Force MPs to debate our drug laws – SIGN THE E-PETITION NOW!

The UK’s drug laws aren’t working, and Brighton and Hove is still disproportionately affected - despite some positive progress we still have one of the highest levels of drug-related death in the country.

Nationally, the Government is spending around £3 billion a year as a result of drugs policies that are often self-defeating.  We need an urgent re-think.   My E-petition calls for an independent review of the 1971 Misuse Of Drugs Act, so we can pursue a more effective policy in future.  If we get 100,000 signatures we can force a debate in parliament.

It expires on Feb 15^th, so there’s not much time.  If you haven’t already done so, please sign the petition now, and encourage everyone you know to do so too.

In Brighton and Hove there has been a concerted effort to roll out training to administer Naloxone, which reverses the effects of opiate overdose. It’s already saving lives and is credited as one of the reasons that the drug related deaths figures in the city have declined over the last couple of years.  I’ve written to the Department of Health calling for measures to allow the drug to be more widely available to trained people such as hostel staff so that they can more effectively intervene in an overdose case.

Community Energy – and the PM coming to Brighton?

Projects such as the Brighton Energy Co-operative provide a glimpse of an incredibly positive alternative energy future, where people are active producers and not just passive consumers.  At Prime Minister’s Questions, I challenged David Cameron to see first hand the work of BEC as an example of the potential of community energy.    He suggested he’ll take me up on the offer, though sadly went on to come out with yet more pro-fracking rhetoric!  And sadly in its long-awaited community energy strategy, the Government set out small steps towards that future at a time when we need giant leaps.

Immigration Bill

On Thursday, I spoke out against the Government’s Immigration Bill  - a miserable, cruel and counterproductive piece of legislation which many constituents have asked me to oppose.  I supported amendments to the Bill to make our immigration system fairer and more accountable, but voted against the last-minute Government amendment  to strip foreign-born terror suspects of UK citizenship, effectively rendering them stateless.  As the human rights organisation Liberty has said, “where suspicions exist, public safety is best served by criminal investigations, not trampling on due process and trashing our reputation on the global stage.”

Freedom of Speech

I’ve tabled an Early Day Motion raising concerns about the Terrorism Act, which has been used to detain journalists.  The motion calls for an urgent review of the way the act is applied, so we can be confident that it’s being used to protect – not to intimidate or persecute.

Holocaust Memorial Day

Last Monday was Holocaust Memorial Day.   As well as remembering those who suffered, those who died, and those who survived the Holocaust, the day provided an opportunity for communities to reflect on ways to combat racism and persecution today.  Beforehand, I signed the book of Commitment in the House of Commons,  and an Early Day Motion calling on other MPs to observe the day, so that the appalling events of the Holocaust are always understood by future generations.

Syria

Many  constituents have contacted me about the humanitarian crisis in Syria.    On Wednesday the Home Secretary announced  measures to provide emergency sanctuary in the UK for 500 displaced Syrians.    In the parliamentary debate on the issue, I welcomed this small change of heart but questioned why the numbers being discussed are so tiny, and raised particular concerns about LGBTI people who’ve been particularly subject to persecution

Great News for people living with muscular dystrophy

For several months now, I’ve been raising concerns about the long-term future of the neuromuscular care co-ordinator post for the South-East Coast, which provides a range of practical and emotional support for people affected by muscle-wasting conditions.   I’m delighted to say that last week I received the l news via a written answer from the health minister Norman Lamb, that long-term funding for the post has been secured.

Women and Girls

It was great to meet Julie Bentley of GirlGuiding UK.  They recently signed up to the No More Page 3 campaign, and have done some great work on personal, social, and health education in schools.  I hope we can continue working together in future.

Farmageddon

I spoke at the parliamentary launch of ‘Farmageddon’, a new book co-authored by the Chief Executive of Compassion in World Farming Philip Lymbery.  It’s an excellent investigation of farming practices across the world, and presents a powerful case for changes to our current models of food production.

Out and about in the constituency

Over 100 years ago, Grace Eyre changed the way people think about learning difficulties.  Her legacy  is still very much alive: on Friday, I visited the Grace Eyre charity in Hove, which provides a range of opportunities for people with learning difficulties – helping them develop practical and social skills, as well as enjoy activities from knitting to swimming and ten-pin bowling.  I also very much enjoyed talking to the Varndean College Politics Society about democracy, and to members of the Clifton Montpelier Powis Community Alliance, with whom I discussed a range of local concerns.  And I was sorry that I was only able to attend the wonderful Emmaus ‘Uprising of Kindness’ event  – a celebration of Abbe Pierre’s famous speech about homelessness -  via a video message. 

Contacting Me

If you are a local resident and want help with case work or to find out more about my activities locally please 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 want 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 want 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