Helen questions the Home Office Minister on increasing LGBT+ hate crime.

Following the appalling attack on a same sex couple in Camden, I raised vital link between sex and relationships education and preventing LGBT+ hate crime with the Home Office Minister. No one should be persecuted because of their sexuality or gender identity. This hatred has no place in our society and the Government must act to protect LGBT+ people from prejudice and discrimination.

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Helen questions the Immigration Minister on compensation for Windrush citizens

Next week on 22 June we will celebrate Windrush Day, acknowledging with gratitude the immense contribution that the Windrush generation has made and continues to make to the UK. But we cannot forget the shocking injustice that so many members of the Windrush generation suffered at the hands of the Home Office.

Today, I challenged the Immigration Minister on the Home Office Windrush compensation scheme which is too complex and bureaucratic, and isn’t working for those who need it. Windrush citizens urgently need access to independent fully funded legal advice in person to ensure that they receive the compensation they are due.

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Helen speaks in debate about the Divest Parliament campaign

Today, I spoke in support of the Divest Parliament campaign. The Parliamentary Pension Fund continues to invest in companies exploiting fossil fuels and harming the planet. I believe the fund must urgent divest from these corporations and invest in sustainable projects and green industries.

 

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Helen responds to the Government's update on the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission

In responding to the government's update on the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission yesterday a year after Tessa sadly passed away having fought so bravely for others diagnosed with brain cancer, I paid tribute to our much-loved former MP and her amazing legacy.

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Helen speaks in Parliament about the Climate Emergency

Last week in Parliament I met Greta Thunberg, an inspiring 16 year old from Sweden whose message on climate change is a clarion call for our time. I’m also proud of the children from my constituency who have been making their voices heard on climate change. We only have 12 years to act to avoid catastrophic, irreversible climate change.

Today, The Labour Party forced the government to declare a ClimateEmergency an essential step which must now be followed through with urgent action across every government department. 

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Helen speaks in debate on the use of restrictive intervention in schools

Today, I spoke in Parliament about the need for detailed regulations for the use of restrictive intervention in schools. Far too many children with autism, learning difficulties or both are being subject to excessive interventions including physical restraint, isolation and medication. Often this is not discussed with families in advance or following the incident. 

There are already clear guidelines for healthcare and residential settings. However, the Government has yet to publish guidance for schools and other education settings. This was promised in 2014 but has yet to be published. We urgently the Government to introduce clear guidance with a transparent monitoring system to protect vulnerable children from excessive intervention. 

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Helen speaks in Parliament about the housing crisis

Today, I spoke in Parliament about the housing crisis affecting families across the country. The Government are failing, as the coalition did before them, to create housing which we so urgently need. There are currently 1.25 million people on the waiting list for social housing, 123,000 children living in temporary accommodation, and the fact that more than 99% of homes to rent in the private sector in Lambeth and Southwark have rent that is above the local housing allowance cap.

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Helen speak about the lack of support for Windrush Citizens seeking compensation

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Helen speaks about the need for independent advice for Windrush Citizens

Last week the Home Secretary opened the compensation scheme for victims of the Windrush scandal. Following the announcement, the Home Office arranged a meeting in Brixton about the compensation scheme at just a day's notice. This isn't acceptable, as there will be many who need to know about the scheme who won't have been there.

I am concerned that without fully funding independent advice, many who have suffered may be unable to claim or unwilling to approach the Home Office directly. Justice for the Windrush generation requires extensive information and awareness raising, a reasonable burden of proof to access compensation and independent advice. 

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Helen speaks in Parliament about the Revoke Article 50 Debate

Yesterday Parliament debated the petition calling for Article 50 to be revoked, signed by more than 6 million people - more signatories than any other petition to Parliament has received. I spoke on behalf of the 26,000+ residents in Dulwich and West Norwood who signed the petition, and all who are opposed to Brexit, worried about the impacts it will have and would like the opportunity to vote on any proposed Brexit deal, with an option to remain on the ballot.

You can watch my speech here >>

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