Issues - Hilary Benn - Member of Parliament for Leeds Central

Brexit update

The last few days and weeks have been terrible for our country. Everyone I meet is full of uncertainty about what is going to happen. One thing is, however, crystal clear. The Government’s Brexit deal has been overwhelmingly rejected by the House of Commons. It was the largest defeat for…

Why I will be voting against the Government’s Brexit agreement

Thanks to all of you who have been in touch with me about the forthcoming vote in the House of Commons on the Prime Minister’s Brexit agreement with the European Union. I campaigned to remain in the EU, but I respect the referendum result. I will, however, be voting against…

Universal Credit

I have been contacted by a number of constituents about the rollout of Universal Credit (UC). I share concerns about what is happening. Despite being the Government’s flagship welfare reform it has been plagued by problems in its design and delivery. UC was intended to lift people out of poverty…

Brexit – What happens next?

Thanks to all of you who have been in touch about the Brexit process, what happens next and whether there should be a public vote on the outcome. I was a passionate Remainer but I respect and accept the outcome of the June 2016 referendum on our membership of the…

Tackling Anti-Semitism and Promoting Unity

I have been contacted by a number of people about the issue of anti-Semitism in the Labour Party and the events of the last few months. Here are my reflections. I strongly reject the suggestion that Labour is an institutionally racist Party, although the way in which the anti-Semitism issue…

70th Anniversary of the NHS

The NHS is one of the best things about our country and I am committed to upholding the its founding principle of universal healthcare provided free at the point of use: a comprehensive, integrated and public NHS that is there for all of us when we need it. NHS spending…

Trade Bill

I have been contacted by a number of constituents about parliamentary scrutiny of trade deals. This is an important issue and proper scrutiny of trade deals is essential. The Government has introduced a Trade Bill to allow the UK to pursue an independent trade policy when we leave the EU. …

Against the Third Runway at Heathrow

The issue of a third runway at Heathrow Airport generates strong views on both sides. On 5 June 2018, the Government presented its final proposal for an airports national policy statement (NPS), which outlined its support for plans to deliver a new runway at Heathrow, with a target date of 2026.…

Supporting Child Refugees after Brexit

I have been contacted by constituents about the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill and unaccompanied child refugees. We must meet our obligations under the Dublin regulation to reunite refugees with family members in the UK and Brexit must not lead to a loss of rights for refugees. I supported Lord Dubs’ amendment to the…

Support for World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day takes place on 20th June. The UK has a proud history of helping people fleeing violence and persecution. World Refugee Day provides an opportunity to remember our moral and legal obligations to vulnerable people seeking asylum and to commemorate the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees…