Monday began with Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, where I took the opportunity to ask about socioeconomic disparities between the South-East and the rest of the UK and the impact that this has had on the true cost of levelling up, following research conducted by the Resolution Foundation. You can read a transcript of my question here in Hansard or watch it on ParliamentTv
Tuesday began with a Westminster Hall debate to mark the Freedom of Religion or Belief International Conference due to be hosted by the UK at the beginning of July. I made three interventions. Firstly, to highlight the continued genocide of Uyghur Muslims in the People’s Republic of China. Then to question what steps that the international community can make to tackle the oppression of persecuted branches of major religions, such as those effected by Pakistan’s Blasphemy laws. And finally, to ask how we could work with international partners to prevent continuing murders of Christians in Africa, specifically Nigeria. You can read a Transcript of those contributions here, here and here in Hansard and you can watch my contributions here, here and here or the whole debate on ParliamentTv.
On Wednesday, there was another Westminster Hall debate to highlight the anniversary of the Hong Kong handover and the implementation of the controversial National Security Law. I made a speech where I spoke at length about the transference of Hong Kong’s sovereignty to the People’s Republic of China and the detrimental effect that both this and the National Security Law has had on the region. You may read a transcript of my statement here in Hansard, or watch my contribution and the whole debate here on ParliamentTv.
Thursday was a busy day, beginning with Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Transport. A number of constituents and organisations have contacted my office about the expansion of the use of e-scooters and the effect this will have on those with sight loss. I took the chance to ask about the potential risks of legalising e-scooters and how trials across England will impact Scotland, given that no assessments have taken place there yet. You can read a transcript of my questions here and here in Hansard or watch it on ParliamentTv.
Weekly Business Questions followed and here I took the opportunity to raise concerns about continued delays and lack of response by the Home Office in processing non-Ukraine urgent visa applications, specifically highlighting a case where an individual has been waiting five years for their documents. You can see my contribution here in Hansard or watch it on ParliamentTv.
Later that morning there was a Ministerial Statement from the Minister of State, Paul Scully MP, regarding the Post Office Horizon scandal and the subsequent compensation scheme. I asked about how confidence could be restored in Post Offices following the scandal in order to ensure the continuation of vital services for communities. You can read a transcript of my question here in Hansard or watch it on ParliamentTV.