Audio interviews for Women’s Parliamentary Radio
Conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother
Showing 1 - 50 of 103 Records
Interview with Rachel Reeves MP and Seema Kennedy MP, entitled 'JoCoxLoneliness Campaign'
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/1
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Date : - 2017-11-15 (creation)
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Description : - The Jo Cox Loneliness Campaign was championed by Reeves and Kennedy in memory of the late Jo Cox MP who was murdered in June 2016 after being shot in her Batley and Spen constituency. Reeves and Kennedy co-chair the Jo Cox Loneliness Commission at time of recording and were hoping that the hashtag #happytochat would encourage others to show kindness as part of the @JoCoxLoneliness campaign. The interview: Reeves focuses on how loneliness can affect people's mental and physical health and the commission's upcoming manifesto. Both discuss Cox's upbringing and life, as well as her career as an MP. Sones, Kennedy and Reeves talk about the impact of loneliness whilst working as an MP, the importance of talking to people about motherhood and mental wellbeing. The link between loneliness and physical wellbeing is discussed and how MPs are working cross-party. Examples of local projects in various constituencies is discussed, the role and presence of male loneliness r.e. Army veterans. Sones asks about the impact of Cox's death, Reeves speaks about how proud they are to take forward Cox's work although it has not been easy.
#Vote100 Readings by Elizabeth Crawford
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/2
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Date : - 2018-01-02 (creation)
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Description : - Elizabeth Crawford was asked to read from her book, 'Enterprising Women: The Garrett's and their Circle'. Elizabeth discusses politics, education, the home and culture of the Garrett family. The book, tells the story of the Garrett family, who in the second half of the nineteenth century and the early years of the twentieth changed the position of women in Britain forever. They pioneered access to education at all levels and involved themselves in politics. Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, Emily Davies, Millicent Fawcett left few personal papers, and biographers have had to rely on a few family letters. Crawford looked to re-create these women's lives. Crawford discusses how these women molded themselves within society.
Interview with Jo Swinson MP on Artificial Intelligence and Ethics
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/3
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Date : - 2018-01-17 (creation)
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Description : - Jo Swinson MP for East Dunbartonshire and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats discusses her debate in Westminster Hall today on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Ethics. Swinson warns about the ethical considerations with AI. Swinson and Sones talk through the concerns regarding medical operations and how we help people re-skill and re-train. Indeed Swinson discusses the biases and discrimination within systems in courts and recruitment and government challenging practice. Sones and Swinson discuss sex robots and stereotypes around women and working with Matt Hancock MP.
Interview with Maggie Throup MP for Erewash on her debate on junk food and children's health
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/4
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Date : - 2018-01-17 (creation)
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Description : - Throup is speaking in support of the government's moves to clamp down on the sugar content of foods but says advertisements for junk food should not be shown when children are likely to be watching. Throup discusses the obesity epidemic and the cost to society, their health and how important this this. Sones asks why it is Jamie Oliver leading the challenge to the obesity epidemic. Throup is also asked about modern slavery and Theresa May's role.
Interview with Catherine McKinnell MP: Carillion and apprenticeships and childcare vouchers
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/5
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Date : - 2018-01-17 (creation)
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Description : - McKinnell is the Labour MP for Newcastle North, her debate followed a petition that asked the government to think again before making the changes to phasing out vouchers which will cause hardship for some. McKinnell also asked Prime Minster Theresa May about what will happen to apprenticeships now that the construction company Carillion has gone bust. McKinnell is the co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships, McKinnell discusses tax free child care and formulating a fairer system and working against the government's decision to block new voucher applications, even though the vouchers scheme helps those worse off.
Interview with Maria Miller MP, Lucy Powell MP and Baroness Tessa Jowell
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/6
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Date : - 2018-01-26 (creation)
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Description : - During the week of 26 January; sexism, charity dinners and criminal justice reform was the topic of conversation in politics. Miller and Sones discuss the business environment and sexual harassment related to the Presidents Club Charity Dinner. This came after the Financial Time's exclusive report on the Dinner, the all male event employed women as hostesses and has led to complaints of sexual harassment. Miller calls for stronger legislation and looks to raise the issue with Prime Minister Theresa May and the criminal investigation. Powell discusses the 'Joint Enterprise' debate and the legal processes behind convicting young people who have a very minor role in a murder or other crime. Conservative MP's have discussed cases in their constituencies and Powell goes onto discuss her work and working cross-party. Baroness Jowell received a standing ovation for her ten minute speech calling for better treatment for brain cancer patients, she was shocked at the lack of action and attention paid to this issue. Toward the end of the recording, Baroness Jowell's full ten minute speech is recorded. Jowell discusses the NHS, patients and the care individuals receive utilising data for better treatments.
