Stephen criticises Covid-19 BAME report

Stephen has written to the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, asking that he release the full, unredacted, report authored by Public Health England on the “Disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19”.

Sections of the report were removed from the review, including the experiences and perspectives of BAME stakeholders from across the UK. Stephen also raised questions about the lack of analysis in the report. It contained only two paragraphs detailing why BAME people are more likely to die from coronavirus. There were also no clear and actionable recommendations for government.

Speaking about the report, Stephen said: “The review was deeply disappointing. It told us what we already know - that BAME people and the most disadvantaged communities are disproportionately impacted by Covid-19.

“But it failed to provide any recommendations on how to reduce these disparities, leaving us with more questions than answers. The Government must not wait any longer to address underlying racial and socioeconomic injustices, so that no more lives are lost.”

To read Stephen’s letter to the Health Secretary, click here.

Stephen calls for UK to stop teargas and rubber bullet exports to US

Stephen has called on the government to suspend the export of British riot gear, teargas, and rubber bullets to the US in light of a violent police crackdown against peaceful civil rights protesters in the country.

In his letter to the International Trade Secretary, Stephen said: “…it has been the policy of successive governments over the past two decades to refuse licences for the export of arms and equipment that might be used for internal repression in the countries to whom they are being sold. I am therefore troubled that exports from the UK may have been used by police in the US to attack people who have gathered – peacefully and unarmed – to protest against George Floyd’s death. “

Labour leader Keir Starmer echoed Stephen’s thoughts when he asked Boris Johnson to review such exports. All major opposition parties have now backed the call.

Government export licence records show that the US is one of the world’s largest buyers of UK arms, with almost £6bn worth licensed for export since 2010. The licences have included £18m worth of ammunition, including so-called “rubber bullets”, smoke and pyrotechnic charges, CS gas grenades, and teargas.

To read the letter, click here.

Stephen questions Belly Mujinga investigation

Stephen has questioned the outcome of the investigation into the death of Belly Mujinga. Ms Mujinga died on 5 April, a few weeks after a 57-year-old man spat at her at Victoria Station, where she worked. The man claimed to have coronavirus.

British Transport Police interviewed a 57-year-old man but said "…there was insufficient evidence to support a prosecution based upon the allegation that the man spat deliberately on Mrs Mujinga or said that he had the virus".

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has now been asked to review the evidence after more than a million people signed a petition in support of Ms Mujinga. BTP said it requested the review in light of the "wider public interest".

Prior the announcement of the review, Stephen wrote to the Chief Executive of Govia Thameslink, the Commissioner of Transport for London and the Chief Constable of British Transport Police about the case.

Stephen responds to review on Covid-19 on BAME communities

Stephen has responded to the publication of Public Health England’s review into the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities. He said: “I am relieved that the government has – belatedly – published the review authored by Public Health England. It confirms much of what we already knew, namely that the those in the poorest households and from BAME backgrounds are disproportionately impacted.

“I am puzzled that the review makes no recommendations to Ministers. Residents of Newham – as well as other communities across the country – will want to know what action the Government plans to deal with the unequal suffering of the BAME community from coronavirus. I will write to the Health Secretary later today asking what his department plans to do for our borough in light of the review.”

The report can be read here.

Stephen secures promise from Boris Johnson to look at ‘no recourse to public funds’ condition

In a meeting of the Liaison Committee today on 27 May, Stephen questioned Boris Johnson about No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), securing a promise from the Prime Minister to look again at the policy.

No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) is a condition applied to people staying in the UK with a temporary immigration status. Stephen highlighted a couple in East Ham with two children who were being forced into “destitution” as a result of NRPF.

However, Johnson appeared not to be familiar with the policy when questioned, asking why they were not eligible for benefits like Universal Credit.

Johnson said he would look at how NRPF works: “You’ve raised a very, very important point if a condition of their leave to remain is that they should have no recourse to public funds. I will find out how many there are in that position, and we will see what we can do to help.”

Stephen commented afterwards: “Our social security system should be a safety net that protects people from destitution. But for hundreds of thousands of people who live and work in the UK legally, and for their children, it offers no support at all. In the midst of a global pandemic, with so many people prevented from working through no fault of their own, there is an urgent need for Government action. For two months, Ministers have been promising to act, but we’ve seen no substantial change.

