Letter to the Home Secretary on Gaza Students Policy
-
INSERT HERE
The Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP
Home Secretary
6 January 2026
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Abtisam Mohamed MP.
Dear Home Secretary,
We are writing to urgently to request a meeting regarding the Government’s evacuation policy
for scholarship students from Gaza, which ended on 31 December 2025.
From the initial application process through to the evacuation stage, students in Gaza have
faced delays, uncertainty, and confusion amid the daily horrors of life under bombardment and
siege. Despite this, dozens have successfully navigated the system and arrived here to start
their studies.
They were able to do so as new guidance confirmed the UK Government’s commitment to the
evacuation of scholarship students, as well as a further agreement for the evacuation of their
dependents. This was extremely welcome.
However, we understand that very few have been evacuated under the agreed policy for
dependents. In December, students were informed that despite previous assurances, no
dependents would be evacuated before the end of the scheme, and that students should take
the opportunity to leave Gaza without them. This included PhD student Mohammed Aldalou
bound for LSE, who has a severely autistic child and was expected to leave him behind in
Gaza.
PhD student Manar al Houbi campaigned for months to be able to take up her place at the
University of Glasgow. She was told repeatedly to either to leave Gaza without her spouse
and children, or to remain behind with her family in danger, abandoning her course.
Manar and her family were eventually evacuated at the end of last year, but this was not the
case for the rest who are still waiting. The wider scheme has now ended; and there is no
confirmed extension to the policy, which is causing extraordinary pressure and uncertainty for
the students. Time is critically short, and we believe that at the very least, an extension of this
scheme would bring both the compassion and the stability needed in these circumstances.
We would be grateful for an urgent response.
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Abtisam Mohamed MP.
Requesting Meeting on Trophy Hunting BanInbox
-
Dear Secretary of State,
We are writing to request an urgent meeting.
We applaud many of the measures in the government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy. However, we were surprised and disappointed that banning imports of hunting trophies did not feature.
We are also concerned at suggestions that a ban may be highly selective. You previously stated that you sought to “ban the import of any goods that are related to trophy hunting.” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKsLggGf5rY)
Several reports have spelt out the shocking cruelty involved in trophy hunting. This is an issue about which voters feel very strongly. It is also an issue about which there is virtual consensus in Parliament.
We would therefore be grateful if you would agree to a meeting at the earliest available opportunity to clarify both the scope of the government’s proposed ban and the timeline for introducing legislation.
Yours sincerely,
,
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting.
Letter to the Prime Minister urging a review of the business rates changes in the November 2025 budget.
-
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by the Music Venue Trust.
Keir Starmer MP
Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A 2AA
Xx December 2025
Dear Prime Minister,
We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the decisions on business rates announced in the November 2025 Budget, which will have severe consequences for grassroots music venues (GMVs) across England.
We acknowledge the Government’s intended interventions to ease bills from business rates, including the transitional relief scheme and lower tax multipliers for hospitality. For grassroots music venues, however, these measures merely address symptoms rather than fixing the underlying problem.
Analysis of the incoming 2026 Rateable Values from the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), conducted by Music Venue Trust (MVT), reveals a catastrophic picture. The GMV sector faces a collective £7.2 million increase in its tax base. Hundreds of venues will see rises of over 50% in their Rateable Value, with dozens experiencing increases of 100%, 200%, or more. In some cases, venues that have never previously been liable for business rates will now face bills of thousands of pounds. For venues operating on passion and razor-thin margins, these are not bills - they are closure notices.
Grassroots music venues are at the heart of communities and our constituencies. They provide jobs, entertainment, access to local culture, and vital platforms for emerging artists. Yet the VOA’s methodology values them solely as commercial property, blind to their cultural role, community function, and contribution as the research and development engine of the UK’s world-leading music industry.
This creates a direct contradiction: while the Government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan seeks to drive growth through culture, the VOA’s approach dismantles the very infrastructure on which that plan depends.
The November 2025 Budget compounds this crisis by reducing rate relief from 40% to zero, following the 2024 cut from 75% to 40%. The lower multiplier means a further reduction down to 12% instead of 40%. In 2024, the entire sector of 810 venues returned a gross profit of just £2.5 million yet was asked to absorb £7 million in additional premises taxes. Transitional relief cannot bridge this gap, nor that created by higher rateable values. Data from MVT shows that a venue with a rateable value of £30,000 will see its bill rise from £8,000 under 40% relief in 2025 to £11,000 with no relief in 2026, even on the lowest multiplier.
MVT projects that around 600 GMVs in England face an average 28% increase in business rates, with some reporting rises of 91%. Based on 2025 data, this will directly close 80–120 venues, place another 120–180 at risk, and lead to 200–300 closures over the next four to five years.
Of the 801 GMVs identified in 2025, 38.1% were registered as not for-profit entities, a 15.4% increase on 2024. Despite this number, very few venues receive discretionary rate relief due to dwindling local authority resources. MVT has repeatedly explored multiple avenues with local authorities to aid venues with business rates but, like transitional rate relief, it is merely a sticking plaster on a much deeper wound, and one that is now very rarely a viable option.
HMRC’s fiscal rules further exacerbate the crisis, as operators who can foresee future insolvency risk being deemed to trade recklessly. Once closed, these venues will not be replaced.
The fundamental flaw remains: the system is designed to value property, not cultural purpose. As long as venues are treated as speculative assets rather than cultural utilities, relief measures, however welcome, amount only to temporary stays of execution.
We therefore support the Music Venue Trust’s call for the immediate implementation of an emergency 40% rate relief for GMVs, akin to the relief granted to film studios in 2034, recognising GMVs as critical creative infrastructure.
Reform to date has not gone far enough and the effect on this sector is chilling. Events in these local GMVs sustain high streets across the UK by bringing visitors willing to spend money in hotels, bars, restaurants, shops, and taxis and other businesses.
Without urgent and thoughtful policy solutions, the outcome will be the continued closure of GMVs, with devastating consequences for communities, culture, and the UK’s music industry.
We urge you to act swiftly to safeguard this vital part of our national cultural infrastructure by introducing emergency rate relief for grassroots music venues and establishing a rapid inquiry into the valuation methods for event spaces.
Kind regards
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by the Music Venue Trust.
Letter on Agriculture in Palestine
-
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Steve Witherden MP.
Hamish Falconer MP
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
King Charles Street
London
SW1A 2AH
19th December 2025
Dear Minister Falconer,
Agriculture has long been central to livelihoods and food security in Gaza. Yet widespread
destruction of farmland, irrigation systems, and storage facilities has devastated production.
Restrictions on seed imports, the lack of locally produced fertilisers and pesticides, and soil
degradation have deepened reliance on food aid. The Israeli Government’s blockade of aid into
the region has led to widespread famine and malnutrition, with children, older people and those
with pre-existing health conditions the most affected.
The UK Government should help establish humanitarian corridors for agricultural inputs -
including seeds, fertilisers, and machinery - and strengthen local food systems to reduce
dependency and restore dignity. Soil contamination and the loss of resilient seed varieties also
require urgent assessment and restoration to safeguard future harvests and resilience.
