It’s been a particularly busy week in Westminster, with Theresa May and the Tories stumbling from one mess to another on Brexit. There’s also a danger that amidst the chaos, other important issues fall by the wayside. I’m committed to stopping this happening, and making sure that the issues from local people that fill my inbox and DMs remain at the top of my agenda.
On Monday, I joined colleagues from the Communication Workers Union to hand a petition of more than 100, 000 names into 10 Downing Street. The petition opposes Tory plans to privatise Crown Post Offices across the country, which are a disaster waiting to happen. In so many instances, the plans will see these vital services being shunted into branches of WH Smith, putting jobs and services at risk. Just as they have done with our NHS and probation services, the Tories are hell-bent on privatising services for idealogical reasons, and don’t give two hoots when services suffer as a result.
As part of a series of International Women’s Day events, I was delighted to speak at a Fabian’s women’s network event. The title was ‘Antidote to Chope – Hope for 21st Century Feminists in an age of Chope, Trump and friends’, and as you can imagine, there was a very lively discussion! It was a pleasure to spend time with some incredible women, and to spend some time discussing my own unusual journey into politics. Amongst a range of topics, we spoke of two passion projects of mine – ending short prison sentences for women and the Domestic Abuse Bill.
On Thursday, I was in Parliament as part of Labour’s Shadow Front Bench team for Women and Equality questions. My question focussed on the “pink tax”, and the irony that while women’s earning potential is less than men’s, women’s personal hygiene products are priced higher than their male equivalent. I asked the Minister to look into this ridiculous disparity – though I am not too hopeful of any swift action. I’ve also been having further meetings with organisations about the Domestic Abuse Bill over the course of the week.
Of course, it is Saturday that has the real highlight of the week… Welsh Labour Executive Committee! Joking aside, after attending the WEC meeting on Saturday morning in my capacity as Welsh Labour Deputy Leader, I’ll be joining most of Wales to watch the match against Ireland. C’mon Wales!
As always, if you’d like to get in touch with me to raise any issues or concerns, get in touch by emailing carolyn.harris.mp@parliament.uk or by calling my constituency office on 01792 462054.
