Author Archives: Ex-staff

An Agenda For Action: Reducing Racial Inequality in Modern Britain


My Foreword to An Agenda For Action: Reducing Racial Inequality in Modern Britain – “Every time I read my name, every time I write my name, every time I hear my name, every time I say my name, I am reminded I am descended from slaves.” That is how one apolitical British Caribbean lady explained to me why Black History Month matters to her. The experience cemented in my mind the vital importance of seeing the other person’s point of […]

My Statement on the UK-Pakistan Returns Agreement


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On Wednesday 17 August 2022, the Home Secretary announced she signed a landmark agreement with Pakistan to return foreign criminals and immigration offenders from the UK to Pakistan.  Please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/priti-patel-signs-landmark-returns-deal-with-pakistan.   The agreement with Pakistan is among a series of Returns Agreements signed by the Home Secretary in fifteen months under the Government’s “New Plan for Immigration” to tackle illegal migration.  For example, in May 2021, the UK-India Partnership Migration Deal was signed.  Please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-and-india-sign-ground-breaking-partnership-migration-deal.   I welcome these agreements […]

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My Statement on the Threatened Closure of High Wycombe’s Driving Test Centre – 27 April 2022


I was extremely disappointed to be informed last week about the threatened closure, once again, of High Wycombe’s Driving Test Centre. Having been through this before, just over a year ago, I remain determined for High Wycombe to maintain driving tests for the thousands of learner drivers in our town. It is essential we have driving tests in High Wycombe, which is why I was thrilled to help secure the lease of the test centre at Cressex Business Park since […]

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Weekly round-up #Working4Wycombe


What I have been up to this week #Working4Wycombe: Met with the International Trade Secretary to make representations on behalf of #Wycombe businesses Heard from #Wycombe GP surgeries about the introduction of link workers to support local people Stood against Islamophobia and raised the contributions of British Muslims in #Wycombe at a debate on Islamophobia Awareness Month in the House of Commons Formally presented a petition to the House of Commons on behalf of the Pine Trees Residents’ Association Raised […]

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The Nationality and Borders Bill: Clause 9


I know people are concerned about Clause 9 in the Nationality and Borders Bill; the full text can be found here: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbill/58-02/0187/210187v1.pdf Or, a summary of the bill can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-and-borders-bill-deprivation-of-citizenship-factsheet/nationality-and-borders-bill-deprivation-of-citizenship-factsheet This summary includes the main reasons for depriving citizenship as well as outlining the changes to the existing powers. In order to protect this country, the Home Secretary has the power to deprive someone of their British citizenship where it would not render them stateless. This is not a new bill and […]

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Weekly round-up #Working4Wycombe


What I have been up to this week #Working4Wycombe: Spoke in a House of Commons debate on Nightclub Safety, focusing on the grave horror of spiking Paid tribute to Bucks Council’s Helping Hand Scheme and implored the Government to equip councils to provide local people with the help they need Spoke to West Wycombe school during their morning assembly and read stories to the children Received a petition from a representative of the Pine Trees Residents’ Association and will present […]

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Weekly round-up #Working4Wycombe


What I have been up to this week #Working4Wycombe: Met with Bucks Fire Authority for an update on their work protecting #Wycombe Met with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to argue for better public services in #Wycombe Celebrated #Diwali, the celebration of light and colour, with my constituents Called on those who are able to donate to Wycombe Homeless Connection’s Winter Appeal, to make sure no one has to sleep rough this winter Met with Dr Evans-Lacko of the […]

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My response to the Lords Amendment to the Environment Bill – 20 October 2021


Thank you for contacting me about the Lords Amendment to the Environment Bill regarding storm overflows and sewage in our rivers. Of course no one wants sewage entering our precious waterways – I certainly do not. I think given the controversy stoked up about this vote, that bears repeating: neither I nor anyone else who cares for our environment approves of sewage entering our rivers. I regret that once again public opinion has been inflamed over a vote on an […]

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Weekly round-up #Working4Wycombe


What I have been up to this week #Working4Wycombe: Broadcasted live on our great radio station ‘Wycombe Sound’ to reflect with Bob Johnson on the exemplary life of Sir David Amess MP Reflected on the huge loss of James Brokenshire MP to his family, friends and the nation Raised concerns about the costs of renewable energy and the importance of ensuring the Government’s energy strategy is transparent and accountable Made a speech in Parliament highlighting the costs of lockdown and […]

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Today’s motion on the renewal of the Coronavirus Act 2020


Today, the House of Commons will vote on whether to renew the remaining temporary provisions of the Coronavirus Act 2020, required every six months under the terms of the Act.   In each renewal vote so far, no amendments have been accepted by the Speaker due to the wording of the motion.   The Coronavirus Act gave the Government sweeping powers to introduce measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic such as closing businesses, schools and restricting gatherings. The powers to do these things under the Coronavirus Act […]