On Tuesday 4 March 2025  the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Human Rights  marked International Women's Day celebrated on 8 March. The event was also organised by the British Interparliamentary Union.
Representatives of the Peace Brigades International were there. This is an organisation that provides support to women human rights defenders across 7 countries in South America, Africa and Asia by raising awareness, advocacy, fundraising and matching UK-based capacity and support with the needs of defenders on the ground. 
I was fortunate to meet two of these defenders who lead Community Based Organisations in Kenya: Doris Kathia, founder of 'Raise Your Voice' and Rebecca Odhiambo, Programmes Coordinator and Research Director of 'Women Empower and Mentor All', speaking to them about their work to encourage empowerment of young people and the LGBT community respectively. 

With Doris Kathia of 'Raise Your Voice'


Rebecca Odhiambo 'Women Empower Mentor All'

Rebecca and Doris are  fellows on the Scottish Human Rights Defender Fellowship which supports human rights defenders around the world through temporary relocation in Scotland, providing the opportunity to undertake research, develop skills and build networks. Alena Chekhovich a Belarusian  lawyer living in exile, is studying for a Masters at Dundee University (main pic). Her work with human rights, 'Human Constanta' focuses on implementing alternatives to immigration detention in Belarus. 
Stars of Myanmar Friendship Club is a dedicated grassroots organisation committed to providing aid to women political prisoners, supporting displaced women and children with humanitarian aid and resources, and amplifying the voices of women participating in non-violent resistance.  I was told of  reports of women who have bravely stood against the military leaders of the 2021 coup in the current climate of increased human trafficking and sexual violence. To find out more,  here is the link: www.starsofmyanmar.com

As Chair of the APPG on Publishing and in the week of World Book Day, I was able to present some books to Rivers Primary on my visit on 28 February 2025. 

The School have invested in a great space for their Library and consulted the children who wanted a campfire so in the centre there is a pretend firepit with comfy stools to sit around it. 

I was pleased to add to the collection.  





 

 

 

 

 

Here you can read the eNews for February 2025

By a happy coincidence, I had arranged to visit Rivers Primary Academy which is in partnership with Goldsmith Primary Academy and run by the Windsor Trust on Friday 28 February 2025. And on 24 February 2025 the Government announced the schools who would be named as early adopters of the Breakfast clubs. 

Rivers and Goldsmith are among the 750 named by the Secretary of State to roll out Breakfast clubs and I was told by the Heads on my visit that 60% of parents have signed up for it. 

The Secretary of State for Education Bridget Philipson MP said that "Breakfast clubs sit at the heart of the Government's Plan for Change breaking the link between background and success and give every child the best start in life."

I met the Headteachers Becky Bailey, Rivers Primary Academy and Ben Wakeman, Head of Goldsmith Primary Academy. 

I was delighted that the 2 schools in Walsall and Bloxwich are determined to make these clubs work for children and their families. Breakfast clubs will mean parents can save an estimated £450 a year. Parents will be able to drop their children at school and there will be no need to pay for childcare for 30 minutes before the school day starts.  Parents can be reassured that their children will get a healthy breakfast in a safe environment. Children will be ready to start their school day without being hungry and can concentrate on their exciting school day. Schools will offer healthy, varied and nutritious breakfasts, and schools are encouraged to host activities including arts and crafts, educational puzzles, reading and more.

Once this has been trialled and it starts in April 2025, the Department for Education will evaluate it and roll it out to all schools. 

It was good to sit down with the leadership pupils who asked me questions about my work as an MP and the school values and the members of School Senior Leaders to discuss issues that affect the Schools. 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rivers Primary Academy - https://www.riversprimary.org.uk/

Goldsmith Primary Academy https://www.goldsmithprimary.org.uk/ 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday 26 February 2025, I chaired the Delegated Legislation Committee, which considered the draft Flood Reinsurance (Amendment) Regulations 2025. The motion was moved by Emma Hardy, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
This statutory instrument allows for an increase to a levy placed on UK household insurance providers, from £135 million a year to £160 million a year, from 1 April 2025. This change will allow Flood Re Ltd to manage its changing risk profile, securing its ability to provide flood cover to UK households while also ensuring that the total levy is no higher than needed.
It will now be approved by Parliament at a later date.