Black Cab Access to Bank Junction

Councillors have voted to allow taxi access to Bank Junction in the City of London for the first time in seven years. The current rules were introduced in 2017 and restrict access to buses, cyclists and pedestrians only during weekdays. I have long argued that black cabs are essential public transport for many disabled people …

Assistive Technology: Support for Special Educational Needs

I was delighted to speak in a special House of Lords debate on what assessment His Majesty’s Government has made of the use of assistive technology to support those with special educational needs (SEN). This is a hugely important topic and one very close to my heart. As I said during the debate: I have …

Financial Services and Markets Bill: Access to Cash and Digital Financial Services Amendments

We are currently in Committee Stage of the Financial Services and Markets Bill in the House of Lords – examining this important legislation clause by clause, line by line, debating the principles, highlighting concerns and suggesting changes. On the seventh day of this process (7th March 2023) I introduced four amendments, all with the intention …

10 Years since London 2012 Paralympic Games

10 years ago, we were in the midst of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.  No one had known how it would go. The names that were to become household names, the Great British success’ celebrated, most of all, the attitude-altering, opportunity-creating phenomena that it became. Opening Ceremony There were some serious hints in the opening …

UK Infrastructure Bank Bill – Levelling Up and Inclusion 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. It’s an …

COP 26: Disabled Access – Question

Chris tabled an oral question – “to ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to undertake an inquiry into the reasons why the COP26 summit venue did not provide equal access for people with disabilities; and what steps they are taking to ensure that similar events in future are accessible to all.” In his …