News

Every year the summer holidays can be a time when children’s reading falters. This year’s Summer Reading Challenge will begin on Saturday 9 July 2022. The Challenge is the UK’s largest free reading for pleasure programme, operating in 95% of public libraries to keep 4-11 year olds reading during the six weeks away from school, which matters more than ever after the pandemic.

On 25 May 2022 I was appointed by letter as a Governor of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 July 2022 I received my induction. As a Governor I scrutinise the strategy, management and performance of WFD and how well it fulfils its mission. 

On Wednesday 6 July 2022 I sat on the Committee for the Plant Health etc. (Miscellaneous Fees) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2022. 

Criminal legal aid barristers are undertaking four weeks of strike action, arguing that cuts to the fees paid to barristers for legal aid work over many years are making it an unsustainable career path. At Justice Questions on Tuesday 5 July 2022 I asked what action the Justice Secretary is taking to resolve the dispute.

The Slavery and Human Trafficking (Definition of a Victim) Regulations came before the House on Monday 4 July 2022.