have written to Stephen expressing concern that the government might u-turn on its manifesto commitment to end such practices. In his letter, Stephen asked the Prime Minister for an update on the progress of legislation removing Section 21.

Speaking about the letter, Stephen said “In my surgeries, I regularly meet constituents facing eviction and homelessness as a result of Section 21. No fault eviction gives landlords the upper hand and often silences tenants, who fear losing their home if they complain. The government needs to take urgent action and scrap such practices.”

The government published a White Paper on Renters’ Reform last summer and said a Bill would be presented to the Commons in 2023.

Stephen calls on Government to strengthen housing support

On Monday 6 February, MPs debated 'social security and pensions.' Stephen spoke on the recent inquiry by the Select Committee for Work and Pensions, which he chairs, and urged the Government to strength the social security safety net, particularly through increasing Local Housing Allowance (LHA).

In November 2022, benefits were uprated in line with inflation, but LHA remained frozen at rates set before the pandemic. Stephen argued that the Government should take another look at LHA levels to prevent a further surge in the number of rough sleepers.

Speaking in the chamber, Stephen said: “Ministers say they are committed to ending rough sleeping, but this policy is driving an increase in rough sleeping…we are a very, very long way from providing an adequate social security safety net.”

You can watch Stephen’s full speech below.

Stephen urges transparency in DWP

On Wednesday 1 February, there was a Back Bench Business debate in the House of Commons on raising the State Pension Age to 68. Stephen spoke about the need for transparency in DWP in order to properly inform considerations on state pension age.

As required by a 2014 law, the Government is set to undertake a review of the State Pension Age. Current Government policy is to bring the increase to 68 forward to 2037, but recent reports suggest Ministers are now considering bringing the date further forward to 2035 to reduce public expenditure.

During the debate on this matter, Stephen argued that the Department for Work and Pensions must be properly equipped with the right evidence when making this decision, such as life expectancy rates - since 2017 evidence has emerged that average life expectancy has stalled for women and declined for men.

Speaking in Parliament, Stephen said “preventing public discussion no doubt has the benefit of allowing Ministers to avoid having to answer difficult questions, but it has the disastrous drawback of worsening policy outcomes. The policy cannot be informed by public debate before the decisions are made, because the evidence that would allow a debate is not available.”

You can watch Stephen’s full speech below.

Stephen hosts Q&A with Sandringham Primary School

On Thursday 26 January, students from Sandringham Primary School visited Parliament for a tour, along with Head Teacher Robert Cleary. They also had the opportunity to ask Stephen some questions.

Stephen and the students discussed laws which the Government could introduce. Some suggested introducing more legislation to tackle poaching of endangered animals and others wanted to see laws prohibiting smoking.

The group also discussed ways to improve their local community, including through reducing pollution and fly-tipping. The Q&A session concluded with a lively debate on whether students should spend more or less time in school!

Speaking after the session, Stephen said “I very much enjoyed answering the students’ questions and hearing about their suggestions to tackle air pollution and littering. I thank them for the work they are doing on behalf of their fellow pupils and look forward to visiting Sandringham Primary School in the next few months.”

Stephen signs Holocaust Educational Trust Book of Commitment

This week, Stephen pledged his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day by signing the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment.

The 27 January marks Holocaust Memorial Day as the anniversary of the liberation of the infamous former Nazi concentration and death camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, in 1945. In the lead up to Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemorative events have been arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. The theme for this year’s commemorations is ‘Ordinary People’.

After signing the book, Stephen said “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity to honour those who were murdered during the Holocaust, as well as paying tribute to the extraordinary survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people today.”

Stephen hosts launch of Open Doors' World Watch List report

On Wednesday 18 January, Stephen hosted a Parliamentary reception to launch Open Doors’ World Watch List report.

Open Doors have produced a list of the thirty most dangerous countries for Christians. North Korea is the most dangerous and the report shows a clear and developing trend of concentrated intolerance in Sub-Saharan Africa. The situation in Nigeria is particularly perilous for Christians.

At the launch event, three speakers from North Korea, East Africa and Central India gave an account of their personal experiences of facing persecution for their faith. Several MPs from across all parties attended.

Speaking after the event, Stephen said “I applaud Open Doors for commissioning this powerful, albeit sobering, research. The persecution of Christians, or any other religious group, is entirely unacceptable.  Here in the UK, we are privileged to be able to express our religious beliefs without fear of persecution. We therefore have a responsibility to be a voice for those who don’t enjoy the same freedom elsewhere.”

Stephen urges Government to improve housing cost support

During oral questions to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on 23 January, Stephen urged the Government to increase Local Housing Allowance rates.

In November, the Government uprated most benefits and the benefit cap in line with inflation. However, the local housing allowance for the private rented sector remained frozen at rates set in 2020, based on rates in the year up to September 2019.