Agriculture has always been a key source of income and employment across Palestine, with
people frequently working into older age alongside their families. Older farmers who have lived
through recurrent conflict, hold the traditional knowledge to recover the local food systems for
their communities. But access to cultivable land remains limited, with mines, rubble, and
destroyed infrastructure preventing safe farming. The UK should facilitate debris clearance and
land rehabilitation, provide basic tools and seeds to smallholder farmers, and promote shared-
resource farming models that enable collective recovery and market access.
Following the UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state, restoring land access and sovereignty is
vital. Many farmers cannot reclaim or cultivate land that has been destroyed, contaminated, or
deliberately targeted and without access to the right equipment. The UK should support land
clearance and safe certification, implement soil regeneration and replanting programmes, and
advocate for farmers’ land rights as part of a recovery that leaves no one behind.
Agricultural relief must intentionally include all marginalised groups – older people, children,
women, and people with disabilities - who are essential to rebuilding Gaza’s agricultural
foundation and ensuring a sustainable, dignified future.
This letter was written alongside Age International, and we hope that you will be able to meet
with us to discuss this further. We look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Steve Witherden MP
Diane Abbott MP
Shockat Adam MP
Bell Ribeiro Addy MP
Baroness Alexander of Cleveden
Tahir Ali MP
Josh Babarinde MP
Paula Barker MP
Lorraine Beavers MP
Apsana Begum MP
Sian Berry MP
Olivia Blake MP
Baroness Blower
Richard Burgon MP
Dawn Butler MP
Ian Byrne MP
Wendy Chamberlain MP
Sarah Champion MP
Dr Ellie Chowns MP
Marsha De Cordova MP
Jeremy Corbyn MP
Steve Darling MP
Ann Davies MP
Carla Denyer MP
Neil Duncan-Jordan MP
Colum Eastwood MP
Sorcha Eastwood MP
Cat Eccles MP
Tim Farron MP
Andrew George MP
Rachel Gilmour MP
Patricia Ferguson MP
Mary Kelly Foy MP
Claire Hanna MP
Lord Hendy KC
Chris Hinchliffe MP
Adnan Hussain MP
Imran Hussain MP
Baroness Hussein-Ece
Liz Jarvis MP
Kim Johnson MP
Afzal Khan MP
Ayoub Khan MP
Ben Lake MP
Peter Lamb MP
Ian Lavery MP
Chris Law MP
Brian Leishman MP
Clive Lewis MP
Baroness Lister of Burtersett
Seamus Logan MP
Rebecca Long-Bailey MP
Rachael Maskell MP
Andy McDonald MP
John McDonnell MP
Llinos Medi MP
John Milne MP
Abtisam Mohamed MP
Iqbal Mohamed MP
Layla Moran MP
Grahame Morris MP
Lord Oates
Brendan O'Hara MP
Dr Simon Opher MP
Kate Osborne MP
Manuela Perteghella MP
Yasmin Qureshi MP
Adrian Ramsay MP
Martin Rhodes MP
Liz Saville Roberts MP
Roz Savage MP
Baroness Sheehan
Lord Singh of Wimbledon
Vikki Slade MP
Cat Smith MP
Jamie Stone MP
Lord Soames of Fletching
Alex Sobel MP
Jon Trickett MP
Valerie Vaz MP
Nadia Whittome MP
Lord Woodley
Mohammad Yasin MP
Hunger Strikers - request for urgent meeting with David Lammy MP
-
Dear Secretary of State,
We the undersigned MPs, are writing to implore you to meet with Imran Khan & Partners, the lawyers representing the 8 prisoners on hunger strike, immediately.
We note that Imran Khan & Partners wrote to you on the 9th December imploring you to meet with them "before our client’s health deteriorates beyond any possible recovery”. We draw your attention to the section of the letter which details the exceptionally urgent medical status of the prisoners, five of whom have already been hospitalised more than once. In particular the following extremely serious symptoms: pulse above 100 beats per minute, ketone levels above 4 (when they should be 0 in a non-diabetic person), weight loss of more than 10kg, deteriorating vision, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, hypoglycaemia, shallow breath, and signs of memory loss.
We are growing increasingly dismayed at the government’s lack of action to protect the health and well being of British citizens.
If you will not meet with the MPs who are representing the hunger strikers and their loved ones, then we plead with you to urgently meet with their solicitors and act to prevent a catastrophe.
Yours sincerely,
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP.
Proposed Restrictions on the Use of Terms Such as “Burger” and “Sausage” for Plant Based Foods
-
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by the Vegetarian Society.
LETTER TO MEMBERS OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
From Members of Parliament of the United Kingdom
Re: Proposed Restrictions on the Use of Terms Such as “Burger” and “Sausage” for Plant Based Foods
06/12/2025
Dear Commissioners,
We write as members of the UK Parliament to express our deep concern regarding the proposed ban on the use of everyday, well-understood food terms, such as ‘burger’, ‘sausage’, and similar descriptors, when used for plant-based products. Although the United Kingdom is no longer a member of the European Union, our markets, companies, consumers, and regulatory conversations remain closely intertwined. Decisions taken at EU level continue to influence global norms, international trade, and the direction of sustainable food innovation.
We urge you not to adopt these restrictions, as we are deeply concerned about the significant global impact they could have. The evidence is clear: existing legislation already protects consumers; consumers themselves overwhelmingly understand and support current naming conventions; and new restrictions would undermine economic growth, sustainability goals, and the EU’s own simplification agenda.
1. Current legislation already ensures consumer protection
The Food Information to Consumers (FIC) Regulation provides extensive safeguards against consumer confusion. The European Court of Justice confirmed in Case C-438/23 that the current legislative framework is fully adequate to protect and inform consumers and to address misleading presentation when it arises1.
The Court also reiterated that existing rules already mandate transparency when expected ingredients are substituted - requirements that plant-based producers consistently follow.
This position has also been acknowledged at multiple points by the European Commission (see 2020 response2, 2022 response3 and 2024 response4).
2. Most consumers are not confused, however, a ban could increase confusion
1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:62023CJ0438
2 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2020-004966-ASW_EN.html 3 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2022-002681-ASW_EN.html 4 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2024-002312-ASW_EN.html
Research consistently shows that consumers intentionally choose plant-based alternatives and do not confuse them with animal meat.
The Advocate-General’s Opinion (Capeta, 2024) explicitly warns that banning familiar food terms could increase confusion, not reduce it5. Empirical studies reinforce this finding:
• BEUC study (2020): ~80% support use of terms like ‘veggie burger’6 • Smart Protein (2023): Only 9% of consumers do not recognise plant-based meat alternatives7
• Germany (2022): 92% identify plant-based alternatives correctly8
• Spain (2021): Only 13% oppose plant-based use of traditional terms9 • Portugal (2021): >95% understand that plant-based alternatives contain no animal meat10
• Greece (2024): ~82% do not oppose current naming11
• Empirical study on label clarity (Gleckel, 2020)12
These findings show an overwhelming pattern; most European consumers understand the terminology for plant-based foods well.
3. The proposed ban undermines competitiveness, innovation, and the single market
Introducing a denomination ban would run counter to the EU’s commitments on simplification and competitiveness. It would create administrative burdens, force companies to redesign packaging, and generate inconsistencies across languages and Member States.
