Steve Race MP 💙💛

I spoke twice in the passage of the Bill that enabled the ratification of this UN agreement - really pleased it’s now government policy. #BBNJ

An important intervention from Major General James Cowan, CEO of @TheHALOTrust, in The Times today. "Britain's strength and influence abroad, and in turn our security at home, rests on our ability to wield every component of national security. Our hard and soft power, social and industrial resilience, and our economic might, are the tools that prevent instability escalating into conflict—and conflict hurting us here at home. These are not competing priorities." thetimes.com/comment/letter…

Awful news about Ann Widdecombe; she was an impactful politician, and on the odd occasion I briefly spoke to her, funny and kindly too. My thoughts are with her family and friends, and also the tight-knit communities on Dartmoor who will be affected.

I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing and my thoughts are with Ann's family and loved ones. Ann's dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents. I have spoken to the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall police today. The Home Office stands ready to provide whatever support they need with their ongoing investigation. I urge everyone to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to progress.

Luke Pollard told MPs Britain will build the Netherlands' four amphibious ships as well as the Royal Navy's four, calling it an export campaign win. Click image for more. ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-to-build-al…

La Tapisserie de Bayeux a pris le chemin de Londres. Ce trésor millénaire qui raconte notre histoire commune traverse la Manche. Merci aux équipes qui ont rendu possible ce geste historique de confiance, de culture et d’amitié. Vive l’Entente cordiale !

Labour’s initial response to the treatment of Gaza caused huge hurt. We got it wrong and I am sorry for that.

Always worth knowing when bin day is.

I will accept Nigel Farage’s request to be appointed Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead. It is a farce and a desperate distraction, and the people of Clacton deserve better. But if he wants to spend the summer arguing with a bin, I won't stop him.

NEW: Rachel Reeves confirms the Clacton by-election will go ahead (it’s formally the decision of chancellor) "It is a farce and a desperate distraction and the people of Clacton deserve better. But if he wants to spend the summer arguing with a bin, I won't stop him".

Plymouth City Councillors have backed calls to protect Dartmoor Hill Ponies and exclude them from new grazing calculations 🐴🌿 Over 200,000 people support this campaign. Now we need action‼️ @DSteel4Labour @EmmaforWycombe @StephenMorganMP @NaturalEngland #dartmoor #ponies

Not that it was ever in any doubt, but very pleased to see @andyburnham confirming his agenda will deliver for the South West. Framing the discussion as North vs South isn’t helpful. What’s needed is a program that gives all parts of the country the tools & backing to thrive.

Hollie Ridley has been a phenomenal General Secretary of @UKLabour; her incredible work ethic, tenacity, and organisational foresight helped us to a historic victory 2 years ago, and every one of the over 400 Labour MPs owes her our enormous thanks and respect.

Today I'm launching our new Women in Research Charter. Delivering paid family leave, flexible working & tougher action on workplace harassment. To help women stay in research. Because our country succeeds when we make the most of ALL of our talent. gov.uk/government/new…

At @KingsCollegeLon to launch a new Charter for Women in Research – delivering maternity leave & funding, flexible working & tougher action on workplace harassment.   The focus now is on delivery across the sector.   No woman should be held back from achieving their potential.

Only one poll.

I am honoured to be appointed as the UK Special Envoy for LGBT+ Rights.   Everyone, everywhere should be free to live with dignity and respect. I will work alongside partners to defend the rights of LGBT+ and help ensure they can live without fear of violence and persecution.

Congratulations to Liv Bailey MP @oliviabaileymp , Minister for Equalities in the UK on publishing a draft bill to ban conversion practices used on LGBT people. The draft has been welcomed by Stonewall, Dr Hilary Cass, the Church of England and the Royal College of Psychiatrists (1/2)

Today is the last day of Pride month, but our work to ensure LGBT+ people can live without fear never stops. Recently we have: 🔴committed £21 million over the next three years to advance global LGBT+ rights 🟠announced a new LGBT+ envoy 🟡updated hate crime legislation in the UK 🟢supported other countries to do the same 🔵we are hosting the European IDAHOT+ Forum in 2027

Good move by @MaryCreagh_ with the new Government Estate for Nature. Instead of treating public land as disconnected pieces, it finally looks at the whole government estate as one big opportunity for nature restoration and climate mitigation. assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a3ce54d…