58% of Universal Credit households in the private rented sector face a shortfall between their actual rent and the maximum covered by LHA. This is at a time when rents are continuing to rise - Rightmove reported last Autumn that rents in London had increased by 16% in a year.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Stephen asked the Work and Pensions Secretary “will Ministers look again in the Budget at the level of Local Housing Allowance for the coming financial year?”

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

Stephen leads debate on ethnic diversity in business

On Tuesday 20 December, Stephen led a Westminster Hall debate on supporting entrepreneurs from ethnic minority backgrounds. The debate largely drew upon the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry's recent report, Ethnic Diversity in Business.

The report found that the economic contribution of ethnic minority-led businesses is estimated to be an additional £25 billion to the UK economy. But because of barriers they face, they constitute just 5% of small and medium enterprises.

In the debate, Stephen argued that there are two key barriers ethnic minority-led business face. First, challenges in accessing finance, and second, a lack of reliable data.

Speaking in the debate, Stephen said “we need to be determined to end racial and ethnic inequality across UK society, including when it comes to start-up support, and to closing gaps that have persisted for far too long.”

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

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Stephen questions Prime Minister on cost of living support

During a Liaison Committee meeting on 20 December, Stephen urged the Prime Minister to strengthen the social security safety net for those struggling with the cost of living crisis.

Chairs of Select Committees were given the opportunity to question the Prime Minister on the areas they work on. Stephen raised the sharp rise in food bank demand over the last year and asked him what the Government is doing to tackle food poverty. Stephen also urged the Prime Minister to improve specific areas of support, including free school meals, local housing allowance and the Warm Homes Discount.

Speaking during the hearing, Stephen said “food bank demand has continued to rise, except when you increased Universal Credit to £20 a week, and then it dipped, so that is why I say I think we will need to see an improvement in the social security safety net.”

You can watch the full exchange below.

Stephen writes to Health Secretary about cancelled operations in East London

Credit: Natanael Melchor | @nmelchorh

Stephen has contacted the Health Secretary to raise his concerns after it was found that 4,643 operations cancelled in Barts NHS Trust last year.

Data collected by the Labour Party from freedom of information requests made to NHS hospitals show the impact of 12 years of underinvestment in our NHS by the Conservatives.  Staff shortages were the most common reason given for cancellations by hospitals, accounting for 1 in 5 of all operations cancelled for non-clinical reasons in 2021/22. 227 operations were cancelled due to a lack of staff available at Bart’s.

 Speaking about the figures, Stephen said:  “Patients are forced to wait longer for vital operations because the Conservatives have failed to train enough staff over the past 12 years. 

 “Having operations cancelled causes huge disruption to patients, and prevents them from being able to get on with their lives. I have today written to the Health Secretary asking how he plans to improve these figures in the coming year.

 “Labour will tackle this problem at its root. We will train a new generation of doctors and nurses so patients get the treatment they need, when they need it. We will abolish non-doms to pay for it because patients need treatment more than the wealthiest need a tax break and if you live and work in Britain you should pay your taxes here.”

Stephen hosts reception for former East Ham Councillors

Stephen has had the chance to thank former East Ham councillors who stepped down at the local elections in May.

The group were joined at a reception in the House of Commons by Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds who thanked the group for their work on behalf of the Labour Party. They included Rev Quintin Peppiatt, Ayesha Chowdhury, Moniba Khan, Suga Thekkeppurayil and Muhammad Ali.

Speaking afterwards, Stephen said: “Being a councillor is hugely demanding, but at the same time perhaps a little under-appreciated. All those who stepped down last May served our community well.

“It was a privilege to host them in Parliament, and, on behalf of the community, to also thank them for their work.”

Stephen hosts a breakfast to launch book 'Shades of Black'

On 24 November, Stephen held a book launch with members of the Diocese of London’s Racial Justice Priority Group in Parliament. Shades of Black by Dr Clifford Hill, Nigel Pocock and Pastor Alton Bell is aimed at raising awareness of colour consciousness, both within the Church and wider society.

At the event, the authors shared their experience in writing the book and hopes for what it will achieve. They explained how Shades of Black calls for recognition of the root of colour consciousness and its legacy today. They also discussed measures to tackle racial prejudice and discrimination today.

Shades of Black has been endorsed by church leaders and includes a foreword from Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury.

Stephen calls on Government to review local housing allowance

During Work and Pensions questions on 5 December, Stephen urged the Secretary of State to increase local housing allowance, to reflect the recent surge in rents.

In November, the Government uprated most benefits and the benefit cap in line with inflation. However, the local housing allowance for the private rented sector remained frozen at rates set in 2020, based on rates in the year up to September 2019.

Research from the housing charity Shelter shows that, by the end of its last freeze, local housing allowance failed to cover the cost of the cheapest 20% of private rented 2 bedroom homes in 78% of England, and in a third of areas did not cover the cheapest 10%.