The Prime Minister was clearly surprised to hear that people in this situation can’t claim Universal Credit or other benefits – so I am hopeful that he will now put his foot on the accelerator and offer much needed support to people facing financial hardship.”

Stephen has written to the Prime Minister following the Committee hearing.

Stephen presses Minister on re-opening places of worship

Stephen has pressed the Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick, to provide details of the Government’s plan to re-open places of worship.

Following the official guidance on social distancing, churches, mosques, synagogues and many other places of worship have made the difficult decision to close their doors. Although many are adapting to the situation by hosting services online, many would prefer to some form of collective worship as soon as practically possible.

Responding to Stephen, Mr Jenrick confirmed that the Government aims to reopen places of worship on 4 July. A taskforce has also been launched, which is working alongside faith leaders to ensure a safe return. The Government is funding the group FaithAction to consult with faith communities to ensure their views are being represented at the Taskforce’s meetings. However, the Minister has made clear that “…no place of worship will be able to reopen before a final decision by the Government and the accompanying changes to the legal position in the published regulations.”

Speaking about the issue, Stephen said “In times of crisis, faith offers many people hope and reassurance. I sympathise deeply with anyone who has been unable to worship with their faith communities during this time and will continue to press the Government for a detailed strategy for reopening places of worship as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Stephen attends Shpresa Programme’s youth club

Last week, Stephen joined, via zoom, a large group of Albanian young people from East London at their weekly online youth club.

The club is run by the Shpresa programme, who work in Newham and other areas of East London providing support to the Albanian community. Many on the call had come to the UK several years ago yet are still waiting for the determination of their asylum claims. They are therefore unable to work.

Those present candidly shared their stories, telling Stephen of their dream to work and contribute to society. They described the frustration and boredom of being young and having nothing to do all day. Some explained how they must live on only £35 a week of financial support. Stephen also discussed with the young people how best they can share their stories with more decision makers and aim to change the policy that prevents them from working.

Stephen commented: ‘“I am very impressed by the motivation and skills of these young people, many of whom spoke no English when they arrived as teenagers in this country. It is important that we continue to fight for the right to work for people waiting for asylum claims. I am sure that this campaign will gain further momentum with such committed and passionate individuals behind it.”

Stephen urges caution with re-opening of schools

Stephen has written to the Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, urging the Government to ensure schools are safe for staff and pupils – and their families – by the time they re-open, with the necessary protective measures.

The Government has said it wants some pupils in England to return to their classrooms on June the first, but teaching unions are concerned about the spread of Covid 19, if that happens. Ministers have said that primary pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 should go back initially and have criticised unions for their approach.

In his letter, Stephen urges the Government to ensure that scientific evidence and expert opinion have confirmed schools’ safety by the time they reopen.

Speaking about the letter, Stephen said “…the closure of schools has been very difficult for many families in East Ham.   I especially sympathise with parents who are struggling to work and home school their children, and I want schools to re-open as soon as possible. However, we cannot risk another surge in Covid-19 cases, so the Government must ensure adequate safety measures are in place first.”

Stephen calls for suspension of No Recourse to Public Funds

On Monday 11 May, in a general debate on COVID-19 in the House of Commons, Stephen called for the suspension of the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition for families for the duration of the coronavirus outbreak.

Stephen highlighted how families with leave to remain but with No Recourse to Public Funds but are barred from accessing mainstream welfare benefits, such as Universal Credit. Unable to work in the current pandemic, many are not eligible for the job retention or the self-employment schemes. Many are now facing serious financial hardship and food poverty. Some who should self-isolate because they have symptoms, have no choice but to work, endangering others.

Last week, the High Court heard the case of an 8-year-old boy and his migrant mother with NRPF. The Court ruled the policy denying families like his access to the welfare safety net unlawful, and that it breaches Article 3 of the ECHR, which prohibits inhuman and degrading treatment.

Stephen commented after the debate yesterday: “For the duration of this crisis – on moral grounds, and on public health grounds – the No Recourse to Public Funds condition must be suspended. Ministers have consistently said that the issue is under review, but swift action is needed.”

