We need to show compassion now

Parliament was recalled to debate the crisis in Afghanistan. In powerful speech after speech from both sides of the House, MPS called out the utter failure of the Tory government in managing our country’s role in this horrific humanitarian and political crisis.

I intervened during Theresa May’s speech to speak out for those in grave danger under the Taliban, from women and girls to homosexuals and those who worked with the UK.

My office has been working tirelessly to help constituents with family in Afghanistan. This has been particularly challenging as there has been very little information coming back from the Government.

Families have been left without any indication of what happens next, even when details of their loved ones have been registered.

I am calling on the Government not to forget those who have been left behind and to give details of how they plan to resettle those who are still vulnerable under Taliban rule.

As it stands now, with routes out of the country closed, we need to focus our efforts on helping those who have managed to get out.

The UK has a long history of providing sanctuary to those in need.

We need to show that same compassion now.

I am very proud of our welcoming city of Bath.

I stand with Cllr Kevin Guy, leader of B&NES Council, our Liberal Democrat colleagues, Bath Welcomes Refugees, Julian House, Trauma Foundation South West and everyone who is committed to working with central government to help resettle Afghan refugees in our community.

Please join me in supporting these organisations.

I met with members of the Anyone’s Child project, which includes families who have lost loved ones to drugs. They were speaking with residents about how the drug war has failed, and how it’s time to treat drugs as a health - not a criminal issue.

With drug deaths at record levels for seven years in a row, and drugs stronger and more available than ever, that change can’t come too soon.

I had a productive meeting with Mark Shelford, the Avon and Somerset

Police and Crime Commissioner. We discussed local policing issues including online abuse and the internet, trauma and the need for a women’s centre in Bath.

I welcomed WECA Mayor Dan Norris to Bath for a meeting about Cleveland Bridge and its importance to the strategic road network and its unsuitability for HGVS.

With Covid cases rising very sharply in our region, people enjoying the last of the summer and schools coming back, it is vitally important that we remember that the pandemic isn’t over yet and exercise extreme caution.