Latest news with #KateOsborne
BBC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Pride group celebrates 'fabulous' inclusion in Durham Miners' Gala
Crowds have gathered in the sun to watch brass bands, trade unions, pride groups and pit banners come together for the 139th Durham Miners' year's event marked the 41st anniversary of the miners' strike and saw a lively parade pass through the streets of Durham is the first time Pride have been designated a block of the parade and Mel Metcalf, chair of Durham Pride, said it "meant an awful lot" to be invited. "To be here with Lesbians and Gays Support The Miners (LGSM), where it all started in 1984 and 1985 during the strike, it's fabulous," she said. Ms Metcalf said, whose father and grandfather were miners, said it was her first time at the said: "It means an awful lot to be here because of the history."It was a strange combination back in the 80s and social media pages have lit up because of the connection."Miners' strike 1984: Why UK miners walked out and how it ended Ms Metcalf said that people forget that Mike Jackson a co-founder of LGSM, was at the strike back in the said: "It's inspiring to see him and the team, but also inspiring that Durham Miners' Association have invited us in recognition of that connection."Solidarity is a word that is going to be used well today." MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East Kate Osborne was pleased to see the LGBT block as part of the said there is a "close association between the miners and the LGBT community"."It's massive, that's not to say that LGBT people have not been here for many years," she said. Follow BBC North East on X and Facebook and BBC Cumbria on X and Facebook and both on Nextdoor and Instagram.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Donald Trump may be denied privilege of addressing parliament on UK state visit
Donald Trump may be denied the honour of addressing parliament on his state visit to the UK later this year, with no formal request yet submitted for him to be given that privilege. It comes after , in which he was invited to speak in front of both Houses of Parliament. Sky News has been told the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, hasn't so far received a request to invite the US president to speak in parliament when he is expected to visit in September. It was confirmed to MPs who have raised concerns about the US president being allowed to address both houses. Kate Osborne, Labour MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East, wrote to the speaker in April asking him to stop Mr Trump from addressing parliament, and tabled an early-day motion outlining her concerns. "I was happy to see Macron here but feel very differently about Trump," she said. "Trump has made some very uncomfortable and worrying comments around the UK government, democracy, the Middle East, particularly around equalities and, of course, . "So, I think there are many reasons why, when we're looking at a state visit, we should be looking at why they're being afforded that privilege. Because, of course, it is a privilege for somebody to come and address both of the houses." But the timing of the visit may mean that any diplomatic sensitivities, or perceptions of a snub, could be avoided. Lord Ricketts, a former UK ambassador to France, pointed out that parliament isn't sitting for much of September, and that could help resolve the issue. In 2017, he wrote a public letter questioning the decision to give his first state visit, saying it put Queen Elizabeth II in a "very difficult position". Parliament rises from 16 September until 13 October due to party conferences. The dates for the state visit haven't yet been confirmed by Buckingham Palace or the government. However, they have not denied that it will take place in September, after Mr Trump appeared to confirm they were planning to hold the state visit that month. The palace confirmed this week that the formal planning for his arrival had begun. When asked about parliamentary recess potentially solving the issue, Ms Osborne said: "It may be a way of dealing with it in a very diplomatic way... I don't know how much control we have over Trump's diary. "But if we can manoeuvre it in a way that means that the House isn't sitting, then that seems like a good solution, maybe not perfect, because I'd actually like him to know that he's not welcome." A message from the speaker's office, seen by Sky News, says: "Formal addresses to both Houses of Parliament are not automatically included in the itinerary of such a state visit. "Whether a foreign head of state addresses parliament, during a state visit or otherwise, is part of the planning decisions." It's understood that if the government agrees to a joint address to parliament, the Lord Chamberlain's office writes to the two speakers, on behalf of , to ask them to host this. It will be Mr Trump's second state visit. During his first, in 2019, he didn't address parliament, despite the fact that his predecessor, Barack Obama, was asked to do so. It was unclear if this was due to the fact John Bercow, the speaker at the time, made it clear he wasn't welcome to do so. However, it didn't appear to dampen Mr Trump's excitement about his time with the . Read more from Sky News: Speaking earlier this year, he described his state visit as "a fest" adding "it's an honour… I'm a friend of Charles, I have great respect for King Charles and the family, William; we have really just a great respect for the family. And I think they're setting a date for September." It is expected that, like , the pageantry for his trip this time will revolve around Windsor, with refurbishment taking place at Buckingham Palace.
