News Archive

November marked the centenary of women first standing in Parliament. I was the 275th female MP to be elected to Parliament in 2005.

The 209 Women in Parliament exhibition, currently on display in Portcullis House until February, showcases portraits of the 209 female MPs currently elected into Parliament. My photograph…

I visited local mental health arts charity ‘Studio Upstairs’. The Hackney-based charity runs art therapy sessions which support people with mental illness to explore their creativity. It’s celebrating its 30-year anniversary in December.

I visited Berger Primary School to judge the pupils Voice Box entries. Voice Box is a national joke competition run by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, created to raise awareness of the importance of key communication skills.

The House of Commons and the House of Lords have both appointed members to a joint Committee to scrutinise the Draft Parliamentary Buildings (Restoration and Renewal) Bill. I am one of the 12 members of the Committee.

A major refurbishment of the Palace of Westminster is needed to protect and…

Last week I visited Blue Hut Youth Centre to listen to young people in Hackney talk about their fears, worries and aspirations. 

A big concern of the young girls was youth violence and knife crime in London, they talked about how they want the Government to listen to younger generations and…