All articles written by Rachael Maskell MP on PoliticsHome.com

28 Nov Education

VAT on private schools is a step too far

The independent sector has become the backstop for neurodivergent, anxious and trauma-experienced children failed by our broken state education system

01 Jun 2023 Home affairs

Government must end unethical and exploitative forced swim test

Imagine this terrifying scenario: Without warning, you are tossed into a deep tank of water. Frantically paddling and clawing at the sides, you look for any possible escape route. But it’s a futile effort.

18 Feb 2022 Social affairs

The city of York deserves a better champion than Prince Andrew. He must relinquish his title

He didn’t recall their meeting. Then denial and obfuscation. Then the photo. Then seemingly victim blaming.

20 Jan 2022 Environment

Is it time to ban trail and drag hunting? Rachel Maskell says Yes

The 2004 Hunting Act should have been the end. The Labour government responded to the public outcry at the barbarism of hunting with hounds and passed legislation to outlaw such animal cruelty. But the bugles and beagles were not silenced for long.

17 Jun 2021 Coronavirus

Charities have stepped up during Covid – so why hasn’t the  Prime Minister matched his warm words with more support?

Every day, a million acts of kindness are distributed across our communities. But this last year the outpouring of generosity has been truly extraordinary as people have reached deep into the needs of their neighbourhoods and served one another.

03 Nov 2020 Health

We need to build society around older people

We must place older people at the centre of all we do.

03 Jan 2020 Political parties

Clive Lewis is the ‘political signpost’ that will lead the Labour Party back to power

In a new political era, we need a new kind of leadership. Clive Lewis will heal the pain of the last four years and reignite the hope that created a people powered party in 2015, writes Rachael Maskell MP.

23 Sep 2019 Environment

Emissions from the transport sector are higher than any other – Labour will transform our systems to tackle climate change and deliver social justice

We need serious investment and integrated planning to make our transport systems work for people and planet, writes Rachael Maskell MP

02 May 2019 Defence

As a Christian, I'm opposed to ministers using Westminster Abbey to celebrate terrible nuclear weapons

Instead of celebrating these weapons, we should be embracing the opportunity to work towards disarmament for humanitarian good, the Labour MP writes.

22 Oct 2018 Transport

Passengers want action on the railways – not more prevarication

Yet another review lets Chris Grayling off the hook. If the government doesn’t know by now what is wrong, then quite frankly they should move over, says Rachael Maskell

13 Jun 2018 Economy

Save our high streets by axing the failed business rates regime

A change from the outdated business rate regime system to a turnover tax would not only be far “simpler, fairer and popular”, argues Labour MP Rachael Maskell, it would also bring our high streets back to life.