Policy - Tan Dhesi

Evictions and Demolitions in the West Bank

I share concerns about the demolition of homes and vital social infrastructure by Israeli Government authorities in the West Bank. The eviction of Palestinians from their homes causes unnecessary suffering and calls into question the Israeli Government’s commitment to a viable two-state solution. Demolitions and confiscations contravene international humanitarian law…

Free School Meals

The number of state-funded primary school children eligible for free school meals is growing, rising from 13.8% five years ago to 23.1% in the last academic year. I know the Food Foundation has highlighted that 26% of households with children have experienced food insecurity in September, which has increased by…

National Security Bill

I welcome the National Security Bill, which builds on the recommendations of the Intelligence and Security Committee and the Law Commission and delivers long-overdue updates to our current legislation. As threats and technologies have evolved and been exposed, so too have the gaps in the legislative defences necessary to keep…

Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill

This Bill will allow Ministers to amend or repeal all legislation carried over from our membership of the EU – thought to consist of over 2400 pieces of law – with nearly no parliamentary scrutiny. If the Government does not pass a replacement to any piece of this legislation before…

Beer Duty and Support for Pubs

Pubs are a vital part of our high streets and social fabric in communities throughout the country. They also play an important role in our national economy. Indeed, before the pandemic, the sector was supporting 900,000 jobs, generating £23 billion in economic value and providing £13 billion in tax revenues.…

Firework Regulations

I can appreciate how distressing fireworks can be for pets. Fireworks displays run by local charities and organisations can provide a safe and organised way for people to enjoy fireworks, while promoting community cohesion and raising funds for local causes. However, I believe it is important to look at how…

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,…