Sky News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Sky News
Donald Trump may be denied privilege of addressing parliament on UK state visit
Donald Trump may be denied the honour of addressing parliament on his state visit to the UK later this year, with no formal request yet submitted for him to be given that privilege. It comes after President Macron's successful state visit this week, in which he was invited to speak in front of both Houses of Parliament. Sky News has been told the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, hasn't so far received a request to invite the US president to speak in parliament when he is expected to visit in September. It was confirmed to MPs who have raised concerns about the US president being allowed to address both houses. Kate Osborne, Labour MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East, wrote to the speaker in April asking him to stop Mr Trump from addressing parliament, and tabled an early-day motion outlining her concerns. "I was happy to see Macron here but feel very differently about Trump," she said. "Trump has made some very uncomfortable and worrying comments around the UK government, democracy, the Middle East, particularly around equalities and, of course, Ukraine. "So, I think there are many reasons why, when we're looking at a state visit, we should be looking at why they're being afforded that privilege. Because, of course, it is a privilege for somebody to come and address both of the houses." But the timing of the visit may mean that any diplomatic sensitivities, or perceptions of a snub, could be avoided. Lord Ricketts, a former UK ambassador to France, pointed out that parliament isn't sitting for much of September, and that could help resolve the issue. In 2017, he wrote a public letter questioning the decision to give Donald Trump his first state visit, saying it put Queen Elizabeth II in a "very difficult position". Parliament rises from 16 September until 13 October due to party conferences. The dates for the state visit haven't yet been confirmed by Buckingham Palace or the government. However, they have not denied that it will take place in September, after Mr Trump appeared to confirm they were planning to hold the state visit that month. The palace confirmed this week that the formal planning for his arrival had begun. When asked about parliamentary recess potentially solving the issue, Ms Osborne said: "It may be a way of dealing with it in a very diplomatic way... I don't know how much control we have over Trump's diary. "But if we can manoeuvre it in a way that means that the House isn't sitting, then that seems like a good solution, maybe not perfect, because I'd actually like him to know that he's not welcome." A message from the speaker's office, seen by Sky News, says: "Formal addresses to both Houses of Parliament are not automatically included in the itinerary of such a state visit. "Whether a foreign head of state addresses parliament, during a state visit or otherwise, is part of the planning decisions." It's understood that if the government agrees to a joint address to parliament, the Lord Chamberlain's office writes to the two speakers, on behalf of the King, to ask them to host this. It will be Mr Trump's second state visit. During his first, in 2019, he didn't address parliament, despite the fact that his predecessor, Barack Obama, was asked to do so. It was unclear if this was due to the fact John Bercow, the speaker at the time, made it clear he wasn't welcome to do so. However, it didn't appear to dampen Mr Trump's excitement about his time with the Royal Family. Speaking earlier this year, he described his state visit as "a fest" adding "it's an honour… I'm a friend of Charles, I have great respect for King Charles and the family, William; we have really just a great respect for the family. And I think they're setting a date for September." It is expected that, like Mr Macron, the pageantry for his trip this time will revolve around Windsor, with refurbishment taking place at Buckingham Palace.
The Independent
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Rape victim forced to live just minutes from abuser after government failings
A rape victim has been forced to live just minutes from her attacker – despite assurances from the government that a plan would be put in place before his release to prevent them coming into contact. Christopher Lawson, who was jailed for 16 years in 2017 for the rape and indecent assault of a girl from the age of eight, was released on parole last week after serving half his sentence. As part of the terms of his release, he has been made the subject of an exclusion zone, which prohibits him from going to a particular place or area. But the zone is just several streets wide, with a number of key amenities that are close to both the victim and the perpetrator's homes not included. Ahead of his release, local MP Kate Osborne requested an urgent review on behalf of the victim, citing concerns that it would be 'almost impossible for the [victim and the perpetrator] not to come into contact'. 'I also wish for this matter to be brought to the personal attention of the Secretary of State, as I believe there is significant public interest in this case', Ms Osborne wrote in a letter to prisons minister James Timpson. In his response, seen by The Independent, Lord Timpson vowed that Lawson would 'only be released once the Probation Service have put in place a plan to manage him safely'. He said officials in the Ministry of Justice were 'working with the Probation Service to ensure that both the exclusion zone and planned release address for Lawson are able to function in a safe way', promising that the victim would be kept 'updated regarding the exclusion zone licence condition'. But Lawson was released before any changes to the exclusion zone were made. The exclusion zone has since been marginally expanded to include a few more streets, but Ms Osborne argues it is still 'nowhere near wide enough' as the victim and her attacker will still be forced to exist in close proximity. The victim said the trauma of the abuse she suffered from Lawson had 'affected every single part of my life'. 'I have lived in constant fear, bewilderment, shame and horror at what has happened to me and still do to this day and feel I will for many years to come', she said in an impact statement. She told The Independent: "He has to be allowed access to his house, he has to be able to go through his day to day life... but he has got more rights than me, he's had more support and he has more rights.' The woman said there had been numerous failings throughout the process of Lawson's release. She was initially told he would not be fitted with a location tag, meaning she spent days afraid to leave the house only to be later told that he was in fact tagged. She was also wrongly told by her victim liaison officer that if she were to request a review of the exclusion zone she could face legal action from Lawson and have it removed entirely. But Ms Osborne has since received assurances from the justice department that this is not the case. It is understood that the Probation Service had not received a formal application for an exclusion zone extension by Lawson's release date. Ms Osborne, the MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East, said her constituent had been 'badly let down' and exposed 'significant flaws in the justice system'. She added the victim must be supported to be able to live her life without fear. It comes after the prime minister was forced to defend plans to release some criminals on recall earlier to ease jail overcrowding after ministers faced a backlash over concerns for victim and public safety. Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood said the changes were necessary to curb overcrowding as she warned jails are on track to be down to 'zero capacity' by November. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: 'Victims must feel safe which is why offenders released on licence are subject to strict conditions such as such as curfews and exclusion zones that prevent them approaching their victims. 'Victims who qualify for the Probation Service's statutory Victim Contact Scheme have the right to make representations about licence conditions that relate to them.'