Personal Independence Payments: A Westminster Hall Debate with Sharon Hodgson MP and Ruth George MP
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/7
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Date : - 2018-01-31 (creation)
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Description : - Hodgson and George discuss the impact of new rules introduced for Personal Independence Payment and the impact this will have on constituents. The same week, the government said it would review every person receiving PIP after the Department for Work and Pensions decided not to challenge a court ruling saying that PIP changes were unfair. Hodgson and George were shocked about the response from the Conservative Ministers when asked about PIP as they ignored the evidence put forward by MPs. They discuss how the claims assessment process is not made for claimants and the aggressive environment it has created. This recording ends with a comment from 'Disabled People Against Cuts', they criticise the Conservative Government's response to PIP changes and austerity.
Female MPs on #Vote100 - 'Women speaking up for Women'
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/8
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Date : - 2018-02-06 (creation)
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Description : - Female MPs speak about their speeches and debates (6 February 2018), Sones hears from Dame Caroline Spelman MP, Theresa May MP, Vicky Ford MP and Helen Whately MP. Introduced by Dame Spelman live from the event. Theresa May introduces the evening before Vicky Ford speaks from central lobby about social media and using it for good causes and the importance of the Year of Engineering for women. Sones and Ford walk toward a glass display case in Central Lobby which has four acts of Parliament: allowing women to become MPs (1918); giving women the vote; the Life Peerages Act, giving women the right to sit in the House of Lords; amendments to the bill that brought together in the Representation of the People Act that gave women the right to vote (1918). Ford talks about Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May and being the first female MP in the Conservative Party east of the M11. Theresa May discusses women and working class men gaining the vote during her speech at the #Vote100 event, the unveiling of a statue of Millicent Fawcett in Parliament Square and one of Pankhurst in Manchester. Sones then talks to Helen Whately MP about speaking in the chamber about #Vote100 and thinking about what the suffragettes did 100 years ago and being sure not to take it for granted. Whately focuses on health and social care and establishing a funding settlement, as women do the bulk of caring across the UK. Whately goes onto discuss how women often do the lower paid jobs in society and especially in social care, and discusses how women do not reach the heights of men in many industries. Sones asks about the abuse of women and Whately talks about women being more nervous in a public facing role. Sones moves to College Green to talk to Angela Eagle MP at the Labour women's photo call. Eagle discusses how important the #Vote100 anniversary is and the Labour Party's focus on equality, Eagle talks about making sure stronger employment laws are enforced, such as tighter controls over the sacking of pregnant women. Sones asks about 'all women shortlists' and Eagle argues the importance of having official mechanisms. Sones moves on to talk to Seema Malhotra MP whilst looking at the acts in the Central Lobby which focus on women gaining the right to vote on the same terms as men, and talks about the impact of social media and the violence of the suffragettes. Sones interviews Fiona Onasanya MP in Central Lobby, who makes the point that there was a lot left to do after 1918, and it is the same now. Onasanya is looking to create a University for Women, a stronger focus on housing in Peterborough and social care. Onsanya talks about being a new MP and not suffering any abuse so far. Sones finally met with Sharon Hodgson MP on Free School Meals and her experience after the birth of her stillborn daughter, Lucy, who she was not allowed to register. Regarding Free School Meals, she was concerned about the income threshold for being allowed school lunches. Regarding registering stillborn children, Hodgson is working to change the law to enable earlier registrations.
Interview with Dr Lisa Cameron MP and Jo Swinson MP on #Vote100 whilst looking at the Suffragette displays in Parliament
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/9
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Date : - 2018-02-01 (creation)
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Description : - Cameron and Swinson look at five important tributes to the suffragette women. They begin by the grill in Central Lobby, Cameron reads the plaque regarding women gaining the vote. Cameron discusses what the suffragettes did and the impact the movement still has on her, Cameron was the first SNP female MP in her constituency. Sones asks whether the SNP have enough women, Cameron says that they do not and that there is much more to do. Swinson discusses what the Liberal Democrats have been doing and the need for a coherent policy regarding maternity leave in politics. Sones walks them round to the Viscount Falkland statue and Swinson discusses the statue and the importance of continually fighting for equality. Sones walks into the broom cupboard where Emily Wilding Davison hid herself during the 1911 Census so she was able to record her address on the night as the House of Commons. She died after throwing herself under the King's Horse at the Derby. Sones, Cameron and Swinson discuss the time taken for Parliament to acknowledge what the suffragettes did.
Interview with Maria Caulfield MP: helping children with Autism get better care
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/10
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Date : - 2018-02-22 (creation)
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Description : - Caulfield is a member of the APPG on Autism which published a report calling on government to ensure teachers, schools and local authority's statement children with autism earlier. Caulfield co-chaired an enquiry on autism in schools, asking for extra funding for local authorities to recognise those with autism. She is looking for Government to realise that this is a national problem and there is the need to ensure schools have the support they need. There needs to be a focus on what resources are needed and determining how many individuals have autism spectrum disorder. Caulfield raises the importance of backbench MPs and how influential they can be.
