Policy - Louise Haigh

Here you can find my opinions on a broad range of policy issues. You can use the categories below or the search bar above to look for a particular topic. If you can’t find the response you need, please get in touch here.

Latest Policy

TV Licences for Over 75’s

I share your concern following the BBC’s announcement that these TV licences will be means-tested, from June 2020, by linking them to Pension Credit. As a result, up to 3.7 million older people – 1.6 million of whom live completely alone – are set to lose their free TV licences. …

DWP – Misleading Letters

As you know, the DWP has sent letters to doctors and GPs which crucially omit to say that ill and disabled people applying for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) are entitled to medical evidence if they choose to appeal their Work Capability Assessment (WCA) decision. This is unlike the previous…

Bahrain

I recognise the serious concerns about the human rights situation in Bahrain, particularly on the position of opposition and civil liberties groups, the detention of political prisoners and allegations of torture. The 2011 Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) into human rights abuses made no fewer than 26 recommendations. On…

Decapod Crustaceans

I am aware that Crustacean Compassion is calling for decapod crustaceans to be recognised as sentient beings in UK law. Decapods are currently excluded from animal welfare legislation and as a result, welfare standards on storage and slaughter do not apply to them. The Labour Party has consulted on its…

Nuclear Warfare Experiments on Animals

The UK should lead the world with high animal welfare standards and that we must aspire to ensure that no animal is made to suffer unnecessary pain and degradation. We must also commit ourselves to driving up standards and practice in line with the most recent advances and understanding. The…

Air Guns

I completely agree that air guns need to be licensed in England and Wales, as they are in Scotland and Northern Ireland. I share your concerns about how pets, especially cats, are being used as ‘targeting practice’ for people with air guns. I cannot begin to imagine the amount of…

Disability Price Tag – Scope Campaign

As you know, Scope’s Disability Price Tag report found that, on average, disabled adults face extra costs of £538 per month. For families with disabled children, the extra cost is £581 per month. The report also makes a number of specific recommendations. It calls for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP)…

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