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The UK's multicultural society is one of our country's greatest triumphs, a source of immense strength and pride. Here in Tooting, our vibrant and diverse communities are the heart of what makes our area so special, enriching us all.
When we witness the vile killing of protestors, like those seen in the United States, it serves as a horrifying reminder that progress is never guaranteed and must always be defended. We must stand together against the politics of division and hate wherever it emerges. As I argued on ITV's Peston last night, our inclusivity is an incredible asset. I will always champion the tolerant, open, and vibrant society that embodies the very best of Britain and which we must never take for granted. Our differences do not divide us; they make our country stronger.
The sight of vulnerable patients on trolleys lining a busy hospital corridor is something I witness regularly during my A&E shifts. This practice is fundamentally unsafe and strips people of their dignity when they are at their most vulnerable.
Every patient deserves to be treated in a proper bed, not left waiting in a hallway. I am pleased the Government has now committed to ending corridor care. As Chair of the APPG on Emergency Care, I look forward to working with them to make this a reality and ensure everyone gets the compassionate care they deserve.
Greenland is not a piece of property to be traded on a whim, like moving pieces on a Monopoly board. It is the home of a people, with a unique culture, history, and a fundamental right to self-determination. For the people of Greenland, Trump's rhetoric must be deeply insulting.
Leaders in the UK and across Europe must stand firm, upholding international law and making it clear that such disgraceful politics has no place in the modern world. Following the decision to relocate children's cancer services in South East England away from St George's Hospital, I met with the Health Secretary with a cross-party group of MPs to raise our concerns.
When I visited the Pinckney Ward where this care is conducted, I met with Jackson, a former patient there, and his parents, who told me that such a move would be detrimental for parents, children and the hospital alike. I have urged the Secretary to review and reconsider NHS England's decision as soon as possible. The beginning of Mental Health Awareness week was marked by grim tidings that, for the first time in recorded history, the number of people on an waiting list for mental health treatment has hit 2 million.
This is more than the combined population of four major British cities and is a shocking indictment of the Tories' failed record on mental health. New data published by the Environment Agency recently revealed that sewage was pumped in our local rivers, the Graveney and Wandle, for over 700 hours last year. This is equivalent to the entire month of February and demonstrates this Tory Government's complete disregard for our natural environment.
Only Labour has a plan to clean up our waterways and hold water companies to account by fines for illegal discharges, blocking bonuses for bosses of companies that violate the rules and holding these bosses personally criminally liable for any violations.
As someone who grew up with and later overcame a stammer, I know all too well the difficulties and challenges that having one can bring. I was very glad and honoured to join Dermot and Alison on This Morning once again to talk about stammers and the wonderful work that Stamma charity do.
It was brilliant to speak at the Watercooler event in the ExCeL London today, for a discussion on mental health in Government and the NHS.
Rather than railing against a "sick note" culture as Rishi Sunak has done recently, we must be encouraging more openness and understanding around mental health.
As part of my previous work as Shadow Minister for Mental Health and in my capacity as an A&E doctor at St George's, I know firsthand the toll that working on the NHS frontline can take.
Today, I asked the Government whether they will continue to fund mental health support services past the 12 months they've committed to. Shamefully, the Minister refused to commit to funding. This is just further proof that this Tory Government couldn't care less about our NHS heroes.
The Tories' Rwanda Bill is one of the most shameful pieces of legislation in recent memory on both moral and practical grounds, which is why I voted 20 times against the Bill last night.
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