This is particularly problematic given the rapid growth of the plant-based market: • Europe remains the world’s largest consumer market for plant-based alternatives13
5
https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?text=&docid=289831&pageIndex=0&doclang=en&mo de=req
6 https://www.beuc.eu/sites/default/files/publications/beuc-x-2020-
042_consumers_and_the_transition_to_sustainable_food.pdf
7 https://smartproteinproject.eu/wp-content/uploads/Smart-Protein-European-Consumer-Survey_2023.pdf 8 https://www.vzbv.de/sites/default/files/2022-
04/220307_IFH%20K%C3%96LN_Verbraucherzentrale_Kennzeichnung%20von%20Ersatzprodukten_final.p df9 https://proveg.com/es/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/02/Resultados-estudio-nomenclatura-alimentos vegetales.pdf
10 https://www.atrevia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Relatorio_Upfield_FINAL_UCP.pdf 11 https://hellasveg.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/survey-2024-final_EN.pdf
12https://ssrn.com/abstract=3727710
13 https://gfi.org/resource/plant-based-meat-eggs-and-dairy-state-of-the-industry-report
• The EU market grew 21% between 2020 and 202214
• Consumer trends show rising flexitarianism and reduced meat consumption15 • 31% of Europeans are reducing meat intake16
• Economic modelling demonstrates substantial opportunities: Plant-based dietary shifts could increase farm incomes by up to 71%17
• Alternative proteins could create 83 million jobs globally by 205018 • This sector is also a major opportunity for European farmers, with most crops used in plant-based dairy grown inside the EU (ProVeg International, 2022).
4. Plant-based foods support climate goals and European food security
Alternative proteins offer some of the highest emissions-reduction returns per euro invested, outperforming investments in electric vehicles and green building initiatives19.
They are also identified as one of the key ‘super-leverage points’ that can accelerate transitions across multiple sectors. Meldrum et al. (2023): The Breakthrough Effect.
Greater cultivation of pulses and legumes improves soil fertility and reduces fertiliser dependency, lowering production costs20,21. All of this shows that expanding plant-based options is aligned with environmental, economic, and food-security goals.
Conclusion
We recognise the importance of protecting consumers and ensuring clarity in food labelling. However, the evidence is unequivocal:
• Current EU law already provides full protection
• Consumers overwhelmingly understand and support the existing naming system • The proposed restrictions could damage competitiveness, innovation, and climate progress.
Clear labelling, not unnecessary terminology bans, is the best approach for consumers, producers, and the future of sustainable European food systems.
14 https://gfieurope.org/market-insights-on-european-plant-based-sales-2020-2022/ 15 https://smartproteinproject.eu/market-research/
16 https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/2954
17 https://doi.org/10.1111/1477-9552.12530
18 https://www.climateworks.org/ginas-methane/
19 https://www.bcg.com/publications/2022/combating-climate-crisis-with-alternative-protein 20 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2016.03.024
21 https://doi.org/10.1002/fes3.175
We therefore urge the Commission to reject these restrictions and maintain the current, proportionate, effective regulatory framework, which we firmly believe sets the global standard for best practice.
Yours sincerely,
Members of Parliament of the United Kingdom
Siân Berry MP
Irene Campbell MP
Jeremy Corbyn MP
Carla Denyer MP
Kerry McCarthy MP
Navendu Mishra MP
Adrian Ramsay MP
Alex Sobel MP
Also supported by:
The McCartney Family
Giving staff time to travel sustainably is smart business - letter for the Financial Times
-
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by We Are Possible.Giving staff time to travel sustainably is smart business
Many employees would choose low-carbon travel for their holidays if they did not have to forfeit precious time off work. Sustainable Travel Leave, pioneered by the charity Possible, offers a simple fix: grant a small amount of extra paid leave when staff choose trains, coaches or ferries instead of flying.
The principle is straightforward. A London–Berlin rail journey cuts emissions by roughly 92% but takes seven hours longer than flying. Under the Sustainable Travel Leave policy, employers cover that additional time with a modest leave allowance.
Possible has already supported almost 200 employers to adopt the policy, and it is now spreading internationally as standard practice. Employees can make lower-carbon choices; employers face minimal disruption.
Six years’ worth of data shows that the extra amount of leave taken averages just three minutes per employee per month. Yet participating organisations report measurable gains: 74% say it increases staff motivation and wellbeing, 67% say it has aided recruitment efforts, and 81% say it helps embed sustainability across their operations.
We are calling on the Cabinet Office to offer Sustainable Travel Leave within the Civil Service. It is an ultra low-cost way to align workplace practice with the Government’s net-zero strategy while improving the public-sector employee offer. It also signals credible leadership at a time when voters expect consistency between climate ambition and day-to-day decisions. Crucially, it requires no new regulation, no subsidy and no complex administration.
The UK has repeatedly shown that people embrace climate-positive measures when they are practical and fair. Allowing employees modest time to travel responsibly is exactly that: commercially sensible, reputationally valuable and operationally light. It should become a standard part of the modern employment offer, in Whitehall and beyond.
Cross-party Parliamentarians urge Government to end cruelty of cages and crates in UK farming ahead of forthcoming Animal Welfare Strategy.
-
Adrian Ramsay MP initiated this cross-party letter with Irene Campbell MP.
3rd December 2025
The Rt Hon Emma Reynolds
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Dear Secretary of State,
We are writing as cross-party Parliamentarians to request that the forthcoming Animal Welfare Strategy includes a time-bound phase-out of all confinement cages and crates in farming, alongside a properly funded package of support for farmers to transition away from this practice.
Every year, millions of farmed animals in the UK endure severe and prolonged suffering confined to crates and cages. Around 8 million laying hens are kept in cages no larger than an A4 sheet of paper, unable to forage, feel sunlight, or fully stretch their wings. In addition, around 200,000 mother pigs spend nearly a quarter of their adult lives in farrowing crates, unable to turn around for weeks at a time and forced to nurse their piglets through metal bars.
The UK claims to have some of the highest farmed animal welfare standards. But despite progress in moving towards cage-free systems, millions of animals are still suffering daily, leaving us behind a number of European countries. Cagesfor hens are either banned or being phased-out in Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, France, Slovenia and Slovakia. Farrowing crates for sows are banned in Sweden, Switzerland and Norway.
In the UK there is clear and growing public, professional and industry-level support for ending this cruel and unnecessary practice. Research from Humane World for Animals shows that over two-thirds of the public oppose the use of farrowing crates. The British Veterinary Association reports that 75% of vets are concerned about the welfare impacts of these crates. And many farmers are ready and willing to transition away from this practice, given appropriate support to do so.
This Government was elected on a mandate to deliver the most ambitious animal welfare improvements in a generation. To deliver on this promise, we call on you to ensure the forthcoming Animal Welfare Strategy includes:
A time-bound phase-out of farrowing crates for sows, individual calf pens, and all cages used for birds, including hens, partridges, pheasants and quail.
A comprehensive, funded package of support to help farmers transition to higher-welfare systems.
Adequate resourcing for enforcement bodies and enhanced enforcement powers.
Measures to ensure Parliament can properly track and scrutinise progress on the phase-out, and the Strategy more broadly.
We should be grateful for your response to this letter.
