Policy / campaign enquiry responses

The UK has long led the way on animal welfare. In 2021, the Government's Action Plan for Animal Welfare, set out reforms for this Parliament and beyond.

In February 2023, HM Treasury and the Bank of England published a joint consultation on a UK CBDC. A final decision has not yet been made and will be informed by this consultation and future work.

There has been much debate over the Government’s decision to ban the use of e-collars over recent weeks. I have heard from constituents both strongly in favour and against the decision and wish to clarify the Government’s position.

I have heard from several constituents regarding ticket office closures and I have recently contacted South Eastern railways to seek assurances that their proposals will not disproportionately and adversely affect elderly, disabled, or cash using commuters.

An estimated one million people will be living with dementia by 2025, so research is crucial to understanding the condition and improving outcomes for those affected. I was proud to stand on a manifesto that committed to doubling dementia research funding and finding a cure for dementia.

Onshore wind is a key part of the Government’s strategy for low-cost decarbonisation of the energy sector and it will be integral to achieving net zero by 2050.

Over the summer, I have heard from many of my constituents, who have shared concerns over the Retained EU Law Act. I hope to provide some further background to this and address some of the worries raised.

I have heard from many constituents over the past several weeks who are concerned about delays to the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill.

Audio visual equipment on buses can support a wide range of disabled passengers to feel sufficiently confident to use buses. It enables them to access education, employment and other services, whether or not they are familiar with the route they are travelling.

The theft of a much-loved pet causes emotional trauma and impacts pet owners and families. The Government launched a Pet Theft Taskforce in May 2021 in response to concerns about a perceived increase in pet theft.

I appreciate the strength of feeling around this issue. Around a million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction and the abundance, diversity and connectivity of species is declining faster than at any time in human history.

I take this issue very seriously and I know that my colleagues in the Equalities Office remain committed to tackling conversion therapy in the UK. I am absolutely clear that this practice has no place in civilised society.