2022 October

HM Opposition used the Opposition Day Debate on 19 October 2022 to put forward a motion criticising the Government’s mini budget. I voted to support the motion, which was passed, Ayes: 223, Noes: 0.

Westminster Eye Health Day saw the launch of “The Eyes Have It” partnership who held a drop-in event in Parliament. The event was hosted by my colleague Marsha De Cordova MP.

The Public Order Bill seeks to provide the police with new powers to tackle protests. The Bill had its Third Reading in the House on Tuesday 18 October 2022. 

I joined my colleague Flick Drummond MP to ask the Backbench Business Committee to give time for a backbench debate on the situation in Yemen. The Backbench Business Committee comprises 7 MPs and allows backbenchers the opportunities to bring forward debates on a topic of their choice. 

At Department of Justice Oral Questions on Tuesday 18 October 2022, I asked the Secretary of State for Justice about an increase in fees for solicitors working in the criminal justice system.  The Government recently reached an agreement with barristers to end their strike, which includes a 15% fee increase but are only offering solicitors a fees increase of 9%. This falls below inflation and will not make up for years of underfunding that the system has faced.