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Protecting our natural world is hugely important. I was proud to have worked with the Mayor of London on his pledge to plant more trees across our city. This culminated in the Mayor and I planting his 500,000th tree right here at a local Tooting school.
More broadly, Labour is vowing to establish three new National Forests in England, whilst planting millions of trees and creating new woodlands. These trees will provide vital habitats for our fantastic wildlife and help fight the climate emergency. In my work as a humanitarian doctor, I have worked across the globe with the victims of war and human suffering. Ensuring that every person, wherever they are, has the safety and security of a roof over their heads and food in their stomach is of paramount importance to me.
Before the dissolution of Parliament, I sat on the International Development Committee, where we led an inquiry into the progress on the UN's second Sustainable Development Goal, namely to end world hunger. More broadly, I am pleased to see the Labour manifesto committing to restoring international aid to 0.7% of GNI as soon as the fiscal situation allows. As an NHS doctor myself, I understand how important speedy access to care is. With NHS waiting lists longer than ever, it comes as no surprise that many people are finding it difficult to reach the services they depend on.
With as many as 10 million people in the UK having been diagnosed with arthritis, it is of paramount importance that those with the condition can reach the support they need. Especially considering that arthritis and other MSK conditions can have a significant effect on a person’s quality of life. That is why I am pleased to see Labour pledging to cut NHS waiting times with 40,000 more appointments every week. As an animal lover and pet owner myself - I want the very best for all living creatures. I have long believed the UK should lead the world with high animal welfare standards. I was pleased to see the Labour Party pledge to ban exports of foie gras early on in the election campaign.
I know that many people are concerned specifically about cruelty to our greatest companions; cats, dogs and other pets. Rest assured, I will always stand against cruelty. At this election, I am standing on a manifesto to improve animal welfare. Labour has pledged to ban trail hunting and the import of hunting trophies. We will end the scourge of puppy smuggling and farming, along with the use of snare traps. Most of all, we will partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing. I am wishing a happy Eid to those who are celebrating today. Hoping those celebrating enjoy a peaceful and blessed holiday.
The dedication and togetherness shown is so uplifting and makes our community the special place that it is. The Labour Party has finally announced our manifesto for change - the platform we'll be standing on to fix the mess made by 14 years of Tory failure.
Read the manifesto online here.  It was a fantastic experience to be at the Friends of Tooting Common Dog Show. The hosts, participants and everyone behind the scenes were brilliant.
Judging Most Handsome Dog was incredibly hard, but many congratulations to Loki and his owner in what was a very close competition. The election campaign is in full swing - and there is lots of support on the doorstep for Labour.
Voters are sick and tired of this shameful Tory Government. We need to get them out so that Labour can get on with the job of fixing their mess. This week, we've been campaigning locally in Balham, Earlsfield and Tooting. We've even been helping out our Labour colleagues out in Hitchin.
The Tories have showcased their true colours once again recently; attacking people with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety as belonging to "sick note culture" and meriting exclusion from the welfare system.
Rather than attacking people with mental illnesses, the Tories should have some humility and contrition, and look at the impact of their own shameful policies. Read my piece in the New Statesman here. |
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