2017

On 28 February 2017 I took part in a Fairtrade Break in Parliament which was held to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight, to support farmers and workers from developing countries. The event was hosted by my colleague Holly Lynch MP.

The WoManchester Statue Project launched the designs of the six shortlisted sculptors in Parliament for the Emmeline Pankhurst statue. I met with the sculptors who were each asked to create a 40cm bronze maquette of their design for the statue. In the picture above I am standing with one of the designs by Sean Hedges-Quinn.

On Friday 24 February 2017 I attended the Report Stage and Third Reading of Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP’s Private Member’s Bill – the Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (Ratification of Convention) Bill 2016-17 in Parliament. The Bill successfully passed Third Reading with Ayes: 138 Noes: 1.

Parliament returned after the February Recess and I stood at the Despatch Box at Business Questions where I raised various issues with the Leader of the House, Rt Hon David Lidington MP. My speech is below: