As the Shadow Minister for Women, I was thrilled to be speaking up on 'Ask Her To Stand Day' encouraging more women to stand for Parliament, and more locally as councillors, to reach equal representation. So, we're looking for women who are making changes for the better in their constituency and have the drive to work to make change for their constituents and communities.
Women make up over 51% of the UK population but remain under-represented in Parliament and on local councils. Statistically men only have to be asked once to stand for Parliament, whilst women need to be asked 4 times before they even consider this step– so if you know a woman whose got the drive to make positive changes, encourage them to stand. I am determined to help more women come forward at all levels.
Meanwhile, we recently had International Men’s Day! We celebrated worldwide the positive value men bring to the world, their families, and communities and highlighted positive role models and raised awareness of men’s well-being. As the Co-Chair for the APPG for Mens and Boys Issues, it was important to speak up on this day, and always, especially where a staggering 76% of suicides are men, and suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 35.
We need to ensure men and boys feel able to speak about their feelings and anything they are struggling with. I know it can be hard to speak up when you're in pain, but it inspires others to do the same and shows an immense and unmatched amount of bravery. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “we must become the change we seek”.
I also joined easyJet's 30th anniversary celebrations in Parliament. A great celebration but also with the second runway at Gatwick looming and countless emails from interested constituents.
I’ve regular meetings with the Gatwick leadership team to share the concerns around this process and other surface travel issues, particularly east/west, including connectivity, the lack of bus and rail links and road capacity to protect the environment, minimise noise and tackle increased air pollution while still creating the more great jobs we do need in our local communities. We must ensure local people and local communities’ benefit from the changes this Government decision will bring in our part of Sussex and wider.
