My Sunday Telegraph article: Veterans Deserve Lifetime of Help
Marine A contravened the Geneva Convention, yet so few people in authority truly understand what war can do to a person
The sentencing of Sgt Alexander Blackman, aka Marine A, has focused attention on the way the criminal-justice system and courts-martial process deal with serving and former members of the Armed Forces. There is no doubt that Sgt Blackman’s actions directly contravened the Geneva Convention – and given that what makes us different from our enemies is that we have rules, and follow them, it’s right that he faced the consequences.
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January 06, 2014
The Government should support “Eve’s Law”
A fortnight ago, Eve Thomas, a woman who was subjected to over 20 years of abuse at the hands of her partner, made the journey to London to talk to me about "Eve's Law".
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December 17, 2013
Huffington Post Article: More needs to be done to tackle Domestic Violence
Last week, on the UN's International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Government announced a new initiative in "Clare's Law".
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December 02, 2013
My evidence as Shadow Victims Minister to the APPG on Domestic Violence
Thank you to Women’s Aid and the All Party Parliamentary Group on Domestic and Sexual Violence for establishing an enquiry into this important issue, and the continued work that is done to tackle these appalling crimes.
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November 27, 2013
The House Magazine article: Remembrance of things past
As we look forward to beginning the centenary commemorations of WW1 next year, there will be those who say we should seek to understand the fundamental question of why Britain went to war in the first instance.
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November 21, 2013
Government 'slap in the face' to South Yorkshire’s innocent victims of crime
Government plans to distribute money for victims and witnesses will see South Yorkshire short-changed by almost £150,000.
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November 19, 2013
There has been coverage in the media recently about MPs and their expenses.
Some newspapers have published details of claims made by MPs for energy bills. In my case this referred to the accommodation I rent in London.
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November 13, 2013
Remembrance message 2013
The period of Remembrance gives us a collective focal point to remember.
To remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice – those who lost their lives so that we can enjoy our freedom. It’s as important today as ever it was before.
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November 09, 2013
Parliamentary speech about plain cigarette packaging
On Thursday 7th November 2013, I spoke in a debate in the House of Commons about plain cigarette packaging. This speech can also be read here.
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November 08, 2013
Parliamentary debate about commemorations for the 100th year anniversary of WWI
On Thursday 7th November 2013 I led the debate for the Opposition about the commemorations for the 100th anniversary of World War One. Below is the transcript of the transcript of my contribution, which can also be read here.
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November 08, 2013