Speaking in Parliament, Stephen asked the Secretary of State, “does he recognise that the case for rebasing local housing allowance, so it does reflect actual local rents, is becoming a very, very pressing one?”

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

Stephen urges Government to introduce Alternative Student Finance

During questions to the Education Secretary on 28 November, Stephen asked the Government when it will introduce Sharia-compliant student finance for Muslim students.

Last year, Stephen tabled an Early Day Motion urging the Government to deliver on its previous commitment to provide sharia-compliant student finance. It was signed by 28 MPs. The Government have since launched a consultation on the new lifelong loan entitlement and said it is still considering how alternative student finance could be delivered through this.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Stephen explained that an estimated 4,000 Muslim students do not go to university each year because there is no finance available that is compatible with their faith. He then asked the Minister “will the new ministerial team - which I welcome - commit to introducing alternative student finance and can they give us some indication of when that will be?”

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

Stephen urges DWP to work with disabled people

On Thursday 24 November, there was a Backbench Business debate on the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Stephen spoke about the need for the Department for Work and Pensions to work more closely with disabled people.

The UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities takes place annually on 3 December. Marsha de Cordova MP led a debate in Parliament on the importance of this day. Stephen spoke in the debate about a number of ways in which the DWP could improve the experience of disabled people in seeking support from the Government.

Stephen explained how the DWP commissioned an external report to investigate this very issue, in which it spoke to a large number of disabled people about their experience of the benefits system. Ministers decided, however, not to publish the findings of the study, which is a breach of the cross-Government protocol on social research. Instead, the Work and Pensions Select Committee - which Stephen chairs - used their powers to obtain a copy of the report and published it themselves.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Stephen said “it is true, of course, that being open about criticisms and difficulties exposes Ministers to awkward questions, but refusing open discussion and trying to keep things secret or keep a lid on them does far more damage than letting such debates take place in the open.”

You can watch Stephen’s full speech below.

Stephen attends event on diabetes

World Diabetes Day was on 14 November. Stephen attended an event in Parliament to hear about the experience of those living with diabetes, and what can be done to better support them.

During the event, Stephen met with Diabetes UK’s new Campaign Champions, who explained how care for the 4.9 million people with diabetes can be improved. They warned of the long-term consequences the impact of the pandemic could have on those living with the condition if action is not taken now.

Speaking after the event, Stephen said “I enjoyed meeting with Diabetes UK’s new Campaign Champions, and hearing about their work to improve prevention and care for those living with diabetes. Services supporting people with diabetes have been significantly disrupted during the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, but with the right support and care, everyone with diabetes can live well.”

Stephen joins call to support children in palliative care

On 24 November, Stephen attended an event in Parliament, held by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Children Who Need Palliative Care, and joined the call for further cost of living support for families whose children will have short lives.

At the reception, MPs heard from families of seriously ill children about how the rising cost of living is impacting them. The charity Together For Short Lives also explained how their ‘cost of living support fund’ is helping with energy bills and other necessary medical equipment.

An estimated 3,000 seriously ill children require long-term ventilation to stay alive and around 6,000 are dependent on ‘assistive technology.’ Together for Short Lives are calling on the Government to commit to additional funding to help families access better treatment and to reflect their higher energy costs.

Speaking after the event, Stephen said “I was pleased to attend the APPG’s reception on children who need palliative care. The rising cost of living is impacting families whose children will have short lives. I applaud Together for Short Lives for the work they are doing to support these families. However, the Government must also act now so that they can make the most of every moment they have together. There is no time to waste.”

Stephen hosts event in Parliament on supporting garment workers

On 22 November, Stephen jointly held a drop-in event in Parliament with MPs and Transform Trade, to call for the implementation of a Fashion Watchdog to improve workers’ rights across global supply chains.

At the event, MPs heard from Transform Trade and researchers about unfair purchasing practices in fashion. Transform Trade are calling on the Government to establish a garment supply chain adjudicator, to monitor practice in the industry and protect works both in the UK and abroad.

A Fashion Watchdog would ensure larger brands selling into the UK are unable to subject suppliers to unfair purchasing practices, and would promote fair commercial treatment.

Speaking at the event, Stephen said “modern slavery is rising globally. Unfair purchasing practices in the garment industry play a large part in this. I am grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness of this problem in Parliament and hope the Government takes seriously Transform Trade’s call for a Fashion Watchdog.”

Stephen urges Government to support asylum seekers in hotels

On 23 November there was an urgent question to the Home Office about consultation with local authorities in the selection of hotels for contingency asylum accommodation. Stephen spoke about the situation in Newham.

The Home Office commissions Clearsprings to provide hotel accommodation for asylum seekers in Newham. When a safeguarding concern is reported, the Council is not informed by Clearsprings, even though they have a statutory responsibility. Instead, the Home Office is alerted.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Stephen asked the Minister “will he ensure that particular aspect of communication is resolved?”

Watch Stephen’s full question, and the Minister’s response, below.