Short-Sighted Supported Housing Cuts Threaten Provision for Most Vulnerable
Labour held an Opposition Day Debate on Wednesday on the Government’s policies on supported housing which a coalition of charities providing supported accommodation for vulnerable people have warned about. Liz Rutherford, SHP Chief Executive, before the debate said: “Supported housing can be a lifeline for vulnerable homeless people, providing the stability that is essential if […]
“The NHS should be based on people, not profits”; My speech during the NHS and a Social Care Commission debate
During my speech at the NHS and a Social Care Commission debate, I referred to the Inquiry on Effectiveness of International Health Systems report which was published in 2014. The Labour Party has a proud and historic link with the NHS; it reflects and represents our collective spirit, and the values we hold dear. It is […]
My speech at the Changes to Funding of Support for Disabled People Westminster Hall Debate
In my speech yesterday during the Changes to Funding of Support for Disabled People Westminster Hall Debate which was called by my colleague Neil Coyle MP, I raised my concerns about the shocking effects government policy is having on people with disabilities. Of 11 million people with disabilities, 5 million are living in poverty because of […]
Holocaust Memorial Day 2016
I commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) once again with the Saddleworth Peace Group in Uppermill last Sunday. This year we were joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of Oldham, Cllr Ateeque Ur-Rehman and Cllr Yasmin Toor, as well as Youth Mayor, Saskia Edwards. Every year we mark the horrors of the Holocaust and the Nazi’s […]
Government Plans to Slash Support for Disabled People
Today the Mirror newspaper has published my comment piece on the Government’s latest plans to slash support for disabled people. The consultation on aids and appliances for the Personal Independence Payment closes on 29th January – if you will be affected, do respond. The article is copied below:- Just before Christmas, the Government announced a […]
Lobby on Welfare Reform and Work Bill & my speech on access to work for disabled people
On Wednesday 13th January, disabled people travelled to Parliament to lobby MPs on the damaging effect the provisions in the Welfare Reform and Work Bill will have on them. This is an issue I have spoken on in Parliament many times, including at Third Reading in October which you can read about here. I was […]
Why Kevin Sinfield is backing the Oldham Fairness Commission
I’m delighted that Oldhamer and 2015 BBC Sports Personality of the Year runner up, Kevin Sinfield is backing the Oldham Fairness Commission (OFC). See why Kevin is backing the Fairness Commission by watching the video below. The OFC will host its conference at Mahdlo at 10am on 29th January. It’s open to the public and […]
Pupils discuss democracy and fairness with Debbie
I popped into St Anne’s RC Primary School, in Greenacres, on Monday (11th January) to meet the year 5 and 6 children and discuss democracy, and what ‘fairness’ means to them, in a question and answer session. I was greeted and given a personal tour of the school by the leaders of the School Council, Morgan Muhwati, 10, and […]
Take part in building a Fairer Oldham
I am delighted the Oldham Fairness Commission (OFC) will host its conference at Mahdlo at 10am on 29th January, which will be open to the public. At the conference, local Commissioners will commit to the OFC recommendations and discuss their draft actions plans to tackle inequalities and build a fairer Oldham. As everyone is welcome, […]
Recent floods; my thoughts and how I will hold the Government to account
Following the devastating effects of Storm Desmond and Eva, which sadly resulted in flooding approximately 16,000 homes in England including Saddleworth in my constituency, I would like to extend my sympathy to all those affected and my gratitude to the emergency services, armed forces and volunteers who rallied round to help afflicted communities over the holiday […]