On Monday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak agreed the Windsor Framework, which delivers the smooth flow of trade within the UK, protects Northern Ireland's place in the Union, and safeguards the sovereignty of the people of Northern Ireland.
I am pleased to be able to make a direct contribution to the political life of Northern Ireland by serving as a member of the Commons Select Committee on Northern Ireland Affairs. Having read the agreement, it has shown that we have managed to succeed in getting the EU to make far more concessions than I expected, by changing the text of the protocol, and ensuring that the Good Friday Belfast Agreement lies at the heart of the agreement, in order to protect the future of Northern Ireland, both in terms of the border north and south, and the border East and West. The creation of a democratic "brake" on new regulations, to be exercised by Northern Irish politicians at Stormont, was a major achievement, and the result of steadfast and detailed negotiations between our Prime Minister and the EU, which will also enhance Britain’s reputation on the world stage.
I am pleased that the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 came into force on Monday. I worked closely with Sajid Javid and Pauline Latham MP on this vital safeguarding measure, by securing Government support for this change when I was Lord Chancellor, which will better protect from the damaging impact of forced marriage.
It means that 16- and 17-year-olds will no longer be allowed to marry or enter a civil partnership, even if they have parental consent.
It is now illegal and a criminal offence to exploit vulnerable children by arranging for them to marry, under any circumstances whether or not force is used.
The change will crack down on forced marriages which can cause lasting damage to a child and forms part of the government’s continued commitment to tackle violence against women and girls.
Those found guilty of arranging child marriages face sentences of up to 7 years in prison.
The age of eighteen is widely recognised as the age at which one becomes an adult and gains full citizenship rights and I welcome this change.
I am also pleased that last week, the government announced that they are implementing the recommendations from the Fan-Led Review of Football Governance. These reforms will ensure fans are placed at the heart of football clubs, and protect the heritage of our loved football clubs, including Swindon Town Football Club, against unscrupulous owners. This will help to grow local economies, delivering on the Government’s five priorities and build a better future across the country. Further details about what this will mean for football fans can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-sustainable-future-reforming-club-football-governance
I was grateful on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion to meet Ukrainian lawyer and former civil servant, Illia Chernohorenko, here in Swindon last Friday. Illia is a Visiting Fellow at Bristol University, and it was good to discuss the European Convention on Human Rights with him, as well as our shared support for the UK and Ukraine.
Finally, on a similar note, my local charity of the week is Swindon Welcomes Ukraine. This wonderful group of local volunteers have come together to support the community of Ukrainians and their hosts from across the town. The volunteers have created an information hub for hosts and Ukrainians, assist with transport by providing bicycles to those who need them, as well as advocating and signposting local Ukrainians and hosts, to support settling and integration into the wider community.
There are several ways that you can support Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, including donating funds, donating an unused bicycle, gifting from their wish list, or volunteering your time. For more details, please visit https://www.ukraineswindon.com/
