Cat Smith

🕊️ Politically I’ve called out this genocide, called for peace. Practically I’m going to fundraise for amazing charities who do all they can to save lives.

I’m running the Great Scottish Run for Medical Aid for Palestinians who do life saving work in unthinkable circumstances.

As I set off, I’ve raised £4,903 for some of the world’s most vulnerable people. If you can, you can pledge your support here: www.justgiving.com/page/cat-smi...

Congratulations @lucympowell.bsky.social who won the nomination of Lancaster and Wyre CLP at our special meeting this morning.

Cat's fundraiser for Medical Aid for Palestinians Help Cat Smith raise money to support Medical Aid for Palestinians

Today our government ensured 10 sick children arrived in the UK for treatment. With hospitals decimated in Gaza this was a life-saving effort.

But, for those still trapped, Medical Aid for Palestinians works on the ground.

I’m running a half marathon for them: www.justgiving.com/page/cat-smi...

Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, says UN inquiry Commission’s 72-page legal analysis cites examples including scale of killings, aid blockages and forced displacement * Middle East crisis – live updates A UN commission of inquiry concluded on Tuesday that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza and that top Israeli officials including the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, had incited these acts. It cited examples of the scale of the killings, aid blockages, forced displacement and the destruction of a fertility clinic to back up its genocide finding, adding its voice to rights groups and others that have reached the same conclusion. Continue reading...

Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, says UN inquiry

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.