Parliament
Ending tax dodging
Successive governments have failed to take concrete action despite talking tough on tax dodging. Last week I was pleased to work with 38 degrees on an amendment to the Finance Bill which was designed to close something called the Mayfair loophole. This loophole is government-sponsored tax avoidance, and it’s estimated that it’s losing us up to £700 million a year. None of the bigger parties would be drawn on whether they’d support the amendment, so I’ve joined 38 degrees in calling on all the parties to commit to taking the action they should have taken long ago. Closing this loophole is the right and fair thing to do and I was lobbied by hundreds of constituents this week in support of my amendment. Although it didn’t get voted on, mainly because the entire Finance Bill had to be debated in just one day, every MP was talking about the Mayfair Loophole and I want to thank everyone who helped raise MPs awareness of this example of tax dodging.
I did manage to raise the subject very briefly in relation to timetabling of the Finance Bill, see here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm150325/debtext/150325-0003.htm#150325-0003.htm_spnew80
Prime Minister’s Questions
I was chosen in last week’s ballot for Prime Minister’s Questions and was pleased to extract a promise from David Cameron that he would look again at the disgraceful lack of compensation paid to passengers affected by delays, cancellations and generally poor services on our railways. These problems have been compounded in recent months by the work upgrading London Bridge train station and I’ve asked Ministers and the train operating companies time and again to make sure passengers are fairly compensated when trains are late or cancelled. Their standard response is to refer to the delay/repay scheme but that scheme is a joke. The Brighton Argus recently revealed that, in the space of a single month, nearly 1,700 trains between Brighton and London Victoria ran late, but, to add insult to injury, unfair train company rules meant that passengers could claim compensation on just 59 of those 1,700 journeys. The Prime Minister agreed to look into this and I intend to keep up the pressure for a fair scheme.
You can see my question and his reply here.
NHS
It was great to be part of a pre-election event hosted by by Sussex Defend the NHS and Keep Our NHS Public in Brighton. I was able to talk about the importance of ending privatisation in the health service and explain why the NHS Reinstatement Bill, which I have tabled in Parliament, is the best way to protect the NHS from more of the so called “reforms” that have been introduced by previous governments.
International Development
This photo celebrates the huge achievement of so many people in passing the 0.7% Aid Bill, which received Royal Assent last week.
Well done to everyone that was part of the Turn Up Save Lives campaign, especially all the constituents who lobbied me about it.
Environment
With the general election drawing closer, I took part in a national environment hustings organised by Green Alliance. I was able to set out my distinctive position on fracking, the importance of a Nature and Wellbeing Act, the need to keep most fossil fuels in the ground and my campaign to divest the parliamentary pension scheme. I pushed the other parties for much stronger policies on home grown renewables and home energy efficiency, to end the cold homes crisis and as the only long term solution to high energy bills. I also talked about why I think the environment should be central to decision making across the whole of government.
Young People
I was on a panel made up of cross party MPs to talk with young people about their experiences of racism, integration and immigration in Britain today. Hosted by the Daily Mirror and British Future, we explored issues around identity and young people’s involvement in democracy.
I spoke to students at BHASVIC about the right to vote and was interviewed by the Big Issue about what advice I’d give to my 16 year old self. You’ll have to buy the magazine to find out what I said….
Animal Protection
Lots of constituents have lobbied me this year about the over use of antibiotics in farming and the damaging effects for both human health and animal welfare. Compassion in World Farming held an event in Parliament to highlight the problem and I was one of those speaking. Two out of every three farm animals in the world are now factory farmed and I used the opportunity to call for a legislative framework that is concerned with the replacement of the crowded and stressful conditions of factory farms in favour of extensive and free-range systems that protect animals’ health without the frequent use of drugs.
I was delighted to officially open Vegfest in Brighton at the weekend. The event is aimed at anyone interested in exploring the benefits of a plant based diet and attracts huge numbers of visitors and exhibitors to the city.
Around my constituency
Highlights this last week have included joining a special day of activity organised by Grace Eyre; Brighton and Hove Speak Out, Mencap, Southdowns Housing and others, designed for people with learning disabilities who want to know more about being an MP and elections. There were representatives from all the political parties present and I answered questions on better services for people with learning difficulties, the challenge of autism and the role of special schools.
I held my usual surgery for constituents needing help and advice, and also fitted in a special appointment with constituents campaigning for a Tax Dodging Bill in the next Parliament. I am backing this campaign and am pleased to have already tabled a Bill that's very like the one being promoted.
It was lovely to take part in a Memorial Hall event in Patcham where I was invited to read my Letter to an Unknown Soldier, written to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War.
Several local colleges have been in touch recently to share concerns about the impact of the Home Office’s new policy on language tests for students. I’ve lobbied Ministers about the impact of immigration policy on local colleges and remain unimpressed by the disproportionate approach taken by the Home Office, so have written again to the Immigration Minister. I also hosted members of the Brighton Dialogue Society for tea in Parliament.
Getting in touch
Whilst parliament is suspended for the period of the general election, please use the following email address to get hold of me: caroline.lucas@greenparty.org.uk
If you need urgent assistance and live in Brighton Pavilion please call 01273 201 130 and leave your name and telephone number. Your call will be returned shortly.
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
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