Policy / campaign enquiry responses

At the start of the pandemic, extraordinary measures were put in place to help vulnerable children, including extending free school meals when schools were partially closed.

Half a century ago, the Equal Pay Act 1970 enshrined the principle of equal pay for equal work in statute. It was a landmark piece of legislation that provided fairer contractual terms for women and also recognised the equally important contribution of women in the workplace.

I share the concern of many about the impact the coronavirus outbreak will have had on children and young people's mental health.

Shelter's ‘Building Our Way Out’ report and the ‘New Homes Rescue Fund’ raises many important points about our economic recovery, the challenges faced by tenants and the need for further investment in housebuilding across the country.

Exit payments can be important to an employee’s ability to adapt to new circumstances and provide vital financial support to individuals as they search for a new job. It is right public servants are given financial security, but this should be in a manner that is fair.

Mental health services for children and young people is a vital aspect of our public health strategy and it is incredibly important to protect and support the health of children and young people in our society.

I receive correspondence from time to time about making a VAT exemption for sunscreen products on public health grounds.  Clearly it is important for us all to be aware of the dangers of too much sun exposure and the risk of melanoma skin cancer, but not all sunscreen products are recognised as h

Crossing the Channel is extremely dangerous, and no one wants to see loss of life or a tragedy occur, particularly when there are children on the boats.

The culling of badgers in England has led to a significant reduction in TB in cattle, but we must find other ways to manage this problem.

Online gambling has been the subject of much concern in recent years, but I know that decisive action is being taken in this area.

I receive regular letters from constituents who are worried about the protection of birds of prey in this beautiful and very rural constituency, citing the local Hen Harrier population in particular.  There is also concern about the related issue of the management of driven grouse shooting.

I completely understand concerns about the Coronavirus Act. It is not legislation which any parliamentarian would relish supporting, but it is important as we continue our local and national effort against Coronavirus.