The Home Office will not say how many have the NRPF restriction in the UK. However, a Children’s Society report released last week, drawing from Oxford University’s Migration Observatory, estimated the figure of over a million people with leave to remain but no recourse to public funds, including at least 100,000 children.

There is a particularly large number of those with the NRPF status in Newham. Requests for NRPF support to Newham Council have increased by 300% during the outbreak.

Stephen asks Minister Will Quince about five week wait

In Work and Pensions Questions on 11 May, Stephen asked Will Quince, Minister for Universal Credit Delivery, about the inbuilt five-week wait for the first Universal Credit payment.

Stephen said: ‘Especially during the coronavirus outbreak, ministers must surely recognise that the five week delay problem in Universal Credit has to be fixed.’

Stephen speaks on Shelter webinar

On Thursday 7 May, Stephen spoke at a Shelter webinar entitled “Cliff edge: What will happen when the lockdown ends?" alongside Polly Neate, Chief Executive of Shelter, Ryan Shorthouse, Chief Executive of BrightBlue and Bim Afolami, MP for Hitchin and Harpenden.

The webinar looked at how we avoid the end of the coronavirus lockdown leading to an economic and health cliff edge.

Stephen applauded the speed at which the Department for Work and Pensions has been able to respond to the crisis, changes to Universal Credit rates, and efforts to re-house rough sleepers. However, he outlined a number of measures necessary to stop hardship now and encourage growth going forward, including suspending No Recourse to Public Funds, lift the benefit cap, fix the Universal Credit five week wait and prioritise youth employment.

Stephen commented afterwards: ‘To ensure economic resilience during and after the crisis, we need to make our social security system is fit for purpose. This means fixing the Universal Credit five week wait, suspending No Recourse to Public Funds and ensuring that housing support remains linked to local rent levels. I would also like to see Ministers examine the prospect of a Jobs Guarantee to combat youth unemployment.’

Newham politicians outline demands to Health Secretary

Stephen has joined West Ham MP, Lyn Brown, and the Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz, in calling for urgent government action following the publication of data last weekend COVID-19 deaths.

The data, which was released by the Office for National Statistics, showed Newham has the country’s highest death rate: 144.3 deaths per 100,000 people, some four times higher than the average.

The letter asks the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, to focus the government’s response on areas like Newham. It states “…additional resource[s] and support for both the NHS and local government must be targeted at the worst-affected areas, and we believe this should include targeting testing and tracing resources, while these remain very scarce, at high risk areas and groups.”

The politicians also call on Ministers to lift the No Recourse to Public Funds condition. They note this group is at particular risk from coronavirus because “…they are barred from social security support, so may be forced to disobey guidance in order to obtain an income.”

The full letter can be read here.                                                        

Stephen asks Secretary of State about the benefit cap

In Work and Pensions Questions on 4 May, Stephen asked a virtual question to Secretary of State Thérèse Coffey about the benefit cap.

Stephen commented afterwards: 'The Government has, rightly, raised Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit & housing support to help in the crisis. But for many in London, the benefit cap - which hasn’t been raised - is blocking the extra support. I hope the government changes course so that there is consistency and so that support gets to people who sorely need it in the current crisis.'

Record number of East Ham residents tour Parliament

A recent review carried out by the Houses of Parliament Tours Office found that a record number of Stephen’s constituents had been on tours of Parliament.   

A total of 749 residents booked from East Ham onto a tour last year. This was the second largest number from any constituency in the country, behind the City of London and Westminster which had 801. Many constituencies had just a handful of visitors to Parliament and 27 had none at all.

In the past year, Stephen has met several constituents as they have toured the palace of Westminster and has also held a number of Q&A sessions for primary schools. Many constituents have also managed to secure tickets to watch Prime Minister’s Questions and other debates in Parliament too.

After seeing the tours report for 2019/20, Stephen said: “I am delighted that Parliament has seen such a high number of visitors from East Ham.  Its great to see constituents taking a keen interest in the running of our democracy.”

If you would like to book onto a tour when Parliament reopens for visitors, do give Stephen’s office a call on 0207 219 4000, or send an email to timmss@parliament.uk. Further information can be found on the ‘Visiting Parliament’ section of Stephen’s website.

Stephen hosts virtual CLP meeting

On Wednesday, Stephen hosted a Zoom Meeting for members of the East Ham Labour Party.

