Barry Sheerman

Author Archives: barrysheerman

• Westminster Commission on Autism – Report Launch

  Posted at 10:10 am by barrysheerman, on Oct 29, 2021

  

  I have a close personal interest in issues that affect autistic people and the wider neuro-divergent community, as well as a professional interest having previously chaired the Education Select Committee. As a result of this interest, alongside a cross-party, cross-sector group of Parliamentarians, autistic people, parents/carers, academics and health professionals, I set up the Westminster Commission on Autism in 2016. The aim of the Commission is to produce evidence-based policy recommendations that help create a more autism-friendly world to improve quality of life for autistic people. 

  The Commission has reconvened to produce a third report titled “Support Surrounding Diagnosis: An inquiry into pre- and post- support for the Autism Diagnosis Pathway.” The report was produced by taking evidence from over 600 members of the autism community including self-advocates, academics and health professionals. The Commission fundamentally believes in the power of policy and practice being genuinely centred on autistic people’s voices and those of their families. 

  The period surrounding an autism diagnosis is often stressful and uncertain. For the sake of autistic individuals and their families, easy access to the right support is vital. Yet for many people, their needs are not met. Seeking an autism diagnosis should be a helpful process rather than a source of additional stress. We must listen to what autistic people are telling us about what they need. Our recommendations should not be viewed as a criticism of the organisations working hard to offer support but instead we suggest how support can be best organised to make it easily accessible to those who need it. 
   
  The report will be launched on Tuesday 2^nd November 2021 at 1pm and will take place on Zoom. The event will feature discussion from members of the Westminster Commission on Autism, the Centre of Applied Autism Research, the John and Lorna Wing Foundation as well as featuring contributions from people with lived experience of the support available to those seeking an autism diagnosis. 
   
  The panel is set to include: 

  • Huw Merriman MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Autism,  
  • Helen Ellis an autistic member of the Westminster Commission on Autism,  
  • Dr Ailsa Russell and Professor Mark Brosnan from the University of Bath, Centre of Applied Autism Research. 

  Strong participation from MPs, academics and members of the neuro-divergent community are vital if the report is to reach its full potential of change to benefit those seeking support in all stages of their diagnosis for autism. 
   
  If you have any questions about the event, please direct them to either Amy Hibbert (amy.hibbert@parliament.uk) or Aaron Horsley (aaron.horsley@parliament.uk) and they will be able to assist you. 

  You can register for the event with the following link – Meeting Registration – Zoom – I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday 2^nd November. 

  Posted in Uncategorised | 0 Comments | Tagged autism, westminster, westminster commission, westminstter commission on autism

• Green Investment in the Autumn Budget

  Posted at 11:42 am by barrysheerman, on Sep 23, 2021

  

  Many constituents have been in contact with recently me to express their view that the Chancellor of the Exchequer needs to secure the future of green investment. In the upcoming spending review to be made by the Chancellor, one of the areas that he needs to prioritise is an overhaul of how homes across our heated. Central heating is a complicated but critical part of the UK’s decarbonisation efforts and requires investment in energy sources such as hydrogen and biomethane. Energy efficient heat pumps are also critical and as present, this Government is failing and if we proceed on this path, we will not reach the critical targets we need to if we are to slow and reverse the environmental damage that is being done.

  The upcoming spending review and the Autumn Budget is a key opportunity for this Chancellor and this Government to address this and make some progress on this front. The report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has declared that we are running out of time.

  Climate change and the protection of the environment are among my central parliamentary focuses and I believe passionately that if we are to make the changes necessary to alter our current, perilous, course, the Government – both at home and internationally – must be bold, decisive and ambitious. We have yet to see that, and the commitment to address this issue, from the Chancellor.

  Posted in Uncategorised | 0 Comments | Tagged climate crisis, Huddersfield, parliament, sustainability

• Afghanistan

  Posted at 4:14 pm by barrysheerman, on Aug 20, 2021

  I’m sure you, like me, watched events unfolding in Afghanistan with both horror and sadness. After 20 years, the immense sacrifices made by our armed forces personnel and decades of hardship faced by the people of Afghanistan, the scenes from Kabul and other Afghan cities over the last week were profoundly difficult to watch. When Kabul was besieged by the Taliban, our own Prime Minister, his Foreign Secretary and the cabinet were silent. At a time of turmoil and chaos across Afghanistan, our own Government has demonstrated a complete failure of leadership, here at home and abroad.

  The Taliban’s advance across the country, at such speed, was not inevitable and is the consequence of long-term strategic failures to forge a lasting political settlement, to engage with regional partners and to ensure that the previous Afghan Government could stand on its own two feet with conviction and legitimacy. These failures now put at risk British soldiers and diplomatic personnel, coalition forces and of course, Afghan civilians – particularly women and girls. This miscalculation regarding the resilience of the Afghan forces to the threat of the Taliban has contributed to this disaster.