Harriet Harman MP #IWD2018
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/11
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Date : - 2018-03-06 (creation)
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Description : - The Mother of the House Harriet Harman MP delivered her 2018 International Women's Day speech to a specially convened House of Commons Works of Art Committee Audience in Westminster. Harman is introduced by Alison McGovern MP. Harman begins by thanking McGovern and paying tribute to other female MPs, as well as Helen Pankhurst. Harman discusses the relationship between men and women as she was growing up as a woman. Harman talks about feeling out of place and seeing the ranks of men in grey suits on the green benches, feeling that she did not belong, especially in a maternity dress. She talks about receiving letters women angry at her abandoning her children and Harman worried about the impact she was having. Harman was told to understand the important parts of the political agenda - not domestic violence and women, but economics and foreign policy. Harman notes that there was a lot of support from men and women, she knew she had to stick with it and be persistent. Harman talks about creating protocol for having one woman on each shortlist for Labour candidates, there was uproar but only men got selected. Harman says that they then resorted to all women shortlists - recording is interrupted by a bell - Neil Kinnock was a strong supporter of this idea of having all women shortlists. Harman discusses a change in Conservative female MPs and a change in male MPs, the idea of a man supporting a woman's agenda was unthinkable when Harman joined the House. Women are now in the forefront although still outnumbered. Harman ends with a statement about fighting inequality, all discrimination and inequality is wrong and unfair.
Harriet Harman Q and As for #IWD2018 after her speech
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/12
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Date : - 2018-03-06 (creation)
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Description : - Harriet Harman MP gives her view on getting more women and black, Asian, minority ethnic MPs into Westminster and the barriers they face. She comments: 'what are we training them for, to become Winston Churchill in the Darkest Hour!". Harman says that this is not about doing different groups of people 'a favour', Parliament has to be representative, it is a necessity. Harman notes that when she came into Parliament it was like it was during the 'Darkest Hour' film. It is not Harman's position to train new MPs, she says, they need and will find their own path.
#IWD2018 interview with Alison McGovern MP as she talks about Harriet Harman MP and those all too male works of art in Westminster
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/13
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Date : - 2018-03-06 (creation)
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Description : - McGovern was just one year of age when Harman was elected to Parliament. McGovern talks about Harman's influence, all-women shortlists, having a nursery in the Houses of Parliament. Sones asks about how 'male' Parliament is, McGovern recognises that it will take time through the Committee.
Interview with Vicky Pryce, economist at CBR, on Philip Hammond's statement to the Commons and Brexit
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/14
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Date : - 2018-03-15 (creation)
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Description : - Pryce discusses Brexit and the economy, modest growth at the bottom of the G7 and G20. Hammond was optimistic in his speech about employment and the economy, Pryce questions how low paid these jobs are and supporting these with benefit payments. The fall in the pound and the Bank of England's expenditure to ensure that banks are lending has kept the economy going, but productivity has suffered. Sones asks about whether the country could have got to this point without austerity, Pryce argues that we need higher productivity and growth in many industries, the UK has undertaken the wrong 'type' of austerity. Sones asks about a World Trade Organisation/Hard Brexit, Pryce cites evidence that the UK would not be able to adequately trade especially as WTO Rules do not cover the service industry. Pryce is optimistic that Brexit will be a success and a 'soft' Brexit, despite losing 2% of GDP.
Interview with economist Vicky Pryce - 50 years on and still NO equal pay in #Vote100 year
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/15
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Date : - 2018-03-15 (creation)
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Description : - Pryce begins explaining why she thinks women do not get paid equally; stating that it is either because of the culture of organisations or because they have children. She states that women in their 20s earn more than men in many professions, but into their 30s, they do not. Often, organisations are not prepared to allow anyone to work flexibly. Many organisations lose women too early for them to end up in senior positions. Sones asks about the attitude of women in corporate situations, Pryce agrees it to be an issue in how women are educated but that the evidence does not suggest this. Women do better at University and earn more in their 20s, there must be wrong with the way private sector organisations are managing this as they think too short-term. Pryce argues that we need to ensure women are treated in the same way as men and quotas for senior positions in an array of sectors.
Interview with Melanie Onn MP on rejuvenating our Parks
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/16
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Date : - 2018-03-21 (creation)
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Description : - Onn is talking about a recent debate on Parks to tackle childhood mental health issues and obesity. She is looking to ensure play equipment is available and built into new housing projects, Sones asks about whose responsibility it is, and Onn says that there is not enough to specify how to create fit-for-purpose play areas on new housing projects. Sones asks about the Jo Cox Loneliness Foundation and the use of green spaces for mental health, Onn says she will focus on keeping green spaces and parks safe.
Interview with Fiona Onasanya MP - #SlingTheMesh PMQ
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/17
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Date : - 2018-03-21 (creation)
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Description : - Onasanya speaks about her PMQ to Prime Minister Theresa May calling upon her to support and join the #SlingTheMesh campaign to prevent further Mesh implants which can damage women's health. Onasanya discusses how mesh implants are used and the dangers associated with them. Sones asks about spending cuts and Onasanya agrees that it is a huge issue in her constituency. Sones and Onasanya discuss migrant workers and the need ensure a smooth Brexit transition.
