Dear Friend, 

70 years of the Refugee Convention

This week marks 70 years since the UK and many other countries signed the UN Refugee Convention - promising to offer protection to those fleeing persecution and to save lives. That promise is just as important today as it was 70 years ago as some of the world's most vulnerable - innocent families and children - are still fleeing for their lives and driven from their homes. Many leave their loved ones with little more than the clothes on their back and their hopes and dreams of a safe and secure future. 

And despite that commitment, this Conservative Government continues to row back on our promises, erode the very values that make us who we are as a nation and turns its back on the desperate in their darkest hour. The Tories' hateful Nationality and Borders Bill last week was a further, shameful demonstration of that. 

Reflecting on our commitment 70 years later - had the Borders Bill come 70 years earlier, what would it have meant for the Kindertransport that provided safe haven for Jewish children fleeing the horrors of Nazi Germany? It would have turned their back on them, just like this Bill will do now to children fleeing brutality in Tigray or Yemen.

I welcome the stranger, champion the values of an embracing nation which protects the most vulnerable and I stand with refugees.

Here's an update on what I've been up to in Parliament and Cardiff North over the last couple of weeks.  Parliament may be in recess now, but I want to assure you that my team and I are still here for you if you need any assistance. Please do not hesitate get in touch with me on [email protected].

With very best wishes,

Last week the Tories' hateful Nationality and Borders Bill came to Parliament. The Bill wasn't about improving legislation, it was a mechanism to stir up resentment, fear and division. Innocent families and children are fleeing for their lives, driven from their homes with little more than their clothes on their back and their hopes and dreams of a secure future. 

But this Conservative Government is saying: "We don't care!". 

The Bill seeks to criminalise refugees and the organisations that save their lives at sea. But refugees are not criminals and seeking a safe haven is not a crime. I opposed this extension of the Government’s hate-filled culture war. 

To read my full statement on why I voted against the Bill, click the link below.

The Conservatives recently voted to cut international aid. Labour opposed his shameful attempt by the Conservative Government to turn its back on the world’s poorest during a pandemic, a climate emergency and intensifying conflict. However, I am bitterly disappointed that the motion passed, approving the Government’s decision to slash UK aid by £4bn.

The Government’s weaselling out of its commitments will mean lifelines slashed, lives lost, more children going hungry, less girls educated, vulnerable communities left unvaccinated and the UK less safe.

The UK Government’s promise to return to 0.7% is as hollow as it is false. The Chancellor’s economic criteria will lead to an indefinite cut as conditions to return to 0.7% may not be met for decades to come. And they know it. Labour fought to make good on Boris Johnson’s shameful retreat from the world stage, to create a more stable world and to save lives.