Yours sincerely,
Adrian Ramsay MP
Irene Campbell MP
Fleur Anderson MP
Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle
Siân Berry MP
Bob Blackman MP
Olivia Blake MP
Richard Burgon MP
Ellie Chowns MP
Jeremy Corbyn MP
Carla Denyer MP
Dame Caroline Dinenage MP
Neil Duncan-Jordan MP
Sorcha Eastwood MP
Sarah Edwards MP
Andrew George MP
Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
Andrew Gwynne MP
Wera Hobhouse MP
Terry Jermy MP
Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb
Clive Lewis MP
Kerry McCarthy MP
John McDonnell MP
Helen Maguire MP
Rachael Maskell MP
Manuela Perteghella MP
Peter Prinsley MP
Baroness Redfern
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP
Jenny Riddell-Carpenter MP
Andrew Rosindell MP
Vikki Slade MP
Alex Sobel MP
Ian Sollom MP
Steve Witherden MP
A Letter on the Urgent Need for Targeted Prostate Cancer Screening
-
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Prostate Cancer Research
Dear Secretary of State,
We write united by a belief that no man should die because of his postcode, ethnicity, or GP access.
Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in UK men, with over 63,000 diagnoses and 12,000 deaths annually.i Today, the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) meets to decide on prostate cancer screening. This is a defining moment for men’s health. The Government must be ready to act so that those at highest risk – men aged 45–69 who are Black, have a family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer, or carry BRCA1/BRCA2 variants, all of whom face at least twice the average risk of developing prostate cancer – are no longer left behind.ii
1) A growing inequity
The latest National Prostate Cancer Audit (2025) shows inequalities are deepening. Men in deprived areas are more likely to present with advanced disease and more likely to die.iii Our current opportunistic PSA testing system is unstructured, inefficient and unfair – a postcode lottery where some men succeed because they know to ask or can pay privately, while others are turned away despite repeated requests.
Yet the data hide what cannot be modelled: eroded trust among communities who feel abandoned. Black men, already at higher risk, often believe the system fails them. Families bear devastating emotional and financial burdens from late-stage disease – costs absent from formal modelling but among the most compelling reasons to act.
2) The evidence is now clear
The evidence shows screening saves lives. The 23-year follow-up of the European Randomised Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer demonstrated a 13% mortality reduction – comparable to breast and bowel screening, with the numbers needed to screen and treat to prevent a death in line with those for existing programmes.v
Modern diagnostic pathways have transformed safety. Prostate Cancer UK’s 2024 analysis found harms reduced by 79% thanks to MRI and improved biopsy techniques.vi The Göteborg-2 trial confirmed pre-biopsy MRI halves overdiagnosis.vii
Today, the pathway is entirely different to when the UK NSC last evaluated screening: men have an MRI before any biopsy is considered; biopsies are carried out using safer transperineal methods; and low-grade cancers are far less likely to be detected – and, when they are, they are managed with active surveillance rather than treatment. Harms that once justified inaction have largely been engineered out.
These advances mean we now have the tools to deliver screening safely and effectively, yet the system is frozen waiting for next-generation trial data. Comments in The Times (3 October) suggest results from the upcoming TRANSFORM trial may take over a decade.viii Waiting would entrench inequality and allow preventable deaths. Evidence is strong enough to act now.Perfection must not be the enemy of progress.
3) Practical, affordable and efficient
Targeted screening is practical and affordable. Prostate Cancer Research’s 2025 report, Prostate Cancer Screening: The Impact on the NHS, with modelling by Carnall Farrar, shows additional annual costs would be around £25m – just 0.01% of the NHS budget – with modest workforce uplift and costs per screen comparable to existing programmes.ix Recent data also show a simplified MRI, taking 10 minutes, is as effective as current scans, opening the path to increased capacity within existing resources.x
The socio-economic benefits are substantial. Deloitte UK modelling found a five-year targeted programme would deliver a net benefit of £54m through earlier diagnosis, reduced treatment costs, and quality-of-life gains.xi Late-stage treatment averages £127,000 per patient vs. £13,000 for early-stage.xii Every delay costs lives and money.
Public support is overwhelmingly behind action: a nationally representative Healthwatch England poll of 3,575 men found 79% would attend screening if invited.xiii Tens of thousands have called on Parliament to act. We have a duty to listen, and to act.
4) Learning from the world
The UK can lead but risks falling behind. Sweden’s Organised Prostate Testing (OPT) programme shows that structured, equitable testing is achievable even without a formal programme, laying the groundwork for a future national rollout.xiv Across Europe, the EU is implementing its prostate cancer screening recommendation, and Australia is preparing to endorse risk-adapted testing for high-risk men.xv xvi
Introducing targeted screening would be a legacy-defining advance for men’s health, aligned with the ambitions of the Men’s Health Strategy and the National Cancer Plan.
Yours sincerely,
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Prostate Cancer Research.
i prostatecanceruk.org/for-health-professionals/data-and-evidence
ii James ND, Tannock I, N'Dow J et al. The Lancet Commission on prostate cancer: planning for the surge in cases. Lancet.
2024 Apr 27;403(10437):1683-1722. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00651-2. Epub 2024 Apr 4. Erratum in: Lancet. 2024 Apr
27;403(10437):1634. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00748-7
iii National Prostate Cancer Audit (NPCA) State of the Nation Report 2025. London: National Cancer Audit Collaborating
Centre, Royal College of Surgeons of England, 2025. natcan.org.uk/reports/npca-state-of-the-nation-report-2025/
iv Roobol MJ, de Vos II, Månsson M, et al. European Study of Prostate Cancer Screening - 23-Year Follow-up. N Engl J Med.
2025 Oct 30;393(17):1669-1680. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2503223
v Vickers A. Early Detection of Prostate Cancer - Time to Fish or Cut Bait. N Engl J Med. 2025 Oct 30;393(17):1742-1743. doi:
10.1056/NEJMe2509793
vi Norori N, Burns-Cox L, Blaney N et al. Using real world data to bridge the evidence gap left by prostate cancer screening
trials, ESMO Real World Data and Digital Oncology, Volume 6, 2024, 100073, ISSN 2949-8201, doi:
10.1016/j.esmorw.2024.100073
vii Hugosson J, Månsson M, Wallström J et al. Prostate Cancer Screening with PSA and MRI Followed by Targeted Biopsy Only.
N Engl J Med. 2022 Dec 8;387(23):2126-2137. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2209454
ix Prostate Cancer Research. Prostate Cancer Screening: Impact on the NHS; 2025
x Ng ABCD, Asif A, Agarwal R et al. Biparametric vs Multiparametric MRI for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: The PRIME Diagnostic
Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2025 Oct 7;334(13):1170-1179. doi: 10.1001/jama.2025.13722
xi Prostate Cancer Research. Socio-Economic Impact of Prostate Cancer Screening; 2024
xii Prostate Cancer Research, ibid
xiii healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2025-10-08/men-would-come-forward-prostate-cancer-screening
xiv Bratt O, Godtman RA, Jiborn T et al. Population-based Organised Prostate Cancer Testing: Results from the First Invitation
of 50-year-old Men. Eur Urol. 2024 Mar;85(3):207-214. doi: 10.1016/j.eururo.2023.11.013
xv EU Council Recommendation 2022/2381 and Beating Cancer Plan updates (2024). consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-
releases/2022/12/09/council-updates-its-recommendation-to-screen-for-cancer/
xvi Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Public Consultation: Draft 2025 Clinical Guidelines for the Early Detection of
Prostate Cancer. pcfa.org.au/public-consultation/
Letter to Chancellor on Tax-Free Childcare Cap
-
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Claire Hanna MP.
Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP
Chancellor of the Exchequer
HM Treasury
1 Horse Guards Road
Westminster
London
SW1A 2HQ
25 November 2025
Dear Chancellor,
We are writing to you as Members of Parliament and stakeholders from across England, Northern Ireland,
Scotland and Wales, alongside Pregnant Then Screwed, the leading charity working to end the motherhood
penalty, to request urgent action to support families who are struggling with the rising cost of childcare.
As per previous correspondence earlier this year, we are calling for the cap on Tax-Free Childcare, fixed at
£2,000 per child per year since the scheme was introduced in 2017, to be uprated in line with inflation.
Since 2017, prices have risen by approximately 34%, yet the cap has never been adjusted. As a result, the
real value of the support available to families has been significantly eroded.
During this period, childcare costs across the UK have increased sharply, placing growing pressure on
households already struggling to make ends meet. Updating the Tax-Free Childcare cap to reflect inflation
would be a simple, fair and effective way to ease the financial burden on families.
It is also important to note that many other benefits and forms of support, including tax credits and
pensions are uprated each year. We therefore believe it is both reasonable and consistent that the same
principle should be applied to the Tax-Free Childcare cap.
The forthcoming Budget provides an opportunity to address this. Increasing the cap would offer vital
support to parents and would strengthen the economy by enabling more parents to enter, remain in or
return to the workforce.
We look forward to your response.
Introduction of a Medal for British Soldiers Injured in Combat
-
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Davin Baines MP.
Re: Introduction of a Medal for British Soldiers Injured in Combat
Dear Minister,
I am writing to urge the Government to support the campaign of my constituent Corporal Andy Reid MBE to establish an official medal to recognise British service personnel who have been wounded or injured while serving on active duty.
In October 2009, Corporal Andy Reid MBE stepped on a Taliban improvised explosive device while on patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Injured so badly that it was thought he would not survive, he defied the odds to the extent that, within a month, he was able to meet up with members of his patrol again. Since then, as a triple amputee, he has gone on to carry out many arduous challenges to raise money for charity and give back to the associations that helped him and his family through difficult times.
Through his Standing Tall Foundation, Andy continues to provide invaluable support to injured service personnel and their families, demonstrating remarkable dedication to those who have served and also to the wider community.
Currently, UK service personnel who are wounded in active service receive no formal medal or honour to reflect the profound physical and mental sacrifices they have made in defence of our country. While the Elizabeth Cross appropriately recognises the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, there is no equivalent recognition for those who bear the wounds of their service. This stands in stark contrast to our international allies: the United States awards the Purple Heart, and India presents the Wound Medal or Parakram Padak to those injured in conflict.
Andy understands intimately the sacrifices made by our armed forces and is leading the charge for this vital recognition. As Andy eloquently states: "For many injured soldiers that bit of recognition in the form of a medal for
the mental and physical sacrifices they have made would give them that real boost they might need – a thank you from the nation that might just pull them out of that dark place and move forward with their lives towards a better future."
This medal would provide something instantly recognisable to the general population – a visible acknowledgement that this individual has paid a sacrifice for their safety and the safety of the nation.
My colleagues and I look forward to your response and to working with you on this important matter.
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Davin Baines MP.
Use the Autumn Budget to lower electricity prices
-
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by the MCS Foundation.
Dear Chancellor,
Subject: Use the Autumn Budget to lower electricity prices
The cost of living crisis is still hitting millions of households across Britain. Prices remain high, and the latest rise in the Energy Price Cap will only make things worse. The public wants to see action to reduce energy bills, which now ranks as the most worrying household expense amongst the population.
Britain has some of the highest electricity costs in Europe. A significant factor in keeping prices high is the social and environmental levies placed directly on households’ electricity bills. These levies make up 18% of a typical household’s electricity bill and disproportionately affect the most vulnerable. Households reliant on direct electric heating, such as electric radiators and fan heaters, are more likely to be in fuel poverty – yet they pay a far higher proportion of their income funding social and environmental levies.
Research from The MCS Foundation shows that moving these levies off electricity prices could save households, including those on direct electric heating and those with heat pumps, up to £300 on their bills.
Reducing the cost of electricity has the dual benefit of tackling fuel poverty while providing a significant financial incentive for households to electrify - a necessity for tackling climate change and meeting our net-zero obligations.
Social and environmental levies were introduced to raise revenue to support those in fuel poverty and boost renewable energy. While these areas are still in critical need of funding, retaining levies on electricity is now running directly counter to these initial aims, by disincentivising the switch away from fossil fuel heating.
While we appreciate that there are political and economic challenges that must be overcome, we believe now is the time for bold action. We urge you to use the Autumn Budget to reduce bills and incentivise electrification. There’s no time to waste.
Yours sincerely,
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by the MCS Foundation.
Letter to the Prime Minister Ahead of COP30
-
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this letter along with Sian Berry MP, Carla Denyer MP and Dr Ellie Chowns MP.
Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP
Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A 2AA
31 October 2025
Dear Prime Minister,
We are writing ahead of COP30 to urge that you use the UK’s influence to ensure an ambitious outcome consistent with avoiding the most catastrophic climate impacts. This year’s COP summit is taking place at a pivotal moment in history - just past the mid-point in what’s a critical decade for climate and nature action.
The state of nature, biodiversity and ecosystems are deteriorating more rapidly than ever, and global temperatures continue to climb at a terrifyingly dangerous rate. The combined effect is devastating for the life support systems on which we all depend, and therefore also for our security, for our economic, social and political stability, and for everything from our food supplies to our health and wellbeing.
The UN Secretary General has called the fossil fuel companies the godfathers of climate chaos and the IPCC warn that emissions from fossil fuels are the dominant cause of global warming. Yet COP30 is taking place against a backdrop of continued financial support from governments for the fossil fuel industry – including an estimated £17.5 billion every year here in the UK.
At the same time, the poorest peoples of the world, with the least historic responsibility for climate emissions, continue to bear the brunt of climate breakdown. It is vital that the decisions made at COP30 do not further perpetuate climate injustice.
And with this year marking the start of a new round of Nationally Determined Contributions, COP30 is critical to closing the 1.5°C delivery gap and other gaps – as the UN Secretary General said in his remarks of 27th October 2025:
We need Nationally Determined Contributions that cut emissions much more deeply and accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewables. At COP30 in Brazil, we must go further and faster to close the ambition gap. We need more ambition in adaptation, mitigation and climate financial justice.
We warmly welcome your attendance at COP30 and hope your leadership will include advocating for:
A Climate Damages Tax – a “polluters pay” tax on the extraction of fossil fuels in the world’s richest advanced economies.
The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty – a framework to manage the global transition to safe, renewable & affordable energy for all.
Climate Justice – a climate finance package made up primarily of public funded grants funds, accompanied by debt cancellation measures, and that enables countries in the Global South to reduce their emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change and meet the costs associated with loss and damage.
A global Just Transition - negotiators must stop blocking progress towards a Belém Action Mechanism (BAM).
An action plan to end forest destruction by 2030 - voluntary initiatives have failed to halt and reverse deforestation or to stop forest degradation, and substantive, structural change is needed to ensure existing forest commitments are met in an efficient, just and equitable way.