Telegraph
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Labour MPs sign pledge against ‘divisive' Supreme Court trans ruling
Four Labour MPs have signed a trans-rights pledge that appears to criticise the 'divisive' Supreme Court trans ruling. Charlotte Nichols, Kate Osborne, Olivia Blake and Nadia Whittome put their names to a statement that also said lesbian rights do not conflict with those of transgender people. It came after Supreme Court judges unanimously ruled that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act referred to biological sex instead of acquired gender. The Left-wing backbenchers endorsing the pledge is the latest sign of ongoing tensions within the Labour Party over gender identity issues. The statement was drawn up for a Lesbian Visibility Week reception in Parliament last week, and reads: 'We, the undersigned, affirm our unwavering commitment to the dignity, safety and liberation of lesbian and trans people in all their diversity. 'In the wake of the UK Supreme Court ruling, we reaffirm that the rights of trans people do not conflict with the rights of lesbians. We reject attempts to divide our communities and stand united against all forms of transphobia, lesbophobia and misogyny. 'Our liberation is bound together. There is no pride in exclusion. No feminism without solidarity. We stand firm. We will not be divided.' 'Ruling does not provide clarity' Interim guidance issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) , published in the wake of the court judgement, said that trans women should not be allowed to use women's lavatories. It added that membership of an association with 25 members or more can be limited to gay men or lesbian women, saying a lesbian-only association should not admit trans women, and associations for gay men should not admit trans men. Ms Whittome said she was 'very concerned' in the wake of the judgement, warning that it 'does not provide clarity'. Ms Blake said she could 'understand that many people are anxious' about the potential consequences of the ruling, writing on Instagram: 'As an MP, I remain committed to campaigning for better, fairer services for everyone. We must tackle unequal access so as to ensure everyone, cis women and trans women, receive the support they need.' Days after the court ruling, Labour frontbenchers Dame Angela Eagle and Sir Chris Bryant were among Labour MPs who railed against remarks made by Baroness Falkner, who chairs the EHRC. She had said the ruling meant trans women would be banned from women's single-sex spaces. In a leaked WhatsApp message, Dame Angela warned that official guidance that would follow the ruling could be 'catastrophic' for transgender people. 'Let's meet about this when we get back from Easter recess to decide a way forwards,' she said. 'The ruling is not as catastrophic as it seems, but the EHRC guidance might be and there are already signs that some public bodies are overreacting.' Downing Street insisted it would not take any action because the Supreme Court judgement itself had not been criticised. Sir Keir Starmer said after the ruling that a woman 'is an adult female', but critics of the Prime Minister pointed out his past comments on the issue. In 2022, he had said trans women were women, declaring the following year that '99.9 per cent' of women did not have a penis. Sally Wainwright, from the campaign group Lesbian Persistence, said: 'Clarity is not division. It's the duty of elected parliamentarians, and especially of those in government, to uphold the rule of law, not to try to undermine the authority of the highest court in the land. 'MPs should be welcoming a ruling that makes crystal clear that lesbians, women and trans people all have our own, inalienable rights. Those rights are not in conflict, but are separately protected by the Equality Act. 'What is divisive is the trans lobby stirring up fear and alarm, particularly amongst vulnerable gender-questioning young people, by misrepresenting the meaning of the ruling. It is inappropriate for MPs to support such statements. They should be providing reassurance where it is needed instead.' A Government spokesman said: 'We have always supported the protection of single-sex spaces based on biological sex. 'This ruling brings clarity and confidence, for women and service providers such as hospitals, refuges, and sports clubs. 'Single-sex spaces are protected in law and will always be protected by this Government.'
