On the 10^th June, I was interviewed on Sunday Politics. I discussed sexual entertainment licences, Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in politics, and the recent chaos surrounding Northern Rail.

I believe that strip clubs lead to people treating women’s bodies as commodities. This is extremely oppressive, and leads to a wider symptom of the objectification of women in our society. Despite campaigning groups arguing otherwise, an increasing number of democratically elected local authorities are coming to the conclusion that strip clubs are incoherent with our values. Throughout my time as MP for Leeds West, we have taken steps to limit the impact of strip clubs. Six Years ago, we issued a cap on the number that should be allowed in Leeds. We also prevented the creation of strip clubs near certain public places, such as schools.

I was asked about the growing concerns of Islamophobia within the Conservative Party, and whether as a Labour MP, I could take the moral high ground when my own party has come into question due the disturbing presence of anti-Semitism within it. I would argue that many parallels exist between the two issues. The Labour Party must do even more to wipe out anti-Semitism within its ranks. The Labour party cannot be considered to be a broad church as long as someone is discriminated against purely because of ethnicity, religious belief or orientation. The same goes for the Conservative Party. I believe that the Labour party must work tirelessly to reconcile with Jewish groups across the UK, and reassure them that they have a place with us.

On the show, my counterpart, Stuart Andrew, attempted to downplay the disruption that has hit Northern Rail due to timetabling changes. It really appears that there is no end in sight for the plight of commuters reliant on Leeds’s train network. Two weeks ago, Northern Rail cut 6% of its services in an attempt increase efficiency, but yet if you were to go to Bramley or Pudsey station, you would still find packed platforms and sparse trains. I continue to call for the resignation of Chris Grayling, as he is fundamentally failing commuters across the north of England.

To watch my discussion on Sunday Politics, please click the link below and skip to 38 minutes in.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0b57m4v/sunday-politics-yorkshire-and-lincolnshire-10062018