Stephen opened by providing the party with an update on the COVID-19 crisis, He highlighted the plight of constituents with No Recourse to Public Funds. The meeting then moved into a Question and Answer session, with the local party members being given the opportunity to submit questions to Stephen.

Speaking afterwards, Stephen said “…it is important East Ham Labour Party stays active during this crisis. Communication is restricted, but my dialogue with the local party is as important as ever. It helps me stay in touch with the issues facing constituents, and the local party to know how best to support East Ham.”

Stephen presses Michael Gove on No Recourse to Public Funds

In Questions for the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 28 April 2020, Stephen pressed Michael Gove on the issue of those working legally who have the No Recourse to Public Funds condition applied to their immigration status.

Unable to work or access mainstream welfare benefits in the coronavirus pandemic, many are struggling.

Stephen said: “It is vital that the ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ restriction is suspended for the duration of the crisis, to give the hard-working families affected a chance.  I was glad to hear that No Recourse to Public Funds is under review by ministers, but swift action is now needed.”

Stephen speaks at online event on welfare and coronavirus

Yesterday, Stephen spoke at a webinar on ‘The Pandemic and its Aftermath - Making Welfare Work’. This was an online event exploring the themes of a new publication on welfare authored by Frank Field and Andrew Forsey, in the context of the current coronavirus outbreak.

At the event, hosted by thinktank Politeia, Stephen spoke alongside Frank (former MP for Birkenhead and Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee) and Andrew (National Director for Feeding Britain), and Lord Maurice Glasman. The speakers highlighted the current challenges for welfare and work in the coronavirus crisis, with many people facing job insecurity and lost income, and discussed what the future of the system could look like.

Stephen commented: ‘‘I was very pleased to take part in this discussion. I very much support the report’s commendation of job guarantee schemes for unemployed people, and was glad to highlight how mutual and voluntary organisations such as the Trussell Trust are responding in such an agile way to the current crisis. The Universal Credit system has withstood the strain of the pandemic well, but, to make it fit for purpose, the five-week wait for the first regular payment must be scrapped.’

The report, A Benefits and Welfare System for the 21st Century, will be published in the summer.

Stephen thanks local charities in Newham

Stephen has co-signed a letter with West Ham MP, Lyn Brown, Newham Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz and the City and East Assembly Member, Unmesh Desai. The letter is being emailed to a number of volunteer organisations in Newham. It thanks them for their efforts in supporting people facing hardship as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. 

The letter cites the extraordinary response of community groups in the borough. It states “…It has been great to see how groups which haven’t worked together before – including some which didn’t exist before the crisis hit – have come together to deliver vitally needed help.”

The full letter can be read here.

Stephen urges greater provision of PPE

Stephen has joined a group of Labour MPs in urging Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for care workers during the coronavirus outbreak.

The letter described the social care sector as being in a “precarious position” noting that care workers are frequently unable to access PPE, with the situation now extremely dangerous given the number of outbreaks reported in care homes over the bank holiday weekend.

In the letter, MPs call upon Matt Hancock to contact every local authority regarding PPE needs, and to provide resources when required. They further request a change to government guidance, which currently says that care workers need only wear PPE in care homes with confirmed cases.

Speaking about the letter, Stephen said “It is absolutely essential that those who are risking their own safety to help and protect the public get the equipment they need to do their jobs.”

Stephen: Five-week wait for Universal Credit is a “fatal flaw”

In an interview with BBC News yesterday, Stephen called the five-week wait for Universal Credit a “fatal flaw”, and questioned whether those who are asking for an advance are getting it urgently or not.

Stephen appealed for people who are experiencing claiming benefits for the first time during the Covid-19 crisis as well as those who have claimed previously, to get in touch with the Work and Pensions Select Committee.

The Work and Pensions Select Committee are looking into DWP’s response to the coronavirus crisis following reports of unprecedented demand. Nearly a million new benefit claims were made between 16 March and 3 April this year.

Stephen said: “So we can better understand the issues faced by people who rely on the benefits system, we’d like to hear from people about their experiences getting the support they need. We are keen to hear about any specific problems claiming benefits and also more generally about whether people are getting enough money to support themselves and their families during these immensely difficult days.” 

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