The UK’s global leadership should also be matched with ambitious domestic action as evidence of leading by example.
So we also call on you to back national measures that are aligned with the priorities of a successful COP30, and signal to the rest of the world that the UK is prepared to do its fair share in closing the gap between what the climate science demands and current emissions projections. Specifically, we urge you to:
End handouts to fossil fuel companies - use the forthcoming Budget to stop tax reliefs, investment allowances and subsidies, and to close loopholes in the ban on UK overseas finance supporting fossil fuels.
Play fair on climate finance – this must not come at the expense of overseas development aid, must be new government money, must not increase debt burdens, and must reflect the UK’s historic responsibilities.
Back the Energy Jobs Bill - to invest in British jobs and a just transition for workers in the oil and gas sector.
Deliver climate justice at home – with policies that ensure the poorest in our communities do not bear the financial brunt of climate action.
Keep your promise on no new oil and gas – by rejecting Rosebank, Jackdaw, other new extraction proposals and all new use of tie-backs – and go even further by refusing development consent for oil and gas projects that have already been licensed.
Step up on climate adaptation – with a national climate resilience plan and a sixth Government mission on adaptation that reflects the CCC’s advice of 15th October 2025.
Whilst we recognise that the UK and the world are making significant strides towards a carbon free economy, this is still accompanied by plans to produce more than double the quantity of fossil fuels in 2030 than would be consistent with holding global temperature rises to 1.5C above preindustrial levels.
This collective failure is driving climate breakdown.
COP 30 is an opportunity to change course – to choose transformative action that tackles injustice and inequality alongside greenhouse gas emissions.
We trust you will recognise this decisive moment by ramping up your ambition still further, in order to help secure a liveable future for all.
Yours sincerely,
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this letter along with Sian Berry MP, Carla Denyer MP and Dr Ellie Chowns MP.
Gentoo penguins at Sea Life London
-
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by David Taylor MP.
Dear Secretary of State,
Re: Urgent review of the welfare of Gentoo penguins at SEA LIFE London Aquarium
We, the undersigned Members of Parliament, are writing to express our deep concern regarding the welfare of fifteen Gentoo penguins currently kept at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, a short walk from Parliament. In light of the growing public concern, we respectfully request that DEFRA conduct an independent review into whether the current conditions meet the highest standards of animal welfare and, if necessary, intervene to secure a more appropriate environment for these animals.
Recent reports have highlighted that the penguins are housed in a windowless basement enclosure, with no access to natural light or fresh air, and that the pool depth is around six to seven feet, which is far shallower than the environments Gentoo penguins experience in the wild. Concerns have been raised by respected conservationists, including Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin, who argue that such an environment cannot adequately support the species’ natural behaviours.
As Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum, we share a collective commitment to animal welfare. All political parties in this great nation value the protection of animals as a reflection of our shared compassion and sense of moral duty. The United Kingdom has a proud record in this area, from the Hunting Act 2004, which banned the hunting of wild mammals with dogs, to the ongoing work to strengthen welfare protections for both domestic and wild animals. The 2024 General Election manifesto commitments to phase out animal testing, ban the use of snares, end the import of hunting trophies, and strengthen protections for wildlife reflect the continued importance placed on these issues across Parliament.
In that spirit, we respectfully ask that DEFRA:
Commission an independent welfare assessment of the Gentoo penguin enclosure at SEA LIFE London, involving external veterinary and zoological specialists. Evaluate the facility’s compliance with both the Standards of Modern Zoo Practice and the Animal Welfare Act 2006, as well the likelihood of compliance with the revised zoo Standards entering into force in May 2027, with particular focus on light, air quality, pool depth, and enrichment.
Consider whether the penguins should be relocated to a more suitable facility better aligned with their behavioural, ecological and physiological needs. Publish the findings of this review to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence in welfare standards.
We wish to make clear that this is not an adversarial request but a constructive one, recognising the Government’s strong record on animal welfare and DEFRA’s expertise in safeguarding species under human care. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that the United Kingdom continues to lead the world in setting and upholding exemplary welfare standards.
We would be grateful for your response outlining the Department’s intended course of action and the anticipated timeframe for review.
Kind Regards,
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by David Taylor MP.
End Starvation as a Weapon of War
-
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Action Against Hunger UK.
The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP
Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
King Charles Street
London
SW1A 2AH
October 2025
Dear Secretary of State,
We are writing to urge the UK Government to ratify the 2019 Amendment to Article 8(2)(e)(xix) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which criminalises the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare in non-international armed conflicts. As you take up this role, we hope you will seize the opportunity to strengthen the UK’s leadership in driving international accountability for such crimes.
The UK rightly supported the adoption of this amendment at the Assembly of States Parties in December 2019. However, the UK is yet to ratify it, and is therefore failing to implement its support to the ICC’s jurisdiction on this matter. At a time when starvation is being used as a method of warfare in so many conflict zones around the world - from the systematic denial of humanitarian aid to targeting food production and besieging populations - it is vital that the UK strengthens its commitment to ending these abhorrent practices.
The UK implemented the Rome Statute via the International Criminal Court Act 2001. The Act currently only criminalises starvation as a method of warfare in the context of international armed conflicts. Ratifying the 2019 amendment would send a vital signal of the UK’s intent to uphold international law and to support global accountability efforts to ensure this is illegal in non-international armed conflicts, such as civil wars.
Ratification would:
Reinforce the UK’s long-standing support for accountability and international justice
Further implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2417, which calls for action against the use of starvation in conflict
Bolster the rules-based international order and strengthen norms against impunity
Underscore the UK’s global leadership in protecting civilians, particularly the most vulnerable
Encourage other states to follow suit and build international consensus.
We note that 21 countries have already ratified this amendment, including Germany, New Zealand, the
Netherlands, and Spain. UK ratification would send a powerful message of resolve and leadership. Ratification
will require primary legislation to ensure national compliance. Ratification is a necessary and timely step in
aligning the UK’s legal framework with the UK Government’s stated values and international commitments.
We respectfully request that the Government bring forward legislation to enable the UK’s timely ratification.
We look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Action Against Hunger UK.
Urgent Investment Needed to Power Industrial Decarbonisation and Secure UK Jobs
-
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by ADE the Association for Decentralised Energy.
Dear Chancellor,
Urgent Investment Needed to Power Industrial Decarbonisation and Secure UK Jobs
The UK’s 2050 target depends on decarbonising our industrial heartlands, but current policy is failing to address half the problem.
While significant focus is rightly placed on large industrial clusters, nearly 50% of our industrial emissions – and at least 1.4 million jobs in the manufacturing and utilities industrial sectors alone could be at risk – are based in dispersed sites outside these clusters. These are the distilleries in Scotland, the ceramics kilns in the Midlands, the food processors in East Anglia. They are the backbone of our regional economies and our national supply chains, yet they face a perfect storm of barriers.
Our electricity prices are the highest among IEA nations, with policy costs up to fourteen times more expensive and this contributes to making power more expensive than gas. This makes electrification – the primary route to decarbonisation for most of these sites – an economic non-starter. Compounded by crippling grid connection delays and a lack of tailored support, these businesses are being locked into high-carbon operations.
This is an active threat to our economic competitiveness and energy security. We are stalling investment and risking carbon leakage at a time when we should be spurring green growth in every part of the country.
