Consultation on Revised Proposals for Wales’ 16 new Senedd Constituencies closes on Monday, 13^th January.

There is logic in putting two existing UK Parliamentary constituencies together to make one Senedd constituency and placing Llanelli and Caerfyrddin (Carmarthen) together. 

Having heard views from my constituents, I have suggested to Democracy & Boundary Commission Cymru that the new constituency be called “Llanelli and Carmarthen” or “Llanelli a Chaerfyrddin” to prevent confusion between the new constituency and the existing County Council and to preserve the longstanding historic constituency name of Llanelli as the biggest town and industrial powerhouse of Carmarthenshire.

More information on the consultation and how to respond here:

2026 Review: Revised Proposals | DBCC

Constituents have contacted me about my vote on the Conservative amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing Bill, calling for another national inquiry into child exploitation. A few have said that opposing this amendment means I don’t take child sexual abuse seriously or that I’m complicit in covering up grooming gangs. That is untrue, offensive and, most importantly, does not help to protect children in Newcastle. 

Child sexual abuse is a devastating and horrific crime.  There are undoubtedly children in Newcastle suffering at this moment. They must be at the centre of our thoughts and actions. Over the years I have met with and listened to victims, survivors and their advocacy groups. In May last year I helped launch the Report on the Jay Review of Criminally Exploited Children in Newcastle  whilst in 2018 I led a debate in Parliament on Child Sexual Abuse in Newcastle following Operation Sanctuary and calling  for more support for victims and the implementation of the Spicer Review. The Tories did nothing. Over the last several months, and long before the current headlines, I have been in continual contact with Northumbria Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner over the issue of grooming/rape gangs, working to identify whether there are gangs operating in Newcastle  now, how to ensure potential victims are protected and perpetrators prosecuted.    

While in opposition, Labour called for a national independent inquiry into child sexual abuse and supported the establishment of The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), led by Professor Alexis Jay. This landmark investigation heard from over 7000 survivors, examined millions of documents, and delivered clear recommendations for action in 61 reports.  

The previous Conservative government left all the recommendations of this National Enquiry to gather dust and failed to implement a single one from the final report. Our Labour government is taking action now. 

The Labour Bill I voted for will bring in vital changes that will make a real difference for vulnerable children: 

•     Legislating to make it mandatory to report abuse, making it an offence with professional and criminal sanctions to fail to report or to cover up child sexual abuse.
•    Legislating to make grooming an aggravating factor in the sentencing of child sexual offences, to ensure the punishment fits the devastating crime.
•    Revolutionising how we track and prevent abuse through a unified child identifier system.
•    Strengthening the police performance framework, with new standards on public protection, child abuse, and exploitation.  

The Conservative amendment was not about protecting children from rape, it was a cynical political move that would derail these crucial reforms by blocking the whole Children’s Wellbeing Bill. The Tories were asking us to call a halt to these new protections whilst yet another inquiry was undertaken which would take years. It wasn’t about seeking the truth it was about stopping progress and gathering headlines.   

The Labour Government fully supports targeted investigations where appropriate, including local inquiries that can expose specific failings. After the 2018 Spicer Review into Newcastle abuse cases, I urged Tory Ministers repeatedly in writing and in the House of Commons for a government response.   

We can’t let calls for more reviews stop us from acting now, which is what this Tory amendment would have done. 

On Wednesday the choice before me was simple: delay protections for vulnerable children, or put in place concrete measures to keep them safe. I chose to act to protect children. Actions speak louder than words, and I voted for action.  

I will continue to fight to rid Newcastle and the whole country of the scourge of grooming and child sexual abuse. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill is a significant step in the right direction and I’m proud to support it. 

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Unarmed and facing Israeli tanks amid devastation next to his hospital, one Palestinian doctor shows the world what courage looks like. It is a photo that will come to symbolise the sheer enormity of Israel’s assault on healthcare in Gaza and its attempt to empty the north of Gaza of Palestinians altogether. It is ethnic […]

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Christmas is a very special time. It's when we come together with friends and family to take stock, and give thanks for what we have.

Some years – in the best of times, this is cause for celebration.

Other years – it's more complicated if we're missing loved ones,
affected by illness, or facing money worries, homelessness, or loneliness.

Sometimes – let’s be honest, for many reasons, Christmas can just be about getting through it, and that's ok!

Because regardless of the year that’s been, or the circumstances you find yourself in, Christmas offers everyone a precious gift – hope.

Rushanara Ali MP statement on the anniversary of Bangladesh’s Victory Day 2024.

Distance learning has become an integral part of modern education, revolutionizing how students and educators connect and engage. With advancements in technology, learning no longer requires physical classrooms, enabling learners from all over the world to access quality education from the comfort of their homes. While distance learning offers numerous advantages, it also comes with unique challenges that students and institutions must navigate. This article explores the benefits and hurdles of distance learning in today’s educational landscape.

Advantages of Distance Learning

1. Flexibility and Convenience

One of the most significant advantages of distance learning is its flexibility. Students can tailor their learning schedules to fit their personal and professional commitments. This is particularly beneficial for working professionals, parents, or individuals pursuing multiple endeavors. Unlike traditional education, distance learning allows learners to study at their own pace, choosing times and environments that best suit their needs.

Flexibility also extends to location. Students can access courses offered by institutions in different countries without the need to relocate. This global reach opens doors to prestigious programs that might otherwise be inaccessible.

2. Access to Diverse Educational Resources

Distance learning provides access to a wealth of resources, including video lectures, eBooks, research papers, and interactive tools. Many online platforms offer free or affordable materials that complement course content, enhancing the learning experience. Institutions often utilize learning management systems (LMS) that organize course materials and provide a centralized platform for students to access resources.

