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 …
Category archives: Diversity and Inclusion
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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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, …
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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 …
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