The recent ADE: Demand report, "Decarbonising Dispersed Industries," provides a framework of this challenge, outlining five distinct archetypes of rural industry, each with unique needs but all united by this common policy blind spot.Therefore, I urge you to use the upcoming budget to allocate significant funding to address this imbalance. We need a mechanism that bridges the damaging price gap between electricity and gas, conditional on fuel switching, to make electrification the economically rational choice for British industry. This will unleash the investment we desperately need.
By providing this price signal, you can unlock billions in private investment, secure hundreds of thousands of jobs, and finally put dispersed industrial decarbonisation on the fast track
Let’s not leave half of our industrial economy behind. Let’s give them the tools to help us all reach net zero.
Yours sincerely,
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by ADE the Association for Decentralised Energy.
Supporting Parents of Seriously Sick Children
-
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Chris Hinchliff MP.
Dear Secretary of State,
Re: The Government’s Consultation On Support for Parents of Seriously Sick Children
We are writing in support of the It’s Never You campaign for Hugh’s Law, following the government’s announcement of a stand-alone consultation on supporting parents of seriously ill children.
The campaign for Hugh’s Law goes to the heart of what our welfare state must provide: a safety net people can rely on in moments of crisis. Too many parents, already facing the anguish of caring for a seriously ill child, also face the devastating reality that they cannot afford to be at their child’s bedside. Hugh’s Law would introduce an immediate, non-means tested benefit for parents of seriously ill children, offering immediate support that current benefits simply do not provide. Families must not fall through the cracks of the welfare system at what is, for many, the hardest period of their lives. There is support for families at certain stages of life, such as maternity and paternity leave. There is nothing bespoke for parents of seriously ill children, aside from the limited Neonatal Care Act, applying only in a child’s earliest days. Hugh’s Law is a natural extension of that Act. Our welfare state should
respond not to the timing of illness, but to the reality of need.
We welcome the consultation as a significant step forward that reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the campaign for Hugh’s Law. We would be grateful for clarification on the following points ahead of the consultation:
Will the consultation’s terms be co-produced with It’s Never You to ensure they reflect families’ real needs?
Will you confirm the timeframe for the consultation?
Will you announce an intention to legislate on Hugh’s Law in next year’s King’s Speech?
Can you outline a potential timeframe for implementation of any resulting legislation?
The government’s announcement marks significant progress. The upcoming King’s Speech provides
the ideal opportunity to build on this to deliver Hugh’s Law, ensuring the needs of families are fully
addressed.
Yours sincerely,
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Chris Hinchliff MP.
Ensure Audit Reform Is Not Delayed Further
-
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors.
Sunday 7 September 2025
The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP
Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A 2AA
Dear Prime Minister,
We welcomed the Government’s commitment in last July’s King’s Speech to publish the draft Audit Reform and
Corporate Governance Bill, an important milestone following years of delay. However, we are very disappointed
that, despite this early promise, it has been announced that it has once again stalled and will not be published for
pre-legislative scrutiny during this session.
The case for reform is now more pressing than ever. Strengthening audit and corporate governance is essential
to laying the foundations for sustainable growth and long-term economic stability. Investors, the public, and other
stakeholders must be able to rely on accurate, transparent reporting from our largest companies, covering both
financial performance and other business-critical matters. This is fundamental to restoring trust and confidence in
UK markets.
We also need an audit regulator with real authority, one that can hold company directors and audit firms to
account when failures occur. Without this, the system remains exposed and vulnerable, as the regulator lacks the
legal powers it needs to do its job effectively.
It is deeply concerning that over seven years have passed since the collapse of Carillion, yet no legislation has
been brought forward, despite multiple independent reviews, a Government White Paper, and extensive public
consultation. In the meantime, we have witnessed further high-profile corporate failures linked to weaknesses in
audit and governance, including Patisserie Valerie, Bulb, Thomas Cook, Wilko, and ISG - making it clear that
market oversight remains far from adequate. When companies collapse due to audit and governance failings, the
consequences are devastating - impacting jobs, pensions, and smaller businesses across supply chains. This is
the polar opposite of economic growth.
In today’s increasingly volatile geopolitical and macroeconomic environment, a robust and effective audit and
corporate governance framework is not a nice-to-have but a business necessity. The Audit Reform and Corporate
Governance Bill enjoys strong cross-party support and represents a vital opportunity to legislate and regulate for
growth, resilience, and accountability.
As we have seen with other important Bills, where there is political will, there is a way. We urge the Government
to act now, bring forward this long-overdue legislation, and prioritise its passage through Parliament.
Yours faithfully,
• Rt Hon Diane Abbott MP, Hackney North
and Stoke Newington (The Mother of the
House) (Independent)
• Luke Akehurst MP, North Durham (Labour)
• Josh Babarinde MP, Eastbourne (Liberal
Democrat Spokesperson for Justice &
Justice Committee)
• Paula Barker MP, Liverpool Wavertree
(Committee on Standards) (Labour)
• Lee Barron MP, Corby and East
Northamptonshire (Labour)
• Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (former
Leader of the Green Party)
• Siân Berry MP, Brighton Pavilion (Green)
• Clive Betts MP, Sheffield South East
(Public Accounts Committee) (Labour)
• Bob Blackman MP, Harrow East (Chair,
Backbench Business Committee)
(Conservative)
• Wendy Chamberlain MP, North East Fife
(Liberal Democrat Chief Whip)
• Ellie Chowns MP, North Herefordshire
(Environmental Audit Committee) (Green)
• Lord Clement-Jones CBE (Liberal
Democrat Lords Spokesperson for
Science, Innovation and Technology)
• Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, North
Cotswolds (Conservative)
• Daisy Cooper MP, St Albans (Liberal
Democrat Spokesperson for the Treasury
& Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats)
• Adam Dance MP, Yeovil (Liberal
Democrat)
• Steve Darling MP, Torbay (Liberal
Democrat Spokesperson for Work and
Pensions & Work and Pensions
Committee)
• Ann Davies MP, Caerfyrddin (Welsh
Affairs Committee) (Plaid Cymru)
• Bobby Dean MP, Carshalton & Wallington
(Treasury Committee) (Liberal Democrat)
• Carla Denyer MP, Bristol Central
• The Rt Hon. the Lord Dholakia OBE DL
(Human Rights Joint Select Committee)
(Liberal Democrat)
• Neil Duncan-Jordan MP, Poole
(Independent)
• Sarah Dyke MP, Glastonbury and
Somerton (Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs Committee) (Liberal Democrat)
• Sarah Edwards MP, Tamworth (Business
and Trade Committee) (Labour)
• Will Forster MP, Woking (Housing,
Communities and Local Government
Committee) (Liberal Democrat)
• Andrew George MP, West Cornwall & Isles
of Scilly (St Ives) (Health and Social Care
Committee) (Liberal Democrat)
• Mary Glindon MP, Newcastle upon Tyne
East and Wallsend (Administration
Committee) (Labour)
• Claire Hanna MP, Belfast South and Mid
