On Tuesday 12 November 2024 I attended a reception held by Lush to raise awareness of the issue of animal testing in the cosmetics industry.

I was pleased to meet and spoke to Hilary Jones (pictured), Global Ethics Director at Lush, who spoke to me about the issues and the Lush Prize.

As well as leading the industry in creating ethical cosmetic products, Lush campaign for an overall transition away from animal testing, calling for the appointment of a Minister for Human Relevant Science to oversee this.

Founded in 2012, it awards £250,000 annually to initiatives across science and campaigning that work to end or replace animal testing, particularly in the area of toxicology research.

Lush were founded as an ethical company and should be supported following the pandemic.

It was a pleasure to meet the author Richard Osman at the Publishers' Association Winter Gathering at the Terrace Pavilion on Tuesday 12 November 2024.

As Co-Chair of the APPG on Publishing, we heard from our other chair Baroness Gail Rebuck who stressed the importance of reading. There is a worrying decline in children's reading. We were asked support this.

The Chair Perminder Mann of Bonnier Books said publishing is the heartbeat of the industry, books inspire films and films bring new readers.

Richard Osman said the world wants our stories. He also said we need to be wary of unchecked AI.

It was good to celebrate this vital industry.

On Tuesday 12 November 2024, I attended the Licensing and Commissioning service of The Reverend Mark Birch as Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons.

This historic role involves  providing pastoral care for MPs, peers, and staff, and assisting the Speaker in leading key events in the parliamentary calendar, such as the opening of the Constituency Garden of Remembrance, and Christmas Carol services.
Revd Mark said ‘I am looking forward to connecting with Christians and other faith groups within the parliamentary community, while ensuring Parliament’s chapel – St Mary Undercroft - continues to be a quiet and reflective place at the heart of the Palace of Westminster.’ Mark is already familiar with the Chaplain’s role, having taken part in the Speaker’s procession and led prayers in the House of Commons Chamber, in the absence of the previous chaplain -Revd  Tricia Hillas. He has also been involved in services at St Margaret’s Church, which is known fondly by MPs as the ‘parish church of the House of Commons’.

My wreath was laid on my behalf by Albert J Hodgkins at the Bloxwich Memorial on Sunday 10 November 2024. At the Cenotaph in Walsall Town Centre.