  The fact that people would rather cling to the landing gears of fleeing aircraft, rather than live under the Taliban’s regime, illustrates the desperation of the Afghan people and the extent of the humanitarian crisis which is unfolding across the country. Indeed, of our armed forces, who have served with bravery, distinction and discipline throughout our time in Afghanistan, many will be appalled at the way which we have withdrawn and with the vacuum of leadership within our Government and our cabinet at this crisis unfolds. This is one of the most dire and critical moments for British and NATO foreign policy in decades and it cannot be overstated just how lacking the Boris Johnson, Dominic Raab and the Government have been found.

  This situation demands an immediate and coordinated international response which includes a robust refugee programme and guarantees the safety of humanitarian workers and diplomatic missions to Afghanistan. Monday’s United Nations Security Council meeting was long overdue; the current US policy, an implementation of then-President Trump’s negotiations with the Taliban in Doha, has led to an abandonment of the people of Afghanistan and the UK Government should have courage and conviction to say so. There must be a collective call to end conflict and work towards political dialogue. This includes a commitment to the human rights of people across Afghanistan – especially the hard-fought and hard-won advances in women’s rights and those for young girls too.

  Over 18 million people in Afghanistan are already in need of humanitarian support. The Government must ensure that the UK plays it parts and makes good on the promise to welcome 20,000 refugees. However, it was with great dismay that I learned that this will amount to only 5,000 this year; what do we expect the remaining 15,000 to do in the meantime? The danger to their lives is urgent and present; our response must reflect this and given all the mistakes made by this Government so far and now is not the time to drag their feet.

  The Labour Party and I will continue to work to keep Afghanistan, the plight of its people and the needs of those now under the Taliban, at the top of the agenda and will hold the Government to account every step of the way. Where the Government fails entirely to show leadership, the Opposition must speak out – and that is what I and others across my Party will continue to do.

  Posted in Uncategorised | 0 Comments

• Violence in Gaza and Israel

  Posted at 4:53 pm by barrysheerman, on May 21, 2021

  The horrific violence experienced by worshippers over Ramadan in Sheikh Jarrah, Gaza and Israel has caused distress to many of my constituents and many of them have contacted me about this matter in recent days. I am deeply concerned at Israel’s actions and by the conflict which rapidly escalated and left millions of Palestinians and Israelis living in constant fear.

  Now that a ceasefire has been agreed, it is vital that there is a coordinated international effort to bringing a return to negotiations towards securing a two-state solution. This process should involve an early end to the Israeli government’s blockade, so that vital humanitarian aid can reach those in Gaza whose suffering will have been made worse by the recent outbreak of violence.

  Activities such as violations of international law, along with forced evictions of Palestinians and the expansion of illegal settlements must stop. Rocket attacks against Israel must also stop. These things make a lasting peace harder to achieve.

  Palestinians and Israelis have the right to live their lives without fear, and in safety and security. The unacceptable outbreak of violence over the last couple of weeks has done nothing to move towards the realisation of that right.

  Posted in Uncategorised | 0 Comments

• Charity auction for Bill Owen/Compo’s hat

  Posted at 12:45 pm by barrysheerman, on Dec 18, 2020

  

  I used to know the Last of the Summer Wine crew very well years ago and I can recall introducing them to former prime minister Harold Wilson when he opened the Huddersfield Hotel owned by the Marsden brothers.

  Bill Owen, who played Compo in the long-running show, was a generous supporter of our party, and opened our former offices in Huddersfield town centre. He also kindly donated a hat for auction, along with a note of authenticity.

  A family friend bought it for my daughter who was a big fan at the time. A recent attic reorganisation has seen the hat resurface and now I am happily putting it up for auction with all proceeds to support the Platform 1 charity in Hudddersfield.

  Platform 1 are an incredibly valued charity specialising in mental health and have helped so many in our town. You can find out more about their work, and support them directly via: platform-1.co.uk/about-us

  How to bid

  If you’re interested in owning the hat and accompanying authenticating note from Bill, you may wish to participate in the silent auction. You can send an email to barry.sheerman.mp@parliament.uk titled ‘Bid’, with an amount along with your name and address. Whichever person has made the highest bid by 12 noon on 30th January 2021 will win.

  Remember silent auctions mean you don’t know how much other people have bid – so it’s wise to bid high, especially as all money will go to Platform 1

  Alternatively, just fill out the below! Ensure your email is correct, as if we cannot contact you the bid won’t count

  Name(required)

  Email(required)

  Bid amount and your address(required)

  Contact Us

  Δ

  Posted in Uncategorised | 0 Comments

• Green National Service

  Posted at 2:28 pm by barrysheerman, on Jul 15, 2020

  Hopefully we are slowly coming through this terrible outbreak of a virus that has tragically cost so many lives and put our society, our country, and every country at a standstill. Many experts and pundits now predict that we will soon plunge into the worst economic depression for 100 years. This is as well as combatting the growing threat of climate change. For my part I am an optimist and I don’t believe that the people of our nation are willing to let this happen without a fight.

