10 Years in the House of Lords – why technology and inclusion are the golden threads

Exactly 10 years ago today, on 30th October 2013, I was sworn in to the House of Lords as a life peer. As I said in my maiden speech “it’s incredible for someone from my background to have arrived in your Lordships house” and I feel more than a slight sense of disbelief when I …

Bank Closures

On Friday (29 September 2023) Barclays closed three more of it’s branches in Redditch, Bude and Hanover Square London. They are not alone. In recent weeks, HSBC, Lloyds and Halifax have also pulled down the shutters for the last time on branches across the country. Since 2015 nearly 5000 branches have closed and more than …

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 …

The Paralympic Heritage Trust

Paralympic Legacy It is ten years since the London 2012 Paralympic Games and to mark this important anniversary I met with CEO of the Paralympic Heritage Trust, Vicky Hope-Walker, at the Olympic Park. The National Paralympic Heritage Trust was established in July 2015 to protect and share British Paralympic Heritage. The Trust runs a Heritage …

Schools Bill – Special Educational Needs (SEN) & Disabilities Amendments

The Schools Bill is making it’s way through Parliament. The aim of the bill is to “improve the school system” and deals with the regulation of Academies and independent educational institutions, school and local education funding and school attendance. One of the most devastating problems with schools is that they are not delivering the best outcomes for …

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 …

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 …