Dear Friend, 

Breaking the Bias this International Women's Day 

Each year we celebrate International Women's Day, our achievements and hard-won rights. And each year we're reminded by just how much further we've got to go in our struggle for equality and a safer society for women and girls.

Last week, I was incredibly proud to stand at the despatch box on International Women's Day, advocating on behalf of the incredibly brave women who've shared their experiences of abuse, being let down by the criminal justice system and the deep-rooted inequalities underpinning it all. 

It's those brave women who gave me the courage to speak out too. I hope in sharing my own experiences, it can help break the stigma of abuse and embolden others to take the first step too.

With very best wishes,

There is strength in exposing your vulnerability and pain. Many won’t understand what it does take to leave that kind of relationship or why you stay for so long. Being able to talk about it now without fear or shame is as important as it is liberating. Click above to watch my speech.

It was incredibly moving last week to witness President Zelensky's address to Parliament - a true defender of freedom and democracy and a true leader. The response from the House was clear: We stand steadfast in solidarity with Ukraine.

With each passing day comes more despicable Russian attacks and distressing reports of the humanitarian situation on the ground. Thousands are desperately fleeing Ukraine- women and children leaving their brothers, sons and fathers behind to fight. Yet instead of creating an effective emergency response, the Home Office under Priti Patel's leadership continues with the bureaucratic hurdles that is preventing refugees getting to safety.

Every change announced to ease entry requirements has been due to pressure from Labour, but it shouldn't take getting hauled into the Commons for Patel to change her mind. This is a crisis that will not wait and if Patel cannot get this sorted, she should hand over the job to someone who can.

The UK Government has let the cost of living crisis spiral since September - too concerned with saving their own skin than with supporting struggling families. The upcoming tax hike on top of sky rocketing prices will hit families hard. This week we've seen families are set to be hit by an annual rise of £400 in petrol costs. The Chancellor must halt the hike and back our plan for a one-off windfall tax on oil and gas producers to cut household bills by up to £600.