Dow (Leader of the Social Democratic and
Labour Party)
• Baroness Harris of Richmond (Secondary
Legislation Scrutiny Committee) (Liberal
Democrat)
• Pippa Heylings MP, South Cambridgeshire
(Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for
Energy Security and Net Zero &
Environmental Audit Committee)
• Wera Hobhouse MP, Bath (Energy
Security and Net Zero Committee) (Liberal
Democrat)
• The Rt Hon. the Baroness Hodge of
Barking DBE (Labour)
• Christine Jardine MP, Edinburgh West
(Women and Equalities Committee)
(Liberal Democrat)
• Liz Jarvis MP, Eastleigh (Culture, Media
and Sport Committee) (Liberal Democrat)
• Kim Johnson MP, Liverpool Riverside
(Labour)
• Clive Jones MP, Wokingham (Liberal
Democrat Spokesperson for Trade)
• Ben Lake MP, Ceredigion Preseli (Welsh
Affairs Committee) (Plaid Cymru)
• Graham Leadbitter MP, Moray West, Nairn
& Strathspey (SNP)
• Lord Leigh of Hurley (Conservative)
• Seamus Logan MP, Aberdeenshire North
and Moray East (SNP)
• Ben Maguire MP, North Cornwall (Home
Affairs Committee & Liberal Democrat
Shadow Attorney General)
• Helen Maguire MP, Epsom and Ewell
(Liberal Democrat)
• Rachael Maskell MP, York Central
(Independent)
• Brian Mathew MP, Melksham and Devizes
(International Development Committee)
(Liberal Democrat)
• Andy McDonald MP, Middlesbrough and
Thornaby East (Labour)
• John McDonnell MP, Hayes and
Harlington (Independent)
• Iqbal Mohamed MP, Dewsbury and Batley
(Independent)
• Layla Moran MP, Oxford West and
Abingdon (Chair, Health and Social Care
Committee) (Liberal Democrat)
• Tessa Munt MP, Wells and Mendip Hills
(Administration Committee) (Liberal
Democrat)
• Susan Murray MP, Mid Dunbartonshire
(Scottish Affairs Committee) (Liberal
Democrat)
• James Naish MP, Rushcliffe (International
Development Committee) (Labour)
• Sarah Olney MP, Richmond Park (Liberal
Democrat Spokesperson for the Cabinet
Office & Public Accounts Committee)
• Manuela Perteghella MP, Stratford-on-
Avon (Education Committee) (Liberal
Democrat)
• Adrian Ramsay MP, Waveney Valley
(Green)
• Martin Rhodes MP, Glasgow North
(Environment Audit Committee) (Labour)
• Marie Rimmer MP, St Helens South and
Whiston (Labour)
• Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick
(Secondary Legislation Scrutiny
Committee and former Leader of the
Social Democratic and Labour Party)
(Labour)
• Dr Roz Savage MP, South Cotswolds
(Petitions Committee) (Liberal Democrat)
• Jim Shannon MP, Strangford (DUP)
• Lord Sikka (Professor of Accounting at the
University of Sheffield, and Emeritus
Professor of Accounting at the University
of Essex) (Labour)
• Alex Sobel MP, Leeds Central and
Headingley (UK Trade Envoy to Ukraine
and Chair of the Net Zero APPG) (Labour)
• Ian Sollom MP, St Neots and Mid
Cambridgeshire (Liberal Democrat
Spokesperson for Universities and Skills)
• Baroness Uddin
• Martin Vickers MP, Brigg & Immingham
(Backbench Business Committee)
(Conservative)
• The Rt Hon. the Lord Wallace of Saltaire
(Liberal Democrat)
• Nadia Whittome MP, Nottingham East
(Environmental Audit Committee) (Labour)
• Steve Witherden MP, Montgomeryshire
and Glyndŵr (Welsh Affairs Committee)
(Labour)
ICJ advisory opinion on unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory
-
Dear Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and Attorney General
On 19 July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) gave a groundbreaking
judgement on the legal consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of
Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).
This advisory opinion made crystal clear determinations that:
The Israeli presence in the OPT, including Gaza, is unlawful and its policies
and practices are incompatible with international law.
All Israeli settlements are illegal and must be withdrawn immediately
Israel owes full reparation for all damage of its illegal acts since 1967,
Other states are obliged to not provide any sort of aid or assistance that
maintains Israel’s unlawful presence in the OPT, referring to Gaza, the West
Bank, and East Jerusalem.
Following this advisory opinion, the Foreign Office response was that it would
consider “carefully before responding. The UK respects the independence of the
ICJ... the UK is strongly opposed to the expansion of illegal settlements and rising
settler violence”.
The government promised to publish its formal response. One year on since the
advisory opinion was issued, it has yet to do so. Given that the ICJ referred to the
“unlawfulness” as an established fact, the UK has a legal duty to ensure that the
government and British entities take all necessary steps to ensure that we are not
complicit with this unlawful situation. This is particularly pertinent given the
seriousness of the situation, the continued and increasing Israeli violations of
international law, as well as the increase in illegal settlements. Between November
2023 – October 2024, Israel established 57 new settlements and outposts. However,
the UK needs to not just denounce the rise in settlements but the mere existence of
them, as regards the ICJ advisory opinion.
The failure of the government to publish its legal advice on the advisory opinion and
address the unlawful situation occurring in the OPT, as well its own obligations under
international law to avoid complicity, needs to be rectified.
Over the last year, since the opinion was issued, Israel has accelerated its violations
of international law including the Fourth Geneva Convention in the OPT.
We, the undersigned, urge the government immediately to publish its response to
the ICJ Advisory Opinion on the legal consequences of the Israeli occupation and
take all the necessary measures to adhere to the obligation of 3 rd party states “not to
render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by Israel’s illegal
presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory” as the Court stipulated.
Banning Conversion Practices
-
Dear Bridget,
We are writing to you about the delay to the Government’s plans to publish a draft Bill to ban conversion practices.
LGBTQ+ people have nothing to be ashamed of; their sexual orientations and gender identities are diverse, and it should be self-evident in 2025 that they do not need ‘fixing’ or ‘curing’.
And yet, as you know, conversion practices still take place in the UK today. A report by Galop in 2023 found that 1 in 5 (18 per cent) LGBT+ people in the UK have been subjected to someone trying to change, ‘cure’ or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity.
A growing number of countries around the world have passed legislation to ban conversion practices, including New Zealand, Canada, Brazil and Germany. The UK used to be a global leader on human rights, but this year the UK dropped 6 places on ILGA-Europe’s rainbow map to an all-time low of 22 out of 49 countries. Urgent action is needed to restore our position on the world stage.
We were pleased to see a commitment to deliver a fully inclusive ban in the 2024 Labour Party manifesto and plans to publish a draft Bill included in last year’s King’s Speech. Several times at the despatch box, and in answer to our written questions, Ministers have reiterated that a draft Bill will be published before the end of this parliamentary session.
We are concerned that time is running out to deliver on this incredibly important commitment.
This comes at a time when many people in the LGBTQ+ community are worried about what the future holds for them. It’s now vital that the Government demonstrate its commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community by delivering on its manifesto commitments. That includes a ban on conversion practices which is fully inclusive, protects all LGBTQ+ people, and has no loopholes that would allow abuse to continue.
Every day without robust legislative protection is another day in which LGBTQ+ people remain vulnerable to abuse that has been internationally recognised as a violation of human rights.
We urge you to publish the draft Bill without delay.
Yours sincerely,
Adrian Ramsay MP co-signed this cross-party letter initiated by Stonewall.