Lend hand to the homeless . . . and shame callous Tories

Every day when I go into Westminster or walk along Victoria Street I pass people who are sleeping rough.

In my constituency –

Hayes and Harlington, in West London – there are families, often with young children, forced to live in sheds and garages.

When I go to the City to meet business leaders, the number of rough sleepers around some of the wealthiest people in the world is astounding.

It’s a sad reminder of the scale of the problem that’s been allowed to grow under this government.

It makes me more determined to do something about it.

Very few people choose life on the streets.

There are many reasons why they are out there – and they are not getting the help they need.

We found out this week there were more than

3,100 rough sleepers in London between July and September.

That is the highest number since records began. But rough sleeping and homelessness is not just in London, it’s nationwide.

When Labour is in government we will put an end to this national shame.

We’ll tackle homelessness directly and put an end to austerity that has deepened Britain’s housing crisis.

As Christmas approaches, and we all get ready to do our shopping, we should do what we can for those sleeping on the streets in this terrible harsh weather.

We should all consider a donation to a homeless charity and offer some help – and kindness – to those sleeping on our streets.