Kate Osamor MP
The scale of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza is horrific. In just a few weeks the IDF has killed almost 10,000 Palestinians, including almost 4,000 children. A lack of fuel means many hospitals are no longer able to operate. Amputations are being carried out without anaesthetic. Over a million people have been forcibly displaced, but nowhere in Gaza is safe. Meanwhile in the occupied West Bank, violence has also increased with more than 150 Palestinians being killed since Hamas’s attack in Israel. Israel has the right to self-defence, but it does not have the right to commit war crimes. Targeting terrorists does not justify mass civilian casualties. In the UK, would we accept our government bombing a hospital to kill terrorists if it meant that thousands of innocent civilians were killed? Likewise, would the Israeli government kill thousands of innocent Israeli citizens if it were targeting Hamas operatives within Israel’s borders? The answer is no and because Palestinian lives are as valuable as British or Israeli lives, we must give that same answer when responding the catastrophe in Gaza. This is why I’m calling for an immediate ceasefire and its why the UK public overwhelmingly backs one. Because we know that all civilian deaths are unacceptable, whether Israeli or Palestinian and we know that the choice isn’t between Israel or Palestinian deaths but between peace and war. A ceasefire doesn’t mean stopping Israel from defending itself, it means ending the loss of innocent life. That must now be our first priority. |
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Ticket Offices I welcome the government’s announcement this week that it has decided to U-turn on plans to close ticket offices at train stations across England. This decision comes as a relief to many who depend on these services for their travel needs. I had written to the Secretary of State for Transport previously to express my strong opposition to the plans and I’m glad that the government has finally conceded defeat on this issue. The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) had previously announced intentions to close the majority of the nation’s 1,007 train station ticket offices in a cost-cutting move designed to protect train company profits. But such closures would have been a disaster for passengers with accessibility issues and other vulnerable passengers. I firmly believe that our transportation system should prioritise the needs of passengers, ensuring that they can access services conveniently. Closing ticket offices, while perhaps seen as a cost-saving measure, would have significantly impacted passenger accessibility and convenience. The government’s decision to withdraw these proposals following a public consultation is a testament to the power of public engagement and advocacy. The fact that over 750,000 responses were received during the consultation period highlights the importance of this issue for passengers. I remain committed to advocating for a transport network that is publicly owned, accessible, secure, and focused on passenger well-being. We must ensure that passengers’ needs and rights are at the forefront of any decisions regarding our public services. The country has had enough of being ripped off by private train companies who only care about protecting their profits. |
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Healthy Start Scheme This week I signed a letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, urgently calling for action to rectify the critical deficiencies in the Healthy Start Scheme. This vital scheme provides essential support to expectant mothers and families with young children, offering them access to nutritious food, including fruits, vegetables, milk, and vitamins. However, a substantial number of eligible families are not receiving the support they need. Only 68% of eligible families across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland benefitted from this scheme in September 2023. In some areas, the uptake was as low as 51%, leaving over 171,000 babies, children, and pregnant mothers without access to vital food support. These statistics are particularly concerning given the backdrop of skyrocketing food prices, with essentials like bananas, lettuce and broccoli experiencing significant price increases. The Healthy Start Scheme has the potential to make a significant difference for many families during these challenging times. That’s why I’ve urged the Secretary of State to contact eligible families who are not currently benefiting from the scheme. Many of them may not be aware of their eligibility or how to apply. By reaching out to these families and providing clear, written information about their entitlement and the application process, we can ensure that no child goes without access to healthy and nutritious meals. Ensuring that every child has access to essential nutritional support is a fundamental responsibility. The Government needs to do better. |
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Thank you for taking the time to read my latest update, if you have any issues that you would like to raise directly with me then please do email edmontonconstituency@parliament.uk . I’m always happy to help whenever possible. Kind regards, Kate Osamor Member of Parliament for Edmonton |