Letter from Parliament: Tony Lloyd MP

Date published: 22 December 2023

Israel & Gaza

Hopes of a long-term ceasefire in Gaza are on hold again and the Israeli murderous campaign against civilians has re-started. Sadly we don’t even hear our own government repeating the Americans’ demand for less killings. But the world should be demanding a ceasefire. I raised this with Ministers in the House of Commons, which you can watch here.

The current conflict in Gaza shows the dire humanitarian situation with approximately 19,000 Palestinians killed and a lack of access to water, food, medicine and humanitarian aid. The big concern now is that killing diseases, like influenza and cholera, may sweep the Palestinian camps. This amounts to collective punishment of Palestinians and goes against the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international law. The kidnappings of Israeli men, women and children and their brutal treatment by Hamas is still unforgiveable but not a reason for the way in which Gazans are being treated and we must call for the return of all hostages. Gaza is at breaking point and a permanent ceasefire is urgently needed. We are only delaying the inevitable and costing lives in the meantime.

The so-called 'Levelling up funding'

Once again Rochdale Borough loses out on the so-called Levelling up funding whilst many Tory MPs were happy to boast about the funding they had seen offered to their constituents.

Rochdale needs levelling up funding more than probably all of these areas but Rochdale has lost tens of millions of pounds under the Tory austerity years. I would have welcomed even this government’s funding but it wasn’t offered on the basis of need so we didn’t get.

Real levelling up would restore funding to health, to education and to the council so that we can invest in the skill of the community, the health of our people, the caring services we need to enrich Rochdale financially but more importantly in the quality of all our lives. Alas not with this government where tax cuts are the offer for the better off. I raised this with Ministers, which you can watch here.

The Autumn Statement: Rochdale Let Down Again

For ordinary households and families, there was very little in the Autumn Statement that offered hope and change. After 13 years of Tory governments, we've had a long period of rising prices whilst the money in our pockets has shrunk and there was very little in the Autumn Statement that makes this easier.

Inflation is still running high, and whilst I am bound to welcome increases for pensioners, it only back dates the money that they have already lost. With increased pensions, pensioners will still face an increase of prices in shops.

There was very little for our children and schools. We didn't hear anything on skills for life or things that will make their way through education better. There was also very little to improve our NHS.

We have had enough of Tory economic ruin and the damage done to the pound in our pocket. The Tories can't do better, we need a Labour government to deliver real change. Watch my reaction to the Autumn Statement here.

The 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Genocide Convention

On Saturday 10 December, we celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Genocide Convention. In Parliament, we celebrated this occasion with a debate highlighting the vital need to uphold the article’s values (watch this debate here). Such a Declaration was completely unprecedented in history, but it came at a critical time when the world witnessed the horrors of the Holocaust and the Second World War and the nations of the world came together to say, “Never again”.

Fighting to protect human rights has its own risks in many parts of the world, where human rights and environmental defenders face prosecution, arbitrary detention, torture and even death.

 

 

I recently met with human rights and environmental defenders from countries such as Colombia, Peru, Guatemala and the Philippines. I am in awe of those fighting for the rights of indigenous communities and their land, while under constant threat. Despite the many things that undermine the spirit of the Declaration, while we may live in an increasingly divided world, we are better protected when we are a part of collective security and collective law.

COP28

COP28 took place in the United Arab Emirates, the number seven global oil producer. More than worrying that the President of COP28, who also heads Abu Dhabi’s national oil company, put out the bogus claim that “there is no science” that phasing out fossil fuels is necessary to limit global warming to 1.5°C. His commercial interests have clouded his judgment. Nevertheless, the final text was received with disappointment although COP did establish a fund helping the most marginal communities in the world to combat the worst effects of climate change.

Migration visa rule changes

I spoke to That's TV Manchester News about the government's migration visa rule changes. Those who have a foreign partner have now got to earn £39,000 in their earnings limit. For most people that's an unobtainably high income. This government’s rules mean you shouldn’t ‘fall in love with a foreigner because you won't be able to bring them into the country — unless you're rich. And that stinks. Watch here.

Chartered Trading Standards Institute Awards

I was delighted to meet with Rochdale Trading Standards who won the Highly Commended Award in the Intellectual Property category at Chartered Trading Standards Institute Awards, held at the House of Commons.

The award was in recognition of the team’s incredible work in fighting counterfeiting, including the disruption of a £65 million organised crime network. The team may be small, but with help from partner agencies, they are relentless in their fight against criminal activity across the borough.

