Here’s a summary of my work for Brighton Pavilion locally and in Parliament from March 12 – March 19. As usual, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need my help with anything.

In Parliament

Unicef Reception

As a UNICEF Parliamentary Champion, I was invited to the launch of UNICEF’s new campaign ‘Children in Danger’, which I’m proud to support. We heard a powerful speech from Michael Sheen who was able to share some of his experiences from his trips to Chad and Lebanon.

The campaign calls for all UK political parties to make a global commitment to keeping children safe, particularly as world leaders will agree new global goals on international development in September. It is vital that these goals include strong commitments to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and violence against children. 

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International Women’s Day

In celebration of International Women’s Day, I was joined by Alice from Vardean College in Parliament for the day. Alice toured Downing Street, stopped by my Parliamentary office to see some of the work we do on a daily basis and attended a reception at the Speaker’s House. She also attended a debate on ending violence against women and girls. You can see the contribution I made to that debate here. I hope Alice had an interesting day and was able to learn more about how Parliament works.

Sustainability in the NHS

The Environmental Audit Committee, of which I’m a member, is carrying out an inquiry into sustainability in the NHS. During an oral evidence session, one of my questions was about the Unhealthy Investments report, which calls for health organisations to divest from the fossil fuel companies, because of the serious health threat posed by unmitigated climate change. We also heard about how sustainability offers opportunities for the NHS to spend, consume and behave in ways which result in a more efficient service, healthier working and living conditions and, in the longer term, a healthier population.

NHS Bill, demo and questions – a little more info

Just after Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, I was proud to present the National Health Service Bill which was the culmination of months of hard work by many people.  The Bill has important cross-party support across the backbenches, including from key lib-dem NHS rebels.  There was a demo in support of the Bill just before PMQ, where I managed to question David Cameron about why he is wasting an estimated £10bn a year on market structures in the NHS.  I wrote an article for the Guardian explaining that the NHS is teetering on the brink of privatisation and why we need #NHSBill2015 to save it.

Standing up for the Hunting Act and against animal cruelty

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement that the Conservatives would repeal the Hunting Act, I strongly opposed this in a question to the Secretary of State of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs last week. I also called for the Hunting Act to be strengthened and properly enforced. Whilst hare coursing is illegal, it still takes place, and we need a ‘closed season’ on hare shooting so that pregnant hares and weaning mothers aren’t killed. There’s an incredibly strong case for a ban on driven grouse shooting too - please add your name to the petition by the end of this month if you agree.

Saving tropical rainforests

I was delighted to host the parliamentary launch of a new network of global conservation organisations and scientists working to protect primary forests, called IntAct. New studies confirm that primary forests provide unique and essential benefits – in terms of biodiversity, water and a safe climate, and just as crucially, in terms of social benefits and sustainable development. IntAct will be looking at ways of protecting these remaining primary forests. This follows on from my work earlier in this Parliament to end illegal logging.

What they never told you about Parliament and how it should be put right…

I joined Michael Meacher, Zac Goldsmith, Speaker John Bercow and other MPs to launch the booklet to which I contributed - What they never told you about Parliament and how it should be put right. For anyone who’s been following the BBC Documentary Inside the Commons I’d like to assure you that there are MPs trying to modernise the place and make it more accountable and transparent.  I’ve long been campaigning to ensure MPs know what they are voting on and to reduce the stranglehold of the Whips on our representatives.

Around my Constituency

Whalefest!

I spoke at the hugely inspiring Whalefest 2015, which took place in the Brighton Centre, in support of the campaign to end the plight of whales, dolphins and porpoises in captivity, and visited the whale graveyard on the beach.  I also took part in an 'Animal Protection' Question Time debate with Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative politicians and was delighted that the Green Party was voted by the audience to have the best animal protection policies.  

Women’s History Festival

I was honoured to give the opening words at Brighton’s first ever Women’s History Festival. Held at the Brighthelm Centre, it was a free festival of talks, workshops, guided walks and exhibitions and I left feeling so inspired. In Parliament I’m constantly humbled to think of those who went before me, who sacrificed so much for future generations of women. We’ve a way still to go to full equality – and there’s a great deal we can learn from their words and actions. Thanks to all who organised this event and came along – really looking forward to the next one.

Art of Noise – Revolution 10

On Wednesday, I hosted Brighton-based artist Joseph Young (AKA Guiseppe Marinetti) in Parliament for a showcase of his new artwork entitled Revolution #10. Revolution #10 is a radical sound installation and performance piece, which, in the run up to the General Election, expresses the hopes and fears of the public for the next five years. Participants were recorded answering three questions on democracy, which were then combined into a sound installation. The piece culminates with Joseph making a political acceptance speech composed entirely of quotes gathered during the interviews. It’s a truly fascinating and wonderful piece of artwork, and you can find out more about it here. 

Varndean College

I went along to speak at the weekly meeting the Politics Society at Varndean College holds. It was an opportunity to talk about my work in Parliament and take part in a Q&A session – it was great to take part and I was impressed by the wide-range of questions asked.

Impact of Further Education cuts

While I was at Varndean College I met with the Heads of 6^th form colleges in the city. They told me about the concerns they have about the cut in adult funding in Further Education by 24%. I will be taking this up in Parliament.

Relate

I visited the relationship support charity Relate to hear about the fantastic work they do in the city. I was impressed by the broad range of their work - not just marriage counselling, but support and help with any relationship pressures or breakdown.

St Paul’s School

I popped into St Paul’s CE Primary and Nursery School and had a Q&A session with the school council and the equalities ambassadors group. I also heard more about the type of work they’ve been doing in their morning activity sessions – including looking at the Magna Carta and what it means in relation to democracy.

Soundcity

I went along to hear more about Soundcity. I was really impressed by the great work they’re doing with young people in Brighton and Hove to encourage and develop an interest and passion in music.