Parliament

Revenge evictions

The Tenancies (Reform) Bill sought to protect tenants against retaliatory eviction – no one should live in fear of eviction every time they ask for basic repairs to their home. It was a travesty that it was talked out by two Conservative MPs in its second reading in Parliament. 

But the idea was recently brought back in the House of Lords, in amendments to the Deregulation Bill.  The Government has accepted the case that a change in law is needed, so it should all go through successfully – good news for tenants and all those campaigning for better rights for renters.

Tax dodging

As news emerged of an alleged tax evasion scheme linked to a Swiss subsidiary of HSBC, MPs debated Tax Avoidance. 

The proposals of charities and campaigning organisations for an anti-tax dodging Bill are very welcome. I led an intervention supporting the idea of country-by-country reporting requirements, which I first proposed in a Private Member’s Bill a few years ago. Such steps could at least have highlighted how dependent HSBC was on Switzerland, and begun to ring alarm bells for the tax authorities at a much earlier stage.

It was called the Tax and Financial Transparency Bill and the details are here: http://www.carolinelucas.com/latest/brighton-mp-steps-up-campaign-against-uks-billion-pound-tax-evasion-crisis 

Companies should not be allowed to 'opt out' of their corporate social responsibilities - UK tax law ought to reflect the principle that dodging tax is wrong, full stop. We need policies with teeth that deliver real change on the ground.

Fracking

I was a top signatory of an amendment to ban fracking under national parks (among others –including a moratorium on all shale gas drilling) and it’s incredibly disappointing that the Government has reneged on its agreement to protect them. 

The Commons was only given an hour to consider and vote on amendments made in the House of Lords to the Infrastructure Bill – likely to be our final chance to amend the Bill before it becomes law. I called for all main parties to allow proper time for debate and votes, but no extra time was allowed. 

It followed a farcical Commons debate on the Bill earlier this month – so little time was given that we weren’t even able to bring the trespass amendment to vote (which means companies will be free to drill under people's homes and land without their permission).

The speed at which the Government is rushing though the Infrastructure Bill makes a mockery of the democratic process. Ministers are doing the dirty work of fracking companies by denying MPs the chance to properly scrutinize the changes.

One Billion Rising

Every Valentine’s Day, we mark the One Billion Rising campaign. I tabled an EDM on an issue I think is hugely important. Currently, when a perpetrator of domestic abuse or sexual violence is sentenced to less than 12 months in prison, it’s not a requirement that a survivor be given the right to be informed of their abuser’s release. I believe every survivor must have the right, if they so choose, to be told when their attackers are freed. You can read my EDM, which has received cross-party backing, here: http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2014-15/799  

Around my constituency

Fairlight School

I got a grilling from budding journalists at Fairlight School – I was so impressed with their questions and excellent follow-ups. They covered a huge range of issues, from my position on fracking, how I first got involved in politics, what the Greens are doing to guarantee clean water in the developing world, what we can do to save endangered species like the white rhino, the merits of school uniform, and the challenge of ensuring English language classes are available for all non-English speakers living in our city.  Then they gave me a ‘quick fire’ quiz at the end, covering everything from my favourite crisp (smoky bacon - nearest a vegetarian can get to meat) and most important piece of advice (follow your dreams).  Radio 4’s John Humphries and Sarah Montague had better look out…

Wistons

In addition to my usual weekly Surgery, I held a roving Surgery this week to listen to constituents’ concerns around intimidatory anti-abortion protests at the Wistons Clinic. It’s essential that women are able to access legal, confidential health services and advice and I’ve called on the Government to bring forward legislation to introduce “buffer zones”outside reproductive health clinics to ensure women are not intimidated or obstructed from accessing treatment.

This certainly isn’t about shutting down debate. It’s about balancing rights, and the right to peaceful protest and free speech can be upheld without infringing upon a woman’s fundamental right to make her own sexual health choices.

Robertson Yard

The arts are incredibly important to Brighton and Hove’s economy and its culture. So it was a pleasure to visit Robertson Yard – a creative studio workshop tucked away near Preston Park. It was founded in 1997 by metal worker Jon Mills. There are currently 14 creatives and their methods range from metalwork, ceramics and textiles, to illustration and painting. I was so inspired by the works on show – there are beautiful pieces and it was fascinating to gain insight into them from the artists themselves, as well as to debate how best to support the arts and craft making.

Food bank visit

According to recent figures from The End Child Poverty campaign, a quarter of children in Brighton and Hove are living in poverty – and 22% in Pavilion. Food bank use has soared across the UK, including in our own city. It was great to catch up with the team at the Brighton & Hove City Mission food bank this week and hear more about their work.

Local charities are working tirelessly to help people facing hunger and do an amazing job, but their work should not be necessary at all. Devastating Government welfare cuts have hit the poor and families with young children the hardest – ordinary people didn’t create the financial crisis, but they’re certainly being punished for it, and I continue to do all I can to oppose the Coalition’s cruel and economically illiterate austerity measures in Parliament. 

Divestment Day

It was great to speak at the University of Sussex to mark the first Global Divestment Day.

I’m proud that the University and the Brighthelm Centre in my consistency are part of the huge global divestment movement of hundreds of institutions, including the British Medical Association.

Last year I called for the divestment of the Parliamentary Pension Scheme from fossil fuels. This week, I also tabled an EDM calling again on the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Scheme to divest, and also to publicly disclose the value currently invested in fossil fuels. Parliament should be leading the way on this issue, not sheepishly lagging behind.

Brighthelm mural competition

I was honoured to be asked to be on the panel to decide the winner of the Brighthelm Centre’s community mural project.

The centre was recently awarded a grant by Community First to install a mural on the side of its building. It wanted to make the process as inclusive of the community as possible, so it ran a competition - anyone could submit a design for the mural, and the theme was community and sustainability.

The centre’s also encouraging the winning artist to involve the local community as they take their design from page to wall.  

Laburnum Grove

I really enjoyed my visit to Laburnum Grove in Hollingdean - it was lovely to chat with the older residents there, and the cake was delicious, too! 

Contacting Me

If you are a local resident and need help with case work or to find out more about my activities locally please do contact me at the office of: Caroline Lucas MP, Brighton Media Centre 15-17 Middle Street, Brighton BN1 1AL. Tel: 01273 201 130. Email: brightonoffice@parliament.uk

I hold regular surgeries across the constituency. If you would like to book an appointment at a forthcoming surgery please call Liz Collis on 01273 201130. She coordinates my constituency office and is able to help with most local enquiries.

If you would like to know about my parliamentary work please get in touch at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. Tel: 020 7219 7025. Email: caroline.lucas.mp@parliament.uk

You can also keep up to date with my news on:

Twitter: @carolinelucas

Facebook: /carolinelucas.page