  My experience in public life, particularly the world of education, skills and training of young people, suggests that younger people may well be forced to bear the brunt of the coming storm, with fewer opportunities and jobs on offer. 

  For some time now, I have been speaking up in Parliament and across Huddersfield for a ‘Green National Service’ which would be made available to young people across the country after they complete their formal education, be that at age 16, 18, or 21. I have been inspired by the approach of other countries; Germany offers young people a voluntary environmental year which involves working on an environmental project alongside seminars about green issues, whilst the U.S. has the peace corps. 

  In our country, I envision a year-long scheme which pairs young people with projects that range from cultivating rewilding sites to working with major corporations to improve their carbon footprint. There will be something for every interest, skill level and career aspiration, with every participant receiving a wage or stipend to cover their costs. Tailored training on key skills, competences and environmental sector knowledge will be provided, equipping young people for their future careers.

  Why a specifically green national service? Because young people care passionately about the environment. Both the climate strikes in Huddersfield and meeting Greta Thunberg in Parliament have brought this home to me in a very vivid way. In constructing a scheme to improve our young people’s futures, it makes sense to address of one the biggest threats to that future: the climate crisis. Young people are determined to protect the environment and if we as politicians can provide them with an outlet to do that in a systematic way, the result could be revolutionary. 

  Of course, such a scheme would need funding. I think a windfall profit tax is the way to do this, targeting companies with a high turnover who – through no plotting or planning of their own – have done especially well during this crisis. When I first came into Parliament as a young MP, everyone was surprised by the amount that Margaret Thatcher’s windfall profit tax on banks made. This could be a simple method to address the unfairness in our taxation system and the diversion of resources away from young people in recent years, giving back to them what they are due.  

  The climate crisis requires industries to mobilise and modernise. From manufacturing, to energy and utilities, transportation to farming and conservation, sectors and professions across the UK are in dire need of climate change specialisms. A ‘Green National Service’ would bridge the gap between the opportunities that young people need and the needs of Britain’s businesses. 

  Covid-19 has totally altered so many elements of our society. Life after Covid cannot afford to be a return to the former ways of doing things – for the sake of our young people, our environment and our economy. Politicians must go beyond providing assurances for a better future after this outbreak and begin to develop and implement concrete proposal. I believe young people and defining their role in combatting the climate crisis should be at the top of the list of priorities.

  Posted in Uncategorised | 0 Comments

• Community after Covid

  Posted at 7:41 pm by barrysheerman, on Jul 5, 2020

  After this long disruption of our lives we look forward to seeing our families and friends and we relish the opening up of pubs and restaurants. We also welcome the ability to return to all our places of worship. Perhaps now is a good time to think about some of the ways our lives have changed during the seemingly endless weeks of isolation.

  The past weeks of lockdown have been stressful for the many people confined to their homes, unable to go to work and barred from mixing with their loved ones. Then there was the added burden of the inability to involve themselves in sports or other leisure activities.

  Has there been any positive side to these dramatic changes in our normal everyday routines? We have certainly been given time to think about the very personal aspects of our lives, our relationships, our beliefs and the balance between our work and leisure time. I have spoken to a number of people who have decided to change their jobs and retrain for a new career. Other friends have become much more interested in their faith or discovering some deeper sense of meaning in their lives through exploring new paths to a greater feeling of well being.

  The trauma we have witnessed has shown humankind to be no longer totally in charge of its destiny. We find ourselves unable to be in total control of the world around us. We are accustomed to being able to automatically deploy the relevant science, technology or medical resources to sort our problems. Not being in charge of our own lives or destiny at this time can be dispiriting & depressing but I have seen a lot of evidence of local people responding to these challenges by taking charge in their local communities at grass roots level.

  Up and down the country we have seen new neighbourhood groups, revitalised local charities in villages and in the heart of our towns and people deciding to pitch in to work together to make a difference. They might be using traditional ways of doing this, but many are using social media and what’s app groups to keep in touch, organise and get things done. From helping shielded neighbours with their shopping to assisting parents with child care problems, or organising online quizzes there has been a remarkable flourishing of buzzing little local groups. Many near neighbours who had hardly exchanged words in the past have become friends working together.

  All this activity is heart warming and really exciting; but how do we keep this new spirit alive as we start to get back to our old lives? The new normal could be an exciting opportunity to strengthen & grow what we created during the crisis. For many of us the Thursday night clap, saucepan bashing moments at eight a clock when we thanked the NHS teams and all those working to save us & our country were very special moments! It is that kind of spirit of communities coming together that I hope we can carry forward in the future!

  Posted in Columns | 0 Comments | Tagged covid19

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