Like many of you, I have been horrified by the brutal and deadly attacks on Israeli civilians, as well as by the numbers of people injured. I condemn Hamas for their acts of unimaginable terror, including the taking of hostages.

This latest escalation in the long running conflict between Israel and Palestine is devastating, and my thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones and are currently experiencing trauma and fear.

Thank you so much for being here today

We’re here with a very clear message for Boris Johnson and Priti Patel

This vile and vicious policy is inhumane, unworkable, probably illegal and certainly immoral

We’re here to say that we will fight it every step of the way

We’re here to say – not in our name

“Development Partnership”

I have been contacted by constituents about the current bin strikes and the impact they are having in the city. Like them, I am concerned that it hasn't been possible for Brighton and Hove City Council (BHCC) and the GMB, the trade union who represent City Clean staff, to reach a workable way forward to avoid strike action.  

I unequivocally condemn the police storming of Al-Aqsa mosque in occupied Jerusalem and military strikes by the Israeli authorities on Gaza. These brutal attacks would be deeply worrying  at any time, that there has been such an escalation of violence during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is particularly reprehensible.  I want to see all parties in this conflict uphold international law, as well pursue peace, justice and freedom for everyone living in Palestine and Israel.

Introduction

It’s an enormous pleasure to be with you today.

Thank you so much to the European Movement for making this conference happen, and for recognising the value of coming together to share reflections on the challenges we face post Brexit – and hopefully of inspiring one another to renewed action for a progressive, green and European future.

I’ve been asked to speak about what is undeniably the greatest challenge facing humankind – a challenge not just to our security and wellbeing, but to our very survival.

Image: from a previous reclaim the night protest

It shouldn't be difficult - women should be able to walk home from visiting a friend, go for a run in the park, cross a badly lit street or do any number of normal things without being afraid or unsafe. Without being judged. And yet we can't.

Sunday 8^th September marks International Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) day.

PBC is an autoimmune condition which affects the liver. Without treatment, PBC attacks the bile ducts within the liver, which subsequently damage the surrounding liver cells.

Photo by Sean Hawkeye