I joined colleagues from across both houses to sign a letter urging Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to condemn the sentencing of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong, and to call for his release. A British citizen, Mr Lai has been sentenced for a total of 5 years and 9 months imprisonment. The charges relate to his running of the pro-democracy media organisation Apple Daily. Mr Lai faces further charges which carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and sedition charges. His sentencing is appears to be politically motivated and an attempt to undermine the important work Mr Lai has undertaken to uphold democracy in Hong Kong.

On the 14 December 2022 I voted against a Ten Minute Rule Motion which was bought by a Conservative MP. The motion would have given time for a Bill which allows the Government to ignore some decisions and judgments of the international courts. Fortunately, the Bill was voted down with only 69 voting in favour and 188 voting against.

The Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill follows the publication of the Levelling Up the United Kingdom White Paper, which highlighted disparities across different regions of the UK.

The English Football League and its 72 League Clubs are coming together to launch the ‘Together – Supporting Communities’ initiative during the current cost-of-living crisis. This scheme will provide community services and matchday offers to help families in challenging economic times and contribute towards the Government’s ‘Help for Households’ initiative.

In April 2022, the Elections Act 2022 was passed by Parliament. Within the act were provisions that implemented voter ID, which includes passports, driving licence, photo travel pass from Oyster 60+ and the Voter Authority Certificate. The design of the VAC is the responsibility of the Electoral Commission and will show the elector’s name and photograph, the local authority that issued the VAC, and a unique number.  A public awareness ad campaign will be launched by the Electoral Commission in January 2023. It will run through to local elections in May 2023 (in England). I am concerned about voter ID for a number of reasons.