 

 

Rochdale Diversity Awards

 

 

I was pleased to present the Cohesion Award to Diane Higgins, head of Rochdale's Youth Service, at the Rochdale Diversity Awards. It was good to join others across the Borough in celebrating and recognising the hard work being carried out by many organisations.

Religious hate crime

Religious hate crime is on the rise and we must condemn any hate speech or act of hate crime of any kind. With other MPs, I have written to GMP's Chief Constable asking him to outline what action he will take to reassure communities, to keep our residents safe, and to ensure those who commit hate crimes are brought to justice. Read the letter here.

Police Federation

 

 

I met with members of the Police Federation to discuss the issues that police forces face in Greater Manchester and across the country. We discussed the new Criminal Justice Bill and the lack of measures to tackle shoplifting and how police response time has massively increased. Other agencies could alleviate the burden on the police force. I brought up the need for community policing and for police forces to be able to have at least a three-year funding plan.

Justice for Victims of Negligence

 

 

Survivors of child sexual abuse are still waiting for the government to implement vital recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, such as removing the three-year time limit on pursuing a civil legal case. The government agreed to reform the system but have done nothing towards this after nearly a year. I met with activists who are raising the need to implement these recommendations and trying to put pressure on the government for a consultation to provide options for reform.

White Ribbon Day

 

 

I spoke at the Rochdale, Heywood, and Middleton Women's Branch white ribbon at St Mary's in the Baum. It was an inspiring evening, coming together to raise awareness and stand against violence towards women and girls. Let's continue the conversation and work towards a safer, more inclusive future.

Human Rights APPG on Colombia

 

 

I met with human rights defender, Reinaldo, who is a lawyer protecting victims of the Colombian conflict. He detailed the threat they face as lawyers from the José Alvear Restrepo Lawyers Collective Corporation (CCAJAR). He is asking for public solidarity with the struggles they face, for UK pressure on the Colombian government to support the CCAJAR which I raised in the Commons.

Moldova

 

 

I met with Moldova's Ambassador and discussed my support for Moldova in the face of continuous Russian aggression and concern about the recent threatening remarks from Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and the Putin regime. I welcome the significant progress Moldova has made in institutional reform on their path to EU Membership. We must continue to strongly support and provide aid to Ukraine which in turn helps Moldova.

World AIDs Day

 

 

HIV remains a highly misunderstood health condition. On World AIDs Day I committed myself to tackling stigma and the ignorance that fuels it. We can play our part by changing our attitude and learning the facts. Let’s stop HIV Stigma.

Prepayment Meters: Vulnerable Households

The ban on the involuntary installation of prepayment meters by gas and electric companies will be lifted soon. That means families with children over two years old and pensioners under 75 who are still vulnerable will see these fitted whether they want it or not and face the higher cost of prepayment meters. There is the possibility, of course, that when they run out of tokens they will be cut off. I raised this with Energy Ministers. Watch here.

Private Rented Sector

After the death of Awaab Ishak, social landlords must by law honour their obligations to tenants in terms of mould and safety, but those in private rented accommodation do not have that protection. I pressed Ministers on why private tenants are put at risk in that way. Watch here.

Sewage discharges by United Utilities

I tabled a Parliamentary motion raising concern at the suggestion from United Utilities that they will increase customers’ bills as part of a plan to reduce sewage-dumping. They must first look to raise any funds required to reduce sewage-dumping by cutting expenditures such as the more than £300 million paid as dividends to shareholders earlier this year. Read here.

Non-custodial Sentences: Public Confidence

The evidence is clear that short prison sentences do not work, and that women’s centres, which deal with things such as drug and alcohol abuse and mental health issues can be effective. I told Ministers that it would make a lot of sense to roll that out for the male population — it is cheaper and it is better. Watch here.

Veterans Day Bank Holiday

I co-sponsored a Parliamentary Motion urging the government to recognise the need for a dedicated Veterans Day public holiday – a new bank holiday on the day after Remembrance Sunday. Read here.

UK-Rwanda Partnership

Among Rwanda's human rights issues are unlawful killing, arbitrary killing, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and torture. I asked the Home Secretary by what token does he judge that Rwanda is a safe country. He should hang his head in shame. Watch here.

Ukraine

It seems as if the war in Ukraine will be much longer than we had all hoped. In that context, political leadership around the world will change. While it is important that NATO maintains its present position, NATO leadership may also change over time. I asked Ministers what steps can be taken, including by our Ministry of Defence, to make the case across the world that the defence of Ukraine is in the global interest, not simply the Ukrainian national interest. Watch here.

Kosovo

I raised the situation in Kosovo which is deteriorating dramatically. I asked Defence Ministers to give us an assurance that the current international military presence there is sufficient to counter any threat from Serbia. Watch here.