Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 17th March 2021) below:
Survey
International Women’s Day was a chance to reflect on the women who have inspired us all and the contribution they make to our nation.
Yet events in London quickly cast a dark shadow over this by highlighting the challenges and dangers many women can face in their daily lives. I hope Herald Express readers will understand why it is not appropriate for me to speculate or comment on more widely the specific case involving Sarah Everard now a suspect has been charged with Murder and will appear before the Courts.
In light of this many women have been speaking out about their own experiences of unacceptable, sexualised or violent behaviour towards them, some recounting multiple incidents dating back to when they were primary school aged children.
In response the Home Secretary re-opened a recently closed survey on tackling violence against women and girls to give those speaking out a chance to be heard. By Sunday another 25,000 responses had been received and I would urge all from the bay affected by this to share their story. Email me at [email protected] for the link.
Mothers
When we got married in 2017 Hazel’s Mum and My Dad joined us for the service, yet my Mum & Hazel’s Dad could not be with us as they had died beforehand.
Hazel’s Dad was still able to be a part of the wedding service by being listed on our marriage certificate, yet there was one person missing, my Mum, as due to outdated laws on Marriage Registration Mothers' names cannot appear on the certificate.
I was therefore pleased to speak for the Government at a Delegated Legislation Committee last week where the key legal changes were agreed which will see a new system of registration brought in from 4th May 2021. This new registration system will include listing Mothers & Fathers on marriage certificates, meaning in future no parent will be missed out on their child’s wedding day.
Animal Welfare
There was great news on Animal Welfare as a bill which will see the maximum sentence for Animal Cruelty increased from 6 months to 5 years was passed by MPs.
The current maximum sentence means those who commit appalling acts of savagery against a living creature can escape prison or only get a couple of months inside at most. This includes individuals who have engaged in crimes such as dog fighting and incidents where animals have literally been tortured to death.
Four years ago, I supported a cross party attempt to make this change, but it ran out of time when the 2017 General Election was called. It is therefore good to see this bill clear the Commons and head to the Lords, who should hopefully consider it quickly.
Surgery Times
Due to the current restrictions I have had to cancel my regular face to face advice surgeries.
I hope to restart them as soon as possible, but in the meantime a telephone call appointment can be arranged. Please note these telephone surgeries are for urgent personal matters, such as welfare, immigration, housing, problems accessing support and benefits, rather than to discuss policy or the wider situation.
You can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989 and we will get back to you as quickly as possible
