Interview with Shadow Whip Thangam Debbonaire MP on Parliament's Brexit chaos
Reference Code:
SOBA 1/68/5
Date:
2019-03-14 (creation)
Description:
Debbonaire is the Labour MP for Bristol West, a shadow whip for her party with a special interest in DEFRA, the Environmental Food and Rural Affairs. During this week, Theresa May's Withdrawal Agreement had suffered another defeat - by one-hundred-and-forty-nine votes, and a day later, MPs ruled out a no-deal by a majority of forty-three. In all, thirteen government and cabinet ministers abstained on that vote to defy their own Prime Minister and whip while one minister resigned and voted for it. The pair also discuss the new Independent Group of break-away MPs, Philip Hammond's new money for Leave Towns and how she's campaigning for more education funding for schools. Debbonaire believes that Article 50 would have to be extended and that there should be another referendum.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother


Interview with Baroness Julie Smith and the Liberal Democrat Surge
Reference Code:
SOBA 2/7/1
Date:
2019-05-27 (creation)
Description:
Smith talks to Women's Parliamentary Radio about the European Election Results which came the previous night. Smith is pleased with the results and thinks it was clear that those who would not usually vote Liberal Democrat did in this election on the basis of Brexit. Sones asks about the extent of the Liberal Democrat surge, Smith thinks that slogans such as 'bollocks to Brexit' and 'Stop Brexit' were ways of 'fighting fire with fire' against the Brexit Party. Whilst there was some Labour Candidates who were for Brexit, the party message was mixed according to Smith. Sones asks about Theresa May and the Conservative Leadership and the fact that 'Remain' parties got the most votes in the European election. Smith think there is a majority in 'remain' versus 'hard Brexit'.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother



ERS Round Table
Reference Code:
SOBA 6/3/30
Description:
ERS here is Electoral Reform Society. From the 'Features' section.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother


Interview with Dame Caroline Spelman MP - Yezidi Women and ISIS survivors
Reference Code:
SOBA 1/20
Date:
2018-03-26 (creation)
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.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother


Interview with Maggie Throup MP for Erewash on her debate on junk food and children's health
Reference Code:
SOBA 1/4
Date:
2018-01-17 (creation)
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.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother


Interview with Baroness Ros Altmann on Theresa May's speech to the Conservative Party conference
Reference Code:
SOBA 1/45
Date:
2018-10-03 (creation)
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.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother


Interview with Jo Swinson MP and baby Gabriel: Proxy Voting
Reference Code:
SOBA 1/42
Date:
2018-09-13 (creation)
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.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother


Interview with Carolyn Harris MP: a new Private Members' Bill that helps 1950 women affected by the State Pension Age increase
Reference Code:
SOBA 1/44
Date:
2018-10-02 (creation)
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.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother


Interview with Emma Lewell-Buck, the Labour MP for South Shields
Reference Code:
SOBA 1/62
Date:
2019-01-09 (creation)
Description:
The Charlie Cookson Foundation is run by parents Sarah and Chris Cookson, who lost a child, and helps to support children with life threatening conditions. [https://charliecookson.org.uk] Their child was found to have a heart condition and requires a transplant. On January 9th Lewell-Buck, Shadow Minister for Children and Families, asked Theresa May to help save their child. Theresa May declared that she would encourage people to make organ donations.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother


Interview with Danielle Rowley, Labour MP for Midlothian and Paul Sweeney, Labour MP for Glasgow North East and shadow Scotland Minister: Giving 16 Year Olds the Vote
Reference Code:
SOBA 2/1
Date:
2019-05-13 (creation)
Description:
Sones speaks to Rowley and Sweeney after a Parliamentary debate on giving 16 year olds the vote, Rowley says that she was disappointed by the Conservative response when the debate had been positive. She goes onto the say that arguments against extending the voting franchise are very similar to the arguments made against giving women the vote. The Conservative minister used the phrase 'no taxation without representation' and argued that giving 16 year olds the vote, would mean you would have to tax them. Rowley disagrees with this line of argument because unemployed people are allowed to vote. Sweeney does not believe that the Conservative argument is illogical, by engaging young people, letting them vote and making it part of the school curriculum, they are much more likely to vote later in life. Sones mentions that in Scotland, 16 year olds are allowed to vote - Rowley thinks the success in Scotland is proof that it would be a positive step. Sweeney challenges the idea that the Conservative Party do not want votes for 16 year olds because of the fear that they will vote a certain way, by speaking about Ruth Davidson's (leader of the Scottish Conservative Party 2011 - 2019) support for the change. Both agree that this is about the rights young people have. Sones moves the conversation onto Theresa May offering to work with Jeremy Corbyn on the Brexit Agreement, both agree that May has done this too late on. Rowley discusses her experience at 17 coming to visit Parliament and her group being better behaved than the sitting MPs at the time.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother


Interview with Suella Braverman, Conservative MP for Fareham
Reference Code:
SOBA 2/12
Date:
2019-07-17 (creation)
Description:
Sones asks about Proxy Voting and how it will help, Braverman thinks that it is a huge improvement to guarantee that Braverman's constituents are represented accordingly in Parliament. Braverman does not agree that those on maternity leave should get extra funds to operate as an MP and disagrees with Harriet Harman, the Mother of the House. Braverman brought up a local constituency issue during Prime Minister's Questions regarding a pedestrian crossing and parking near a local primary school. Sones moves onto ask about the Conservative Leadership Election, Braverman is backing Alexander 'Boris' Johnson. Braverman talks about Jeremy Hunt but is supporting Johnson because the country requires someone who acts and does not simply talk. She also supports Johnson because he has 'boldly committed to Brexit' in 2016 and his resignation over the Chequers proposals. Braverman thinks Johnson is the one to win an election and beat Jeremy Corbyn. Sones asks Braverman on the odds of a 'no-deal' Brexit under Johnson, she believes Johnson is bound to October 31st as 'Brexit Day'.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother


Interview with Lucy Allen, Conservative MP, on Brexit and Health
Reference Code:
SOBA 2/22
Date:
2019-10-24 (creation)
Description:
Allen asked the Prime Minister about her local hospital in Telford and the possibility about closure, Allen wants the Prime Minister's pledge for the NHS to be more than words. Sones and Allen speak about Johnson's focus on the NHS and levelling up the NHS across the country, particularly in places like Telford. Allen thinks that without a General Election, Parliament will continue to delay Brexit. Sones asks about abuse that Allen has faced, Allen speaks about how 'nasty' the 2017 General Election was in Telford.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother


Interview with Maria Caulfield MP: helping children with Autism get better care
Reference Code:
SOBA 1/10
Date:
2018-02-22 (creation)
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.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother


Interview with Catherine Smart the Cambridge Liberal Democrat Agent: Local Elections
Reference Code:
SOBA 1/24
Date:
2018-05-09 (creation)
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.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother


#Vote100 Readings by Elizabeth Crawford
Reference Code:
SOBA 1/2
Date:
2018-01-02 (creation)
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.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother


Interview with Helen Goodman MP: supporting Labour's new Brexit Bill Reasoned Amendment
Reference Code:
SOBA 1/31
Date:
2018-06-06 (creation)
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.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother


Interview with Nicky Massey and Katie Thornburrow as they take up their council seats in Cambridge: Abbey and Trumpington Wards
Reference Code:
SOBA 1/28
Date:
2018-05-21 (creation)
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.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother


Interview with Sarah Wollaston MP: a new law on stalking and supporting Theresa May on her new Brexit Plan
Reference Code:
SOBA 1/37
Date:
2018-06-12 (creation)
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'.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother


Interview with Peter Clarke, Professor Emeritus of Modern British History at the University of Cambridge on 'Are the Conservatives entering their third historical political phase of self-destruction?'
Reference Code:
SOBA 1/52
Date:
2018-11-05 (creation)
Description:
Clarke discusses Theresa May's leadership of the Conservative Party, the Brexit negotiations and the outcomes of her Chequers Deal. He looks back to the 19th Century Corn Law reforms which led to the resignation of the Prime Minister, Robert Peel and later the 20th Century tariff reforms under Arthur Balfour's Prime-ministership which ended disastrously for the party leading to a historic election defeat. Clarke believes that May dug herself into the subsequent difficulties she faced. Clarke believes that she 'needn't have done any of that', referring to triggering Article 50 and spelling out her 'red lines' in 2016. Clarke discusses how the UK arrived at the Brexit Referendum, referring to the United Kingdom Independence Party and how the Conservative Party became ideological, as they did before First World War when the issue of Tariff Reform. Clarke believed there could be both a People's Vote and a General Election and ended by warning that the Conservative Party have been most successful when they were the moderate party of pragmatism and they have left these sort of ideological contortions to the party opposite - be it Liberal or Labour.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother


Interview with Carolyn Harris MP: Fixed Odd Betting Terminals the Chancellor climbs down
Reference Code:
SOBA 1/55
Date:
2018-11-17 (creation)
Description:
Carolyn Harris is Labour MP for Swansea East is the Chair for the All Party Parliamentary Group on Fixed-Odds Betting Terminals. She discusses the u-turn the Chancellor Phillip Hammond did on introducing changes to the rules governing FOBT lowering the maximum stake that can be waged to just two pounds sooner rather than later.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother


Speaking up for Fathers and why Westminster Hall is such a good debating Chamber
Reference Code:
SOBA 1/66
Date:
2019-01-30 (creation)
Description:
Tracey Crouch, Conservative MP for Chatham and Aylesford and former Sports, Civil Society and Loneliness minister led the Fathers debate. Several of her male colleagues chipped in to say how left out they felt and often lonely as various health procedures made them feel 'outsiders' in the birth of their own children. The health minister responded to these after PMQs. Crouch was the first Conservative Minister to take maternity leave and welcomed the introduction of Proxy Voting, allowing Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, who delayed giving birth to attend the Brexit-deal vote two weeks before. Crouch talks to Sones about her Fathers debate and other campaigns. Crouch and her other half took shared parenting and she says her partner found it intimidating to go into any toddler and baby group not least because it was mostly badged mother and baby groups, or that they were mostly women.
Collection:
Women’s Parliamentary Radio publications and podcasts, conducted by Boni Sones with contributions by Jackie Ashley, Deborah McGurran and Linda Fairbrother