I attended a Parliamentary drop-in session on 19 March 2025, organised by The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) who are an independent non-ministerial government department accountable to Parliament. the ORR  protect the interests of rail users, overseeing the value and performance of rail infrastructure and the health and safety of the rail industry across Great Britain. They also hold National Highways to account for its management of motorways and A roads in England.

I raised the issue of step free access at Bescot Stadium Station. Having had meetings with Ministers and written numerous letters to network Rail, the Walsall Football Supporters and I met with Network Rail who promised a solution in November 2023. They said they would have the solution in 6 months, by April 2024  but at a recent meeting Network Rail referred me back to the West Midlands Combined Authority Mayor.  

The Access for all fund is under review by this Government with the announcement being made in a response to a Westminster Hall debate on 18 March 2025. AfA has a 5 year cycle and if stations are no allocated within that cycle they have to wait for another 5 years. There is another fund the City Region Sustainable transport fund which is only available in 2027. 

In the meantime people with disabilities and those with pushchairs or even suitcases who use Bescot Stadium Station have to struggle with the lack of accessibility at the station. This is unacceptable and prevents people from access to leisure, work and getting on with their lives.  

I was told this would be raised with Network Rail again. 

 

I met with the students and Professor Nicolas Allen who was teaching the course on the 'Parliamentary Studies' module at Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, University of London. The students visited Parliament on 19 March 2025 and I joined them for a roundtable discussion.

As an alumna of Bedford College, which merged with Royal Holloway in 1985 I was pleased to speak to the students. We had a wide ranging discussion about Parliament, my work as an MP and democracy. Many said they would go on to pursue a career in politics. I said I would never have thought having been taught by my parents "Upon Westminster Bridge" by Wordsworth that I would one day be working overlooking Westminster Bridge. All experience can be used. 

On 17 and 18 March 2025 the House of Commons met to debate the remaining stages of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. 

New Clause 36 - This new clause would require the Secretary of State to take action to promote children’s wellbeing in relation to mobile phones and social media by commissioning a report from the Chief Medical Officers and requiring schools to ban the use of mobile telephones during the school day. Ayes 159 Noes 317

Amendment 188: This amendment would require an inspection if the Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills believes that are reasons to cancel a children’s home registration, rather than issue an improvement plan notice. Ayes 160 Noes 319

Amendment 171: This amendment would include independent special schools within the profit cap provision. Ayes 56 Noes 317

New Clause 7: This clause would ensure that free school meals are provided to all children in England who are eligible to receive free school meals; and  all children whose household income is less than £20,000 per year. Ayes 77 Noes 313

New Clause 34: This new clause would extend free school lunches to all primary school age children in state funded schools. Ayes 77 Noes 315

Amendment 209: This amendment would remove clause45, which concerns the repeal of duty to make Academy order in relation to school causing concern. Ayes 107 Noes 324

Amendment 210: This amendment would remove clause 50, which concerns the functions of the adjudicator in relation to admission numbers. Ayes 167 Noes 324

Finally, the Bill was read a third time with the Ayes 382  Noes: 104. The Bill will now be considered in the House of Lords.

On 17 March 2025, St Patrick's Day was marked with an event in Parliament celebrating the work of Irish in Britain. This charity champions representation and advocacy for the Irish community in Britain. With over 130 member organisations supporting local communities, they have made significant strides in launching health and wellbeing initiatives, contributing to national policy with research and developing community leadership.

I am pictured with Brian Dalton, CEO of Irish in Britain.

Dame Barbara Woodward DCMG OBE, Ambassador for the UK to the United Nations since 2020 spoke to the APPG for the UN.  and leads on security, prosperity, and global development for the UK. She was previously UK Ambassador to China, seeing trade between the UK and China double over that time. Her diplomatic career spans Europe and Russia.

It is the 80 Anniversary of the foundation of the UN. Dame Barbara said the UN Secretary General has instituted a review on the Reform of the UN mentioned the appointment of Tom Fletcher as instrumental in the delivery of humanitarian aid and Elinor Hammarskjold as UN Legal Counsel. The US have not filled their posts making it difficult to know what the policy of the US is and links to the White House.

I asked about Democracy and migration and how the UN will meet those challenges.

On a positive note Dame Barbara said that this year is the year of 5 Summits including women, Ocean 2, funding for development and social. Conflict resolution is a key part of the UN role and the need for horizon scanning to check the flashpoints.

Dame Barbara said the Security Council must be more representative to include Brazil, India Germany and Japan with African representation. The UN and Dame Barbara must be supported.