On Monday, I had the privilege of joining Her Majesty the Queen for a visit to Jenni’s House to celebrate its 50th Anniversary. The refuge’s name, Jenni’s House, was also officially unveiled during the visit, having been chosen by current residents in honour of the charity’s founder: Jenni Manners.
I have long supported the Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service, including helping with the annual Christmas and Easter Gift Collections. I have seen first-hand the difference the organisation has made in the lives of people experiencing horrific domestic abuse.
Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service’s work goes far beyond the refuge. It has a network of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors, who work with victims not staying in the Refuge. There is also a specialist Children and Young People’s team to support the specific needs of children affected by domestic abuse.
Tackling domestic abuse and violence against women and girls is an important issue for the Queen, and she has visited many refuges over the years. I was pleased to hear her describe the Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service as doing “something special.” I am delighted to see their fantastic work recognised in this way – it is very well deserved.
I also enjoyed a visit to South Marston Primary School as part of my school engagement work. I had a tour of the school and managed to see some of the classes in action. It was interesting to see the traditional subjects supplemented with lessons on mindfulness and healthy lifestyles.
My interactive assembly demonstrating how a Bill is passed through Parliament was certainly very lively, and it was great to see the children so engaged.
This week also saw the announcement of further government funding for local authorities. I welcome the increase in Local Authority Core Spending Power of up to £4.5 billion, which represents a 7.5 per cent increase in cash terms, an above-inflation increase, rising from £60.2 billion in 2023-24 to up to £64.7 billion in 2024-25.
Additional measures worth £600 million this year were also announced, including £500 million of funding for adult social care.
The funding announcements above will enable councils to provide vital services for residents while helping them to manage their finances for the long-term, so a real boost for Swindon Borough Council.
Finally, tomorrow is Holocaust Memorial Day, an important opportunity to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, the millions of others murdered by the Nazis, along with those who faced persecution in more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
Earlier this week, I was given the privilege of signing the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment. This is something I do every year – pledging my commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring all those who were murdered during the Holocaust, whilst paying tribute to the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who continue to work tirelessly to educate young people today.
This year is particularly significant, sadly due to the horrific rise in antisemitism following the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israeli citizens. We must continue to educate people, particularly young people, on the Holocaust and the scourge of antisemitism. We must never forget the horrors of the past.
