Policy - Tan Dhesi

Animal Welfare

I believe that strengthening our animal welfare laws is a priority for Labour. People want to see us go further on animal welfare, putting our animals’ health first. All animals deserve protection. I believe it is wrong to promise tougher legislation if promises are then not seen through. I strongly…

Dementia research

The needs of people with dementia must move to the top of the agenda as we emerge from COVID-19. That starts with dementia research, because ultimately our goal must be to prevent, treat and ultimately cure this often heart-breaking condition – as a former trustee of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support…

Building Safety Bill

I have long supported calls for leaseholders to be protected from the costs of remediating all historical cladding and non-cladding defects, irrespective of circumstance. I believe that at its earlier stages, the now Building Safety Act fell significantly short of the action needed to protect leaseholders, but I am pleased…

Ban conversion therapy

I am committed to ensuring LGBT+ people can live in safety and dignity and continue to support the LGBT+ community in Parliament (see my pride month speech here). I completely agree that LGBT+ conversion therapies must be banned as a matter of urgency. Conversion therapies are exploitative and damaging. On…

Leasehold Reform Bill

I have been involved in leasehold reform for many years, serving on the then-named Communities and Local Government Select Committee (now the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Select Committee), and have often advocated for the rights of leaseholders regarding this issue (please see a line of question I followed on…

Make Misogyny a Hate Crime

I was pleased to support the Newlove Amendment in the House of Commons on 28 February, which would have changed the law to make misogyny a hate crime. Regrettably, however, the Government and Conservative MPs voted to remove the Amendment from the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. Like you,…

Cost of Living, Older People and Fuel Poverty

The cost of living crisis presented serious challenges for many of us and one of the most vulnerable groups when it comes to fuel poverty is older people. I am concerned that, when the weather does get colder again, vulnerable older people may be forced to choose between putting their…

Nationality and Borders Bill

Whilst the Nationality and Borders Bill has now passed through the House of Commons, and is due to return soon having passed through the Lords, I have opposed it at every opportunity as I do not believe it deals with the fundamental issues in our asylum system and represents a…

Fur Trade in the UK

I believe that we should implement a ban on the import and sale of fur in the UK. This outdated and unnecessary trade should have no place in the UK’s fashion industry. I believe in a vision where no animal is made to suffer unnecessary pain and degradation and where…

Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill

I have long supported calls to enshrine the principle of animal sentience in UK law to prevent practices that expose both wild and domestic animals to cruel and degrading treatment. I recently spoke in Parliament advocating for a ban on animal testing, seeking to end this cruel and barbaric practice…

PM Breaking the Law

I believe that this Conservative Government has continually lied to the public and now it’s been proven they broke the law. The positions of some of the most senior Government figures are completely untenable, how they can believe they can legislate from a position of authority when they themselves are…

Energy prices

I strongly condemn the energy price rise on fossil fuel companies alongside the cost of living crisis. I believe we need to levy a windfall tax on oil and gas producers to help the millions of families facing the cost-of-living crisis (see my full thoughts here). I also believe that…

Cancer Research Support

Supporting cancer research remains extremely important to me. World Cancer Day held annually on 4 February – provides a vital opportunity to recognise the advances made in cancer research, diagnosis, prevention and treatment, and to reflect on what more needs to be done (see my support on the day here). I…

UK migration system and undocumented migrants

As you know, the Immigration Rules already enable the status of undocumented migrants (in the UK for some time and otherwise compliant with the law) to be regularised in some circumstances. People in this situation may make an application for leave to remain where there are grounds to do so.…

Fire and rehire

Fire and rehire is wrong and should be outlawed. Using the threat of unemployment to reduce pay and diminish terms and conditions is against British values, undermines good employers, harms working people and damages our economy. Worryingly, this practice seems to have become more common during the pandemic. The TUC,…

Support for unpaid carers

The pandemic has demonstrated beyond all doubt how important carers are to our society and to our health service. I am immensely grateful to those who selflessly provide care to their family, friends, and neighbours. Carers UK estimates that an additional 4.5 million people have taken on caring responsibilities following…

Trophy Hunting

A report by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in 2016 found that at least 1.7 million animal ‘trophies’ were traded between countries over the previous decade. Of this number, 200,000 trophies were from threatened species. Killing animals to display their heads, horns, antlers or hides as ‘trophies’ is…

Universal Credit and Foodbanks

Figures from the Trussell Trust show that nearly half of all households visiting foodbanks have struggled to afford essential goods because they are repaying debt accrued through UC. In my view, our social security system is not fit for purpose when so many people need to turn to foodbanks and…

Adult Social Care Reform

For too long, social care has lacked the priority, attention and funding it deserves and care workers have been undervalued and underpaid. I agree with you that long-term reform is essential. Despite the best efforts of care workers, NHS staff and unpaid carers – who have gone the extra mile…

Air Pollution

I share your concern that dangerous and illegal levels of air pollution are impacting the health of millions of people across the country, including those most vulnerable in our communities. It is people living in the most deprived areas with the most toxic air who suffer disproportionately greater ill health.…

Fire Safety Bill and Cladding

I appreciate and sympathise with the cost, anxiety and stress many leaseholders have endured due to issues for which they bear no fault. I know that leaseholders in blocks with combustible cladding and other dangerous materials have experienced problems in selling their homes and re-mortgaging. Following the tragic fire at…