With only ten days to go before Christmas Day there has been a flurry of Parliamentary activity ahead of the Christmas break. 

This week I have been in the House raising sexual assaults on NHS workers, reparations to LGBT veterans, support for disabled people in accessing work, and the ongoing issues with regard to drink spiking. I have also been working on a cross party amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill which seeks protection for children from fathers who have committed serious child sexual offences.

Next week we are looking forward to the legislation on Live Export of Animals coming to the Commons its Second Reading debate. I have been contacted by hundreds of constituents on this issue and can reassure them that this legislation will make progress on Monday. No Second Reading has been voted down since the 1980s so the legislation will move to the Committee Stage in the New Year. I sincerely hope it makes rapid progress, we need to see this made law.

The further excitement of next week is the Prime Minister's appearance before the Liaison Committee, scheduled for the last sitting day. I will be taking part in the session this time, specifically on the cost of living, which is one of the inquiries my Select Committee is currently doing.

Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP
Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee

MP for Romsey and Southampton North