If you had predicted on the morning after the 2024 General Election that the political landscape of April 2026 would look like a fragmented kaleidoscope, most Westminster observers would have suggested a lie-down and a strong cup of tea. Yet, here we
On Tuesday last week the Supreme Court of the British Indian Ocean Territory blocked the attempt of the UK Government to remove Chagossian First Minister, Misley Mandarin, and five other Chagossians from the Chagos Island, Pero Banhos. The Chagossians were forcibly removed
Radiation exposure, that has caused decades of suffering and unimaginable loss for our servicemen, their families, and indigenous communities, during Britain’s nuclear testing programme in the 1950s and 60s may yet stand as one of the gravest state injustices of our time.
Every day, as a Member of Parliament I am contacted by constituents facing urgent and often deeply personal challenges. Some are about local services, others about health or family crises, and each one is a reminder of the real lives behind the
When we talk about women’s safety, the focus is often on policing, criminal justice, or individual behaviour. But one of the most important factors is often overlooked: the way our towns, villages and public spaces are designed in the first place. Planning
Last week I led a debate on a matter of profound importance to thousands of people across the country, including many in my constituency of South Devon. And that issue is coastal erosion – or more specifically, what happens when human-built infrastructure,
In the 1930s, 169 lidos were built by local councils across England, especially in the south where the sun was more likely to shine. They were a manifestation of robust municipalism, and the view that local government should provide a range of
We have all heard the narrative. “She got pregnant to trap him.” “She’s after his money.” “No wonder he doesn’t want anything to do with her.” That was the story I heard on repeat when I was impregnated as a child. If
There is an emerging scandal in our country. Endometriosis is a chronic illness which causes many women debilitating pain, agony and trauma, yet access to the specialist services needed to diagnose and treat it properly are out of reach. Alongside incredible women
Like so much else in life, our railway stations and the services they offer can be described in romantic and poetic language – but also in a more prosaic, business-like way. Railway stations – said novelist E.M. Forster – ‘are our gates
The late-night vote on 18 March to back the decriminalisation of mothers who abort their babies at any stage of gestation has left many reeling. Like many of those outraged by this decision, I am not against abortion in all circumstances. But
Last week I held a debate in Parliament on community ownership and social enterprise and put direct questions to the Government – if we want to revive the towns left behind by deindustrialisation, we must start by supporting people in our communities
