UK Infrastructure Bank Bill – Environmental Amendments

The UK Infrastructure Bank Bill is making it’s way through Parliament. The aim of the bill is to place the UK Infrastructure Bank (currently operating on an interim basis) on a statutory footing. The purpose of the bank is to invest in infrastructure that will tackle climate change and support regional and local economic growth. …

AI Policy Debated in House of Lords

I was delighted to take part in a debate in the House of Lords highlighting the work of our Select Committee on AI. Our original report, AI in the UK: ready, willing and able?, was published in 2018 and made a large number of recommendations to the government. A follow up report was published in …

What does the Schools Bill offer for disabled students?

On Monday (23 May 2022) the Schools Bill had it’s second reading in the House of Lords. This was the first time myself and colleagues had an opportunity to discuss the Bill in detail and ask the Government any questions. Stats, chat and a question I wanted to draw attention to the educational attainment gap …

Elections Bill Amendments: Accessibility, Inclusivity, Independence and Secrecy

The Elections Bill has just passed, including my amendments which will enable blind voters to vote independently and secretly. Tonight, Monday 25th April, the Elections Bill passed its final stage, Third Reading, in the House of Lords.  The Bill will soon receive Royal Assent and pass into law.   Until now, for so many citizens, …

UK Fintech Week Round Up

What a brilliant and busy week celebrating UK Fintech. As the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen MP, said on Monday “fintech is punching higher and harder”. In his speech he also highlighted progress one year on from the Kalifa Review and I’m particularly delighted that Ron Kalifa himself is chairing the Steering Group …

Blockchain APPG Evidence Meeting – Government, Democracy and Voting

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Blockchain held an evidence session considering how distributed ledger technologies (DLT) could support democracy. Chaired by Martin Docherty-Hughes MP, I was delighted to join the discussion and sit on a virtual panel alongside other witnesses: Dr. Luke Riley, Head of R&D, Quant Network Dr. Robert Herian, Associate Professor of …

Report into Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

Report published I am, today (Wednesday 9th March 2022), publishing a report into the Disabled Students’ Allowance. What is DSA and is it working? As the name suggests DSA is a scheme to support students with a disability to thrive in higher education. It’s a gem of a policy and when it works well, it …

Beijing 2022 Paralympics: Day 4

A day of impressive finishes and close comebacks for Paralympics GB in the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics. Day 4 in Beijing saw two sports out on the snow and ice. Our Para Nordic skiers competed in the Biathlon, while our Wheelchair Curlers were back at the Ice Cube for their latest matches in the round …

Beijing 2022 Paralympic Games: Day 3

Another action-packed day saw Paralympics GB add two more medals to their tally, taking their total to five after just three days – Incredible! There were also massive performances away from the ski slopes, including a best ever result in Para Snowboard for Paralympics GB and a huge win for our Wheelchair Curlers. Another day, …