Interview with Anushka Asthana, Joint Political Editor of the Guardian - Review of the Week
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/19
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Date : - 2018-03-21 (creation)
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Description : - Asthana reviews her week in UK politics. Sones introduces the discussion by talking about Russia, Brexit and the Labour Party. Asthana talks about the Salisbury Nerve Agent Attack by Russian Operatives and Jeremy Corbyn MPs response as he brought up Russian-Conservative donations and Vladimir Putin. Asthana discusses the international response to congratulating Putin's re-election versus their support for Theresa May's speech in Parliament, talking against Putin. Sones and Asthana discuss the common fisheries policy and immigration during the Brexit transition period. The pair discuss the relationship between The Labour Party, Momentum, Blairites and Sure Start Centres.
Interview with Dame Caroline Spelman MP - Yezidi Women and ISIS survivors
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/20
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Date : - 2018-03-26 (creation)
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Description : - Spelman hosted an exhibition of art in Westminster Hall on 26 March portraying the work of artist Hannah Rose Thomas who drew gold leaf portraits of Yezidi women who had escaped ISIS captivity. Working with the Christian Charity, Open Doors, Thomas hoped that her exhibition would draw further attention to the plight of the Yezidi Women. The recording first hears from Thomas about some of the art and the individuals behind them. Sones asks about the exhibition, Spelman discusses how important a cause this is and her experience of the Yezidi Women who visited Parliament. Sones talks to Thomas once again and she explains her art and her time spent with the Yezidi Women. Sones moves onto talk to Rosie Winterton MP and Open Doors Head of Advocacy Zoe Smith. Both women talk the listener through the stories within the exhibition and displays. Both add that international solidarity is very important, especially during #Vote100. Sones speaks to Spelman again, who maintains that International Aid is given to appropriate groups and to ensure that the poorest get the assistance they need.
Female MPs #Vote100 Documentary Part One
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/21
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Date : - 2018-04-06 (creation)
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Description : - This recording selects soundbites from interviews Parliamentary Radio conducted with women MPs of all political parties about the issues they championed in 2018. We hear from Dame Caroline Spelman, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Harriet Harman, Melanie Onn, Fiona Onasanya, Alison McGovern, Maria Caulfield, Angela Eagle, Sharon Hodgson, Seema Malhotra, Theresa May, Vicky Ford, Helen Whately, Jo Swinson and Lisa Cameron. This recording is a summary of the previous recordings with headlines from each female MP.
Female MPs #Vote100 Documentary Part Two
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/22
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Date : - 2018-04-09 (creation)
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Description : - This recording selects soundbites from interviews Parliamentary Radio conducted with women MPs of all political parties about the issues they championed in 2018. In part two, we hear from Jo Swinson, Sharon Hodgson, Ruth George, Lucy Powell, Maria Miller, Tessa Jowell, Catherine McKinnell, Dame Caroline Spelman, Maggie Throup and Theresa May. This recording is a summary of the previous recordings with headlines from each female MP.
Interview with The Liberal Democrat Peer Baroness Shirley Williams and former Labour foreign office minister Denis McShane
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/23
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Date : - 2018-04-23 (creation)
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Description : - Williams and McShane speak to Parliamentary Radio about the @TutuFoundation #PeaceSummit2018 @RegentsUni in London. Sones and Williams are talking from the Desmond Tutu Peace Summit 2018, Sones asks about nationalism and Brexit. Williams agrees that we're going through a period of nationalism, but that the hope is the creation a global system of law. Williams and Sones discuss the importance of Brexit and the willingness to say that the process is not working. McShane is asked about mediating conflict with discussion, he talks about England's approach to treaties and solving conflict through discussion. McShane was said to have created the term 'Brexit', Sones asks about the conflict associated with it and McShane questions what 'negotiations' mean in this context in reference laws and regulations. McShane argues that the Government and Jeremy Corbyn have failed to mediate with the British public. Sones asks about 'Remainers' and McShane responds arguing that they are not true positions to hold and is sad that younger generations will not have the same rights as him to travel and live, just because Rupert Murdoch and Nigel Farage wanted it.
Interview with Catherine Smart the Cambridge Liberal Democrat Agent: Local Elections
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/24
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Date : - 2018-05-09 (creation)
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Description : - Smart is a former LD Councillor and as agent she had to take charge of election literature of others, the expenses of her election, which are tightly regulated, and was there at the Count in Guild Hall in Cambridge on May 4th. Smart talks about her role in the mid-term local elections, the Liberal Democrats had a surprise win taking control of the neighbouring council in South Cambridgeshire although in Cambridge itself, Labour kept control. Smart requested that Antoinette Jackson, the CEO of Cambridge City council conduct a recount in Trumpington Ward which was a knife edge win for Labour by four votes, but originally two votes had been put on the wrong pile. Smart discusses the election, voting and her role. Sones was in the Guild Hall during the vote, and asks Smart to explain how the ballot papers are counted. Smart says that there are three different aspects to council work: case work, including planning issues; campaigning; committee work. Smart was Councillor for Romsey, she lost her seat and Sones asks if it was because of the national swing in politics. Smart agreed and goes onto explain why she joined the Liberal Democrats, pinning it on Thatcherism. Smart and Sones discuss Brexit and Cambridge voting to Remain. Smart clarifies that the Liberal Democrats want a public vote on the deal that has been agreed. The pair move onto discuss #Vote100, and Sones asks about all-women shortlists. Smart notes the amount of women in local politics and the importance of them, especially in Cambridge.
