Nationality and Borders Bill
Today I was unable to speak in the nationality and borders bill, as opposition members deliberately frustrated and delayed proceedings. So I decided to explain my thoughts on the Bill instead
Christmas Lights on BBC Suffolk
Last year we had over 70 entries to the Christmas lights competition. With entries piling in for this year’s competition already, I’m looking forward to personally judging the Christmas displays across Ipswich again this December.
I talked to BBC Suffolk yesterday about the launch of this year’s competition.
Dyslexia Screening Bill
Pleased to be sat next to Matt Hancock in the chamber today as he proposed the Dyslexia Screening Bill, which I have co-sponsored.
As someone with dyslexia and dyspraxia, I know just how important it is to have a diagnosis. This bill would screen all primary school pupils for dyslexia – whereas currently 4 out of 5 dyslexic children leave school undiagnosed.
About 10% of the population is thought to have dyslexia. Supporting these pupils, by ensuring teachers know how to properly educate those who think and learn in unconventional ways, will have a society-wide impact. This is something we really have to get right.
Co-Sponsoring the Dyslexia Screening Bill
Pleased to be co-sponsoring this really important ten minute rule Bill being led by Matt Hancock that will be heard this Wednesday.
It was only when I was diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia that things changed for the better for me. I was 12 when I was diagnosed. At the time I had a reading and writing age of an 8 year old. Ideally I would have been diagnosed earlier but I was lucky to get the support I needed at school and ended up doing well in my GCSE’s and A-levels. Sadly for many this isn’t the case.
There should be a requirement for all pupils to be screened for dyslexia and dyspraxia at primary school. Overall it’s thought that 1/10 have dyslexia in society. Worryingly 5/10 have dyslexia in prison. Which again goes to the importance of why this issue is so important.
Volunteering at Rapid Relief Team
Today I was helping the food bank Rapid Relief Team, who have just provided over 500 food boxes. This is a huge contribution, supporting some of the Town’s most vulnerable people over the Christmas period. Each box will feed a family of 4 for 2 days. Today, 1,000 days of food were delivered. This will make a huge difference to those in need.
The Relief team is made up of unpaid volunteers from Ipswich, who have done a huge amount to tackle what is a significant logistical issue. Big thank you to those working hard to help those in need.