Furthermore, distance learning allows students to connect with experts and educators worldwide. Online workshops, webinars, and forums create opportunities for cross-cultural exchanges and global networking.

3. Cost-Effectiveness

In many cases, distance learning is more affordable than traditional education. Students save on expenses related to commuting, housing, and physical materials. Some programs even offer pay-per-course options, allowing learners to manage their financial commitments more effectively. Institutions also save on infrastructure and operational costs, enabling them to invest in developing quality digital content.

4. Technological Skill Development

Distance learning inherently involves using technology, which helps students develop essential digital skills. From mastering video conferencing tools to navigating online portals and collaboration platforms, learners gain competencies that are highly valued in today’s job market. This technological proficiency enhances their employability and adaptability in a digital-first world.

5. Personalized Learning Experience

Online education often offers a personalized approach to learning. Many platforms use artificial intelligence to recommend content tailored to individual progress and interests. Students can revisit lectures, take self-paced quizzes, and focus on specific areas of improvement, fostering a more effective and satisfying learning experience.

Challenges of Distance Learning

1. Lack of Face-to-Face Interaction

One of the primary challenges of distance learning is the absence of in-person interaction. Traditional classrooms foster collaboration, discussion, and immediate feedback, which are harder to replicate in an online environment. The lack of physical presence can lead to feelings of isolation and hinder the development of interpersonal skills.

For educators, gauging student engagement and understanding can be challenging without non-verbal cues like body language. This limitation may result in reduced effectiveness of communication and instruction.

2. Self-Discipline and Time Management

Distance learning requires a high level of self-discipline and time management. Without a structured classroom environment, students must take responsibility for planning their schedules and staying on track. Procrastination and distractions can significantly impact performance, particularly for students juggling multiple responsibilities.

For some learners, the absence of set deadlines and regular reminders from instructors can lead to a lack of motivation and difficulty in meeting course requirements.

3. Technological Barriers

Despite its reliance on technology, distance learning is not equally accessible to everyone. Students in remote areas or those with limited financial resources may face challenges in accessing reliable internet or devices. Technical issues such as connectivity problems, software incompatibilities, or lack of technical support can disrupt the learning process.

Moreover, some learners may struggle with digital literacy, making it difficult for them to navigate online platforms or participate effectively in virtual classes.

4. Limited Practical Learning Opportunities

Certain fields of study, such as medicine, engineering, or performing arts, require hands-on experience that cannot be fully replicated in a virtual environment. While simulations and virtual labs have improved significantly, they may not provide the same depth of understanding as physical practice. This limitation can affect the quality of education in disciplines that rely heavily on experiential learning.

5. Assessment and Academic Integrity

Assessing students in a distance learning setting presents challenges for educators. Ensuring fairness and academic integrity in online assessments can be difficult. The potential for cheating or plagiarism increases without strict monitoring mechanisms. Institutions often need to invest in proctoring software, which can be costly and may still not fully address these issues.

Students also face challenges in adapting to different assessment formats, such as open-book exams or project-based evaluations, which may differ from traditional methods they are accustomed to.

Balancing the Pros and Cons

While distance learning has its challenges, many of them can be mitigated with effective strategies and tools. Institutions are continuously working to improve the quality of online education through technological advancements and better support systems. For example, virtual collaboration tools, interactive platforms, and hybrid learning models that combine online and in-person components are addressing some of the gaps.

For students, building strong time management skills, seeking support from peers and mentors, and utilizing available resources can make the distance learning experience more manageable and rewarding.

Conclusion

Distance learning has reshaped modern education, making it more accessible, flexible, and inclusive. While it comes with its own set of challenges, the advantages often outweigh the difficulties for many learners. By leveraging technology, fostering self-discipline, and improving the accessibility of resources, students and institutions can make the most of distance education. As the field continues to evolve, distance learning is poised to play an even more significant role in shaping the future of education.

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John Healey says we’re experiencing an ‘unprecedented’ youth mental health crisis

It comes as new analysis has highlighted the severity of the crisis in youth mental health care under the Tories, with increasing numbers of people dying by suicide, detentions under the mental health act rising, and more young people in crisis than ever before.

Rishi Sunak recently suggested that many people suffering mental health problems were just experiencing "the everyday challenges and worries of life” and should not receive medical support.

But, just last year, John’s Schools Mental Report revealed every school that responded reported an increase in the number of mental health cases they had to deal with and a rise in anxiety issues for both students and staff.

John Healey said: “I’ve been calling for an increase in mental health support for young people for the past six years – when I carried out my first Schools Mental Health report.

“Since then, the situation has worsened with a record 780,000 children and young people across the country having been in contact with mental health services over the last year alone.

“It’s clear to see we are experiencing an unprecedented crisis in mental health care, with children and young people crying out for support.

"Instead of attempting to cover up the scale of the problem, the next Labour Government will give people the support they desperately need. We'll roll-out 8,500 mental health staff to cut waits, put mental health hubs in every community and support in every school, to help people get back onto their feet.”

Labour's analysis echoes concerns made by a number of charities, experts and those affected by mental ill-health. Last month the Children's Commissioner claimed that children were being treated like 'second-class citizens' when it comes to mental health care, with reports that children have to attempt suicide several times before being able to receive mental health treatment.

Labour has made tackling the crisis in mental health a cornerstone of their mission to get the NHS back on its feet and make it fit for the future. The next Labour Government will deliver 8,500 additional mental health staff, specialist mental health support in every school and an open access mental health hub in every community. This plan is funded by scrapping tax loopholes for private schools and private equity fund managers.

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