Interview with Clare King, Labour candidate for West Chesterton, Cambridge
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/25
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Date : - 2018-05-10 (creation)
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Description : - Clare King was selected on an All-Women shortlist to be the Labour Candidate for West Chesterton in May 2018. She lost by 111 votes, but three of her female colleagues did win their seats elsewhere. This was not the first time that the Cambridge Labour Party has used all women shortlists for the selection of candidates to fight ward seats but it was the first time the rules had been applied to strictly. King was also in charge of the procedure committee, the Cambridge PLP General Secretary, and press officer for her party. She ensured objections to candidates on all women shortlists were dealt with properly and that enough women came forward. King previously held a seat for the Liberal Democrats but changed party after they went into the coalition government with the Conservatives in 2010. King discusses how she feels the election was lost because of postal votes and strategy in comparison with the Labour Party. King discusses the demographics of Cambridge and how to make voters feel welcome. Sones asks about all women's shortlists, Stone's role as Procedures Secretary was overseeing the all women's shortlist. Stone's role was to ensure the process was fair and to redress the imbalance. In Cambridge, if a councillor stands down, the Labour Party decided that the person to take over would be chosen from an all women shortlist.
Remembering Baroness Tessa Jowell MP
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/26
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Date : - 2015-05 (creation)
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Description : - This is a recording of a documentary made in May 2015 by Parliamentary Radio in which Jowell and her Labour Cabinet colleagues talk about their achievements in government for Labour. Jowell is interviewed by journalist Jackie Ashley and reflects on women in Parliament and #SureStart and #Olympics2012. Jowell passed away on 12 May 2018 after a heroic struggle with a brain tumour during which she fought for better treatment for cancer patients. The Government said that they would double brain cancer research funding to 40 million pounds a year. Jowell talks about the working hours in Parliament as MPs. Jowell talks about her experience with Prime Minister Tony Blair. Sones and Jowell discuss working in Parliament and the work-life balance and carrying on working on the Olympics even after she was not in The Cabinet. Sones asks about whether the amount of female MPs in 1997 had changed the environment in Parliament, Jowell thinks it has and this is evidenced by changes around the working hours, simple changes such as to the amount of toilets and changes to the Smoking Room as female MPs occupied the room every Tuesday.
Interview with Councillors Jerri Bird and Carla McQueen: Cambridge City Council Local Elections
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/27
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Date : - 2018-05-17 (creation)
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Description : - Bird is a Labour Cambridge City Councillor and helped McQueen win her seat in East Chesterton, McQueen was elected off an all-woman shortlist. Bird is former Mayor of Cambridge and as someone who is in a wheelchair has campaigned on disability issues alongside others. In 2019 she was Deputy Mayor of Cambridge. The interview took place when McQueen had popped over to Bird's house for a meeting on anti-social behaviour and dangerous driving when Sones spoke to both of them. Sones asks Bird about 'door-knocking', Bird says that while there are a few who do not like the experience, many people like talking to their local councillor. The pair discuss disability and Bird becoming Mayor of Cambridge as a disabled person. Sones talks to McQueen about the election night voting count and all-women shortlists. McQueen gives an account of her work in the face of being criticised for being on an all-women shortlist. Sones and Bird discuss special needs education and Bird's childhood, Bird sees it as a serious issue that needs tackling and that is not being tackled by the government. Sones asks both about what their meeting is about: dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour. McQueen talks about the importance of having a strong team around her, especially a team of women. Bird talks about the PIP process and living in Cambridge as a disabled person.
Interview with Nicky Massey and Katie Thornburrow as they take up their council seats in Cambridge: Abbey and Trumpington Wards
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/28
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Date : - 2018-05-21 (creation)
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Description : - Both were selected on all-women shortlists for Labour and both campaigned on local issues. Nicky led the fight to get 10,000 signatures on a petition to keep Sure Start Centres open in the face of national closures and campaigned on a host of issues including traffic flows and garden fences that had blown down. While Thornburrow, an architect, spoke up for environmental improvement: more cycle ways; more electric car charging points; the introduction of water fountains; and affordable food shops. Sones, Massey and Thornburrow discuss the voting for the local elections and local issues concerning Cambridge. Sones asks about Brexit, Massey and Thornburrow discuss the sadness of talking to EU Nationals in Cambridge.
