Cat Smith

Minimum unit pricing on alcohol could save lives Not someone I often find myself agreeing with, but Milton Friedman wasn’t wrong when he said: “Only a crisis – actual or perceived – produces real ...

Alcohol deaths are at record highs. As @catsmithmp.bsky.social MP writes, we need action now.

Minimum Unit Pricing in England would save lives, reduce inequality, and support our pubs.

"But crucially, no single policy will be...

www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti... - @politicshome.bsky.social

Reshaping procedure: Exploring new ideas for improving parliamentary practices When you hear the word ‘procedure’ you probably think of standing orders, Erskine May and the MPs’ Guide to Procedure. But the Procedure Committee’...

Read more about the work of @commonsproccom.parliament.uk which I chair.

From proxy voting to the way in which select committee chairs get elected. We are busy reviewing the procedures of the House of Commons and, hopefully, recommending improvements!

www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...

🇺🇦 The Prime Minister has shown strong leadership in the fast moving events of recent days, both in supporting Ukraine against the Russian aggressor and bringing together our allies.

🤝 I am pleased the Prime Minster reiterated our commitment to restoring International Aid to 0.7% when we can.

The Procedure Committee of the House of Commons has published its first report of this parliament into government responses to Written Parliamentary Questions.

We welcome the improved response times but note a decrease in the number of questions asked.

committees.parliament.uk/publications...

I don’t want to buy this off the shelf, ‘one size’ only model of local government | Parliament Politics Magazine In the next few weeks we expect the white paper on local government devolution in England to be published. A real statement of intent from the Labour

Local government should work for the local people it claims to be close to. That could mean different parts of England look different, with some mayoral models and some council led.

Time to ditch a “one size” fits all approach of metro mayors.

parliamentnews.co.uk/i-dont-want-...

The Treasury states that cuts and freezes to alcohol duty since 2013 have cost £15 billion. This cost will continue to grow in coming years.

That's enough to pay the salaries of 429 thousand nurses in the NHS.

@catsmithmp.bsky.social question to James Murray

🚑 land purchase for a new hospital for Lancaster!

🎉 This is a game-changer. It shows that in just a few months of a Labour government, fundamental progress is being made and provides certainty about the future of healthcare in Lancaster.