Independent MP for Leicester South.

Leicester, England
Joined April 2012
Leicester isn’t short on ambition. It’s been short-changed on investment. It’s time our city got its fair share.
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Leicester used to be one of the richest cities in Europe as a result of its textile factories. Due to deindustrialisation and offshoring that is no longer the case. Today, while speaking about the need to create manufacturing skills, I stressed the need for government to focus their procurement contract strategy on Leicester Based companies, encouraging investment and stimulating the local economy.
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Leicester used to be one of the richest cities in Europe as a result of its textile factories. Due to deindustrialisation and offshoring that is no longer the case. Today, while speaking about the need to create manufacturing skills, I stressed the need for government to focus their procurement contract strategy on Leicester Based companies, encouraging investment and stimulating the local economy.
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When outdoor play areas are at a premium in urban areas, to find existing ones not functional (like ones in my constituency) is a huge let down for our young people. It is time the government funded playgrounds adequately and I will be applying for a parliamentary debate to scrutinise this matter further.
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The hospitality industry is already on its knees. They don’t need another tax bill. @UKHofficial
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Proud to support @BreastCancerNow for #WearItPink In the UK, someone dies from breast cancer every 45 minutes. Having personally lost a loved one to this disease, I know how deeply it impacts families. In Parliament, I'll continue championing earlier diagnosis, better treatment and stronger patient support.
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The government makes no secret of the fact that further drilling at Jackdaw will not make energy bills go down. The question is then: why do it? Will the government admit it is working on behalf of the energy lobbyists rather than the people who voted it in?
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From family run favourites to new businesses chasing big dreams, Leicester’s small businesses deserve to be celebrated. With the Budget around the corner, I want to champion our local independents and push for the support they need. Give them the recognition they deserve and nominate your local favourites below! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F…
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I am concerned by reports that journalists and civilians were arrested under terrorism legislation while covering a protest outside the Elbit-owned factory in Leicester. With accounts that only 16 of the 35 people arrested under the Terrorism Act were displaying signs described as ‘unlawful’, serious questions must be answered. I have written to Leicestershire Police seeking clarity on the grounds for these arrests and the safeguards protecting press freedom. The public deserves transparency and accountability.
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Our city is full of culture, history and hidden gems, proudly attracting 32.5 million+ visitors last year. So why is Leicester missing from a new East Midlands tourism scheme? If we’re serious about regional growth, Leicester deserves a seat at the table.
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International law without accountability is just words on paper. Privileged to join @FranceskAlbs , UN Special Rapporteur, and parliamentarians to examine Britain’s response to the ongoing occupation and genocide. I will continue demanding real action that protects Palestinian lives and freedom.
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No child should grow up feeling they don’t belong. Yet @childrensociety found over 2 in 5 young people feel out of place in their local area. Listening is the start. Action is what matters. That means investing in safe spaces, strengthening support and giving young people a real say in the decisions that shape their futures.
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No one should be pushed into financial hardship because a benefits system fails to recognise their needs. Yet too many people face delays, inaccurate assessments and decisions that fail to reflect the reality of living with a long-term condition. I met with the @cftrust and @ParkinsonsUK to discuss how we can press the gov't to dismantle these barriers.
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Silence from Leicester’s Reform PCC and county councillors while their party colleague hurls racial slurs at our city. Leicester is vibrant, resilient and has been proudly proving bigots like this wrong for decades.
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To everyone losing faith in politics, I understand your anger. But are these really the people you want running Britain? Reform UK is plauged with racism, sexism and bigotry. Poisonous politics will never deliver the change people are crying out for.
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A Jewish man drawn with grotesque antisemitic features. A Muslim man reduced to a violent caricature. This is what The Telegraph chose to publish. It's not harmless satire, these tropes have a history of fuelling hatred. Solidarity with Mothin Ali and Zack Polanski. There must be accountability.
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If we want politics to work for people, we have to listen to the people keeping our communities going. KHHair do so much more than cut hair. But too often, the sector is being left behind by soaring costs and an apprenticeship system that isn't working. With the next Budget approaching, the Government must back our small businesses and give them the support they need to thrive.
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Every animal deserves a safe place to call home. A pleasure to visit Leicester's @RSPCA_official shelter and see their incredible work to support animals in need. Animal welfare matters. I’ll be taking these priorities back to Parliament.
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Pharmacy First has already proved the value of care closer to home. Independent prescribing could take that even further. But 600+ pharmacy doors closed last year. And many are still being squeezed by rising costs. We cannot ask pharmacies to do more while giving them less. Now is the time for real investment.
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I met with the Minister to discuss the future of fireworks regulation and how we can balance celebration with community consideration and animal welfare. The Government consultation is now open, welcoming views from individuals, businesses and organisations regarding this topic. Have your say here: gov.uk/government/consultati…
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