Interview with Jo Swinson MP on #Equal Power: Northern Ireland abortion reforms, women in the boardroom, women and rape, local election results and MPs and maternity and paternity leave
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/29
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Date : - 2018-06-01 (creation)
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Description : - Sones and Swinson discuss Northern Ireland and abortion reforms, Swinson cannot believe Northern Ireland is this far behind, especially in light of the Republic of Ireland voting to make abortion legal. The pair discuss devolution and how it impacts decisions of this kind, Swinson argues that this is a human rights issue and that devolution should not allow for human rights breaches. Sones asks about women in the boardroom and the recent government report. They discuss Swinson's book, 'Equal Power' and what advice Swinson has for women, focusing on looking at your strengths and recognising that we still live in a prejudice world. However, it is very important to listen to people and learn from those who have succeed. Swinson notes how important equality is for men and boys as improving the world as a whole. Sones asks about the recent local elections and the Liberal Democrats being the remain party. Swinson talks about how flexible being an MP whilst pregnant is, and paternal leave after birth or adoption.
Interview with Jo Platt MP
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/30
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Date : - 2018-06-06 (creation)
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Description : - Platt asked the Prime Minister if she would help set up a national database of ADHD sufferers. Platt, the Labour and Co-operative MP for Leigh and the co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on ADHD asked Theresa May the Prime Minister if she would do more to help people with ADHD and set up a national database. Platt and Helen Whately MP launched the APPG for ADHD at the beginning of 2018 has been working with support groups to enable more research to be conducted about it and to ensure better integration of services. Platt talks to Sones about the Prime Ministers supportive response to it.
Interview with Helen Goodman MP: supporting Labour's new Brexit Bill Reasoned Amendment
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/31
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Date : - 2018-06-06 (creation)
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Description : - Goodman, Labour MP for Bishop Auckland talks about the announcement that Labour will be putting forward its own reasoned amendment on the Brexit Bill when all 15 Lords amendments will be debated in one day to ensure it does not have to support membership of the European Economic Area. This would have meant that the UK would remain part of the Single Market, but would also have to accept all of the four freedoms including the freedom of movement of people. Goodman represents a constituency that voted to leave the EU and as a member of the Shadow Cabinet she supports this new amendment and says she will be voting with Jeremy Corbyn. She also spoke up in favour of two other of those fifteen amendments, including membership of a customs union and the right for MPs to vote on the final agreement.
Interview with Vicky Ford MP on #Abortion in Northern Ireland
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/32
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Date : - 2018-06-06 (creation)
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Description : - Ford speaks about her speech in the recent debate on reforming the abortion laws in Northern Ireland and amending the Offences Against the Persons Act 1861 proposed by the Labour politician Stella Creasy. The debate was brought forward after a referendum in Southern Ireland [Ireland] where the vote was in support of abortion reform leaving Northern Ireland out of step with the rest of the UK. Ford talked to Sones before Supreme Court ruled whether or not the UK in contravention of the Human Rights Act on this.
Interview with Councillor Bridget Smith on the May 2018 Local Elections
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/33
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Date : - 2018-06-12 (creation)
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Description : - The May 2018 local elections resulted in normally safe Conservative parliamentary seat of South Cambridgeshire becoming a Liberal Democrat controlled council with a healthy majority winning 30 of the 45 seats. There were boundary changes and a reduction in the number of seats from 57, the Conservatives were reduced to just 11 when they previously had 35. Some put the dramatic change down to the 2016 Referendum and Brexit, and the vote to leave the EU, in which 60% of South Cambridgeshire voters wanted to Remain. However, there were other factors at play, such as no proper local plan, controversial housing developments, transportation, the lack of face-to-face debt advice, and the need for more affordable housing. In this interview, Bridget smith, the new leader of South Cambridgeshire spoke to Sones about the victory, the issues on which the Liberal Democrats campaigned, the impact of Brexit, and the vulnerability of the seat now in any future General Election and their use of the 'Minivan' application which allowed them to know which houses they needed to call upon in each ward. Smith discusses the 'waterfall of yellow votes', but notes that 'putting it down to Brexit is far too simplistic. Smith and Sones discuss the other issues affecting Cambridge, having four years of no plan, no five year housing land supply and out of control speculative land development. Smith states that people are really upset by the effects of austerity.
Interview with Baroness Ruth Deech: Brexit and the House of Lords Amendments
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/34
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Date : - 2018-06-15 (creation)
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Description : - Baroness Deech supported Brexit, and tells Sones why she believes the House of Lords has every right to amend the legislation of the Commons and that the so called 'ping pong' process is good for democracy. During this week, the House of Commons considered fifteen Lord's Amendments to the Brexit Bill, and overturned them all, but this did inflict considerable damage to both the Conservative and Labour parties whose leaders, Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn were unable to get their front benches to vote with their party line. Deech described the vote, and the Scottish National Party walking out of PMQs as 'chaotic'. Deech states that her instinct is that if there were to be another referendum vote it would still be 52 to 48, believing that we would vote the same way again.
@Vote100 Voice and Vote Exhibition, Westminster Hall: Women's Place in Parliament
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/35
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Date : - 2018-06-27 (creation)
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Description : - Interview with Maria Miller MP, the Chair of the Equalities Select Committee provides her own tour of the new Voice and Vote exhibition. The exhibition takes visitors through the historic moments of women's suffrage and their struggle for the vote.
Interview with Lucy Allan MP: Child Sexual Exploitation - CSE
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/36
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Date : - 2018-06-27 (creation)
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Description : - Allen, MP for Telford talks about Child Sexual Exploitation, upskirting, the expansion of Heathrow Airport and why she strongly supports Brexit two years on from the vote to leave. On CSE, Allan talks about working with the Sikh community in Telford who help feed the homeless and how they feel discriminated against as a 'Muslim Gang' as people group those of Asian origin. When discussing Heathrow and Brexit, Allen voted in favour of a new runway and this is especially the case when looking to expand our horizons post-Brexit.
Interview with Sarah Wollaston MP: a new law on stalking and supporting Theresa May on her new Brexit Plan
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/37
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Date : - 2018-06-12 (creation)
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Description : - Wollaston, MP for Totnes had a new Private Members Bill going through Parliament that would allow victims of stalking to get the police to take out stalking protection orders. She hoped the government would expedite the PMB just like it did with Wera Hobhouse MP's Upskirting Bill. On the new Chequers Brexit Plan, Wollaston states that she thinks Theresa May is doing a 'very good job'.
Interview with Baroness Susan Kramer on Theresa May's Chequers Brexit Plan, free trade deals and food standards post-Brexit needing greater scrutiny
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/38
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Date : - 2018-07-12 (creation)
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Description : - Kramer is the Liberal Democrat Treasury and Economics spokesperson and believes the Chequers Brexit Plan left much to be desired. Kramer warns that any future free trade deal with countries like America could mean UK consumers eating less healthy foods and lowering standards. She was stunned by the Chequers Agreement and agrees with President Donald Trump, that the UK is in chaos.
Interview with Vicky Ford MP: #AskHerToStand, Proxy Voting, Brexit White Paper and on her Prime Minister Theresa May
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/39
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Date : - 2018-07-19 (creation)
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Description : - Ford, Conservative MP for Chelmsford, chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group on Women in the House of Commons, this week with others she laid a wreath at the statue of Emmeline Pankhurst to commemorate Pankhurst's birthday. Ford had been attending Pankhurst parties and she is part of a movement which is encouraging women from all parties to come forward and stand for parliament with the campaign group #AskHerToStand. Sones asks about the week's events in Westminster as the government got its amendments to the Brexit White Paper through when four Labour MPs voted with it.
Interview with Siobhain McDonagh MP: housing and the National Trust rent rises, proxy votes, Brexit and Antisemitism in the Labour Party
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/40
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Date : - 2018-07-24 (creation)
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Description : - McDonagh, Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden speaks about being concerned with the National Trust's plans to increase their tenants' rent to market levels, believing that this will impact those with disabilities. Sones asks about the proxy voting row over the breaking of Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson's pairing arrangement while she was on maternity leave, McDonagh calls it a 'breach of trust'. On Brexit, McDonagh believes in a Peoples' Vote when the deal is known.
Interview with Rupa Huq Women and Brexit
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/41
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Date : - 2018-09-04 (creation)
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Description : - Huq, Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton held a debate in Parliament's Westminster Hall to discuss the impact of 'Brexiting' the EU on women and their families. Huq believes that Brexit would affect women, particularly those in low paid caring jobs, who would also have to bear the brunt of any resulting economic downturn when many were already in insecure and low paid jobs. Conservative Minister Victoria Atkins responded to her concerns saying that the government would be conducting a gender audit of any legislative changes post Brexit. She said the UK was leading the World on its policies on gender pay gap audits. Huq hoped that Labour would reject Theresa May's Chequers Deal.
Interview with Jo Swinson MP and baby Gabriel: Proxy Voting
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/42
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Date : - 2018-09-13 (creation)
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Description : - Swinson made parliamentary history by taking her 11 week old son Gabriel into the Chamber of the House of Commons while she listened to the end of a debate on Proxy Voting. Swinson had spoken previously in the same debate before leaving to feed Gabriel. Swinson speaks about supporting proxy voting. Swinson had spoken passionately about the difficulties of getting young babies to 'latch' when breast feeding and revealed that she keeps expressed milk not alcohol in her office fridge. Swinson had to confront the controversy of Tory whips telling their MPs who had been 'paired' with others, to break that pairing arrangement in an important vote before the summer recess on Brexit which the government narrowly won.
Interview with Seema Malhotra MP: The Brexit Select Committee
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/43
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Date : - 2018-09-13 (creation)
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Description : - Malhotra, Labour MP for Feltham and Heston is a member of the Brexit Select Committee. She speaks to Sones after PMQs where the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn had questioned Theresa May MP the Prime Minister on the issue of Universal Credit. Sones asks Malhotra whether she thought PMQs was too noisy, the response May gave and if the Brexit Select Committee was being effective. Malhotra stated that PMQs was so noisy, she could not hear Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and calls for the Government to take this more seriously. They discuss the Chequers Brexit Deal and Malhotra believes it leaves too many unanswered questions.
Interview with Carolyn Harris MP: a new Private Members' Bill that helps 1950 women affected by the State Pension Age increase
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/44
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Date : - 2018-10-02 (creation)
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Description : - Harris, Labour MP for Swansea East brought in a new Private Members' Bill to alleviate the hardship caused to 1950s born women who have seen their pension ages increase. At least 2.6 million women are said to be affected by these staggered changes to the age at which they can now retire. The Pensions (Review of Women's Arrangements) Bill was supposed to be read for a second time on the floor of the House at the end of October 2018 but Harris asked for it to be rescheduled on one sitting Friday in November or December to ensure that it gets heard rather than dropped. Harris' Bill proposes three measures that would alleviate the hardship: these are transitional payments to be made until women qualify for the pension at the new age, an extension of tax credits where there is no other income, and all women to be given the maximum pension entitlement. Harris believes that this is the fastest route. She has come in for criticism from others, but pointed out that the All Party Parliamentary group on inequality and the State Pension Age is not associated with any other campaigns.
Interview with Baroness Ros Altmann on Theresa May's speech to the Conservative Party conference
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/45
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Date : - 2018-10-03 (creation)
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Description : - Altmann, a Conservative Peer and former Pensions Minister, gives her reaction to the Prime Minister, Theresa May's speech to Conference today. Theresa May ruled out a People's Vote and a Second Referendum saying it would be a 'politician's vote' and diminish 'faith in our democracy'. Altmann, a leading proponent of a People's Vote, says she will continue to campaign for one.
WASPI: Interviews with Karen Glynn, Janet Rhodes, Julie Delve, Christine Austin, and Prafula Shah: Women's State Pension Rise Injustices Rally in Westminster #WASPI #Backto60 #OneVoice #LondonRally10thOctober2018
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/46
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Date : - 2018-10-10 (creation)
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Description : - Hundreds of women marched from Hyde Park to Westminster from all over the country, in protest again at the rise to their state pension age. Carrying banners, and bringing traffic to a standstill outside Parliament several of the campaign groups associated with the SPA rises for women joined together #ShoulderToShoulder to raise the issue yet again with politicians and Theresa May's government.
Interview with two women at Womens State Pension Rally representing shouldertoshoulder and onevoice
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/47
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Date : - 2018-10-10 (creation)
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Description : - #ShoulderToShoulder hears from Timandra French and Leilah Leak from East Kent Waspi and #BackTo60 talk to Sones about their march to Westminister to protest pension age increases for 3.5 million women.
Interview with Seema Malhotra MP: the Brexit Select Meeting and the Brexit fudge
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/48
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Date : - 2018-10-10 (creation)
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Description : - Malhotra, MP for Feltham and Heston sits on the Brexit Select Committee and took time to tell Parliamentary Radio who the Committee had heard evidence from and what kind of 'fudge' she thinks the country will end up with. She tried to ask Theresa May, the Prime Minister a question in PMQs, Malhotra says that by 2020 the Institute for Government has estimated that 4 billion pounds will have been spent on Brexit. Malhotra did not think a Royal Commission on Brexit should be set up but that the government should be taking more notice of the evidence already presented by its own Select Committee.
Interview with Gavin Shuker: Hate Crime
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/49
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Date : - 2018-10-17 (creation)
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Description : - Shuker, MP for Luton South is a member of the Women and Equalities Select Committee which had heard evidence from the traveller community on hate crime. The Committee had been looking at hate crime including associated with race, disability and women. Some, such as Labour MP Stella Creasy called for misogyny to be made a hate crime. Shuker tells Parliamentary Radio why he thinks social media must reform to take down users, on sites like Twitter and Facebook. He believes that there is a responsibility on social media companies and big tech firms. Shuker explains that the 2010 Equality Act only went so far and that if new 'smart' legislation were introduced it would need European and US co-operation.
Interview with Maria Miller MP: Cox Report and Harassment in Parliament
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/50
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Date : - 2018-10-17 (creation)
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Description : - Miller, Conservative MP for Basingstoke chairs the Women and Equalities Select Committee and used a debate (16 October) to discuss the Dame Laura Cox report on harassment and bullying in Parliament to call for Speaker John Bercow to resign. Miller was disappointed with the number of MPs in the debate and that it was obvious Bercow should step down.
Interview with Heidi Allen MP on 'fortune Phil's' Budget and Brexit
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Reference Code : - SOBA 1/51
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Date : - 2018-10-30 (creation)
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Description : - Allen, the MP for South Cambridgeshire speaks to Parliamentary Radio after Chancellor Philip Hammond produced a budget giving extra money to public services, such as health, defence and pot holes. Allen sits on the Work and Pensions Select Committee and says that Hammond has not done enough to redress the balance of austerity. Allen represents a strong remain constituency where people are employed in agriculture, a high tech industry and academia. She supports a Norway type deal embracing both the single market and the customs union which would solve the problem of the Northern Irish border. Allen explained that she would continue to campaign to reform the introduction of Universal Credit.