Stephen celebrates 25 years of the Bangladesh Hindu Association UK

Stephen has welcomed the 25th anniversary of the Bangladesh Hindu Association UK, praising the organisation’s longstanding contribution to community cohesion, cultural preservation, and interfaith dialogue across Britain.

Founded in 1999, the Bangladesh Hindu Association UK has grown into a vital platform for British Hindus of Bangladeshi heritage, promoting social harmony and celebrating the rich traditions of Bengali Hindu culture. Its milestone anniversary was marked by a vibrant celebration attended by community leaders, cultural performers, and representatives from across the UK.

Stephen said: “The Bangladesh Hindu Association UK has played a vital role in strengthening community ties and promoting understanding across faiths and generations. I warmly congratulate them on 25 years of service and look forward to continuing our work together to support inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for all.”

Stephen, who has long championed the rights of minority communities in Parliament, has regularly engaged with British Bangladeshi organisations and spoken out on issues affecting diaspora communities. His East Ham constituency is home to one of the UK’s largest Bangladeshi populations, and he has consistently supported initiatives that celebrate cultural heritage while tackling inequality and discrimination.

The anniversary event featured traditional music, dance, and reflections on the Association’s journey, with tributes paid to its founders and volunteers. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to youth engagement, elder support, and advocacy on issues affecting British Hindus.

Stephen highlights success of Faith Covenant

Stephen has praised the impact of the Faith Covenant in fostering collaboration between local authorities and faith communities, marking ten years since the initiative was launched.

Speaking at a Westminster event evaluating the Covenant’s success, Stephen, who is the former Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Faith and Society, said: “A lot of councils were pleasantly surprised by how positive their experience of working with faith groups turned out to be. If you wanted to work with willing volunteers, who were able to make an impact, had great premises and could reach into parts of the community that government often doesn't have much access to, then faith groups were the ideal partners.”

The Faith Covenant, first proposed by David Lammy MP and supported by the APPG on Faith and Society, provides a framework for local authorities and faith organisations to work together effectively. Its importance became particularly clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, when church-led food banks and community support services were in high demand.

Sir Stephen added: “There is increasingly, at the heart of government, an understanding of just how important this is. It’s not just that faith groups are happening to do useful things – it's the faith itself which is inspiring, equipping, and motivating people to make these very positive contributions in their communities.”

The government has recently launched a new ‘Civil Society Covenant’ to encourage collaboration with secular organisations, a move Sir Stephen believes was “likely inspired by” the success of the Faith Covenant.

Stephen visits Christians Against Poverty

Credit: Christians Against Poverty

Stephen has visited Christians Against Poverty’s (CAP) Central Support Hub in Bradford to hear directly from those affected by poverty and debt.

During the visit, Stephen met with former CAP clients, local debt advisors, and support workers to discuss the challenges faced by people living on low incomes. Many shared how rising costs and insufficient income from wages and social security have left them unable to afford essentials, forcing them into debt.

Stephen also heard about the value of CAP’s holistic approach to support. With over 3,000 local workers and partnerships with more than 200 churches, CAP provides face-to-face help that addresses both financial and emotional needs. Clients spoke about how this personalised support has helped them regain financial stability and confidence.

Reflecting on the visit, Stephen said: “As we continue our review into Universal Credit, it was important to hear the views of the charity’s clients and debt advisors on how we can ensure the benefit is tackling poverty and works better for people. Christians Against Poverty is doing a fantastic job supporting people to manage their debt and enjoy the benefits of financial freedom.”

Stephen welcomes commitment to recognising Palestinian statehood

Stephen has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that the UK is on a pathway to recognising the State of Palestine in September, unless urgent steps are taken by the Israeli Government to end the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

The Prime Minister made clear that unless Israel halts its military operations, permits the flow of UN aid, and commits to no further annexations in the West Bank, the UK will proceed with recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly in September.

Since taking office, the Government has taken a series of urgent steps to address the crisis. These include working with Jordan to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza, evacuating injured children to receive treatment in British hospitals, and suspending arms export licences to Israel. The Government has also imposed sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers, suspended trade negotiations, and committed nearly a quarter of a billion pounds in humanitarian support. A landmark agreement has also been reached with the Palestinian Authority to support long-term peace efforts.

In a letter to constituents, Stephen emphasised that Palestinian statehood is not a gift to be granted, but an inalienable right of the Palestinian people. He said recognition is essential to achieving a lasting peace and the long-term security of both Palestinians and Israelis. He also reiterated the Government’s position that Hamas must release all hostages, agree to a ceasefire, lay down its arms, and accept that it will play no role in the future governance of Gaza.

“No one side will have a veto on recognition,” Stephen said. “This is about restoring hope, dignity, and a path to peace. I am proud to support a Government that is taking bold, principled action in the face of immense suffering.”

Stephen visits Newham University Hospital

Stephen Timms alongside some previous beneficiaries of supported internships.

A few weeks ago, Stephen visited Newham University Hospital to learn more about the Council’s supported internship programme.

Supported internships are a work-based study programme for young people with learning disabilities, aged 16 to 24. They are structured around a substantial work placement, facilitated by the support of an expert job coach.

Newham Council’s supported internships programme forms part of their efforts to champion inclusive employment. The programme has already helped 56 residents into work placement, with 36 progressing into long-term paid employment, and 11 into further education.

During the visit, Stephen heard from young people who had benefited from the scheme. One of these young people, Abdul, has recently completed the 12 month programme. He was working with the administration team, and has now been offered a permanent role – something that means a lot to him, as it is a reflection that his skills are valued.

After attending the event, Stephen said “It was such a pleasure to meet the young people on the scheme and learn first-hand the valuable experience it’s given them, and especially to hear that these young people are moving into permanent jobs.” 

Stephen looks forward to seeing how the council continue to build on these efforts.

Stephen urges action on drug access for secondary breast cancer patients

Earlier today, Stephen wrote to the Health Secretary asking whether he was minded to review NICE’s severity threshold.

Stephen’s letter was on behalf of a number of constituents who emailed following the publication of a report, Setting the Bar Too High, by the charity Breast Cancer Now. It warned that the current system for approving new drugs on the NHS is failing patients with incurable cancer.

In 2022, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) introduced a new “severity modifier” to allow greater NHS spending on treatments for the most serious conditions. However, Breast Cancer Now’s report finds that the threshold for what qualifies as a “very severe” condition has been set too high and without sufficient evidence. As a result, some patients with secondary breast cancer are being told their condition does not meet the criteria—despite the disease being incurable and often life-limiting within months

Having sent the letter, Stephen said: “I would like to thank my constituents for getting in touch about this important mater. They are concerned that the current system is denying people access to treatments that could significantly extend and improve their lives.

“My constituents are calling for urgent reforms to ensure that appropriate medication can be approved and made available more effectively.

“I will continued to follow this matter closely.”

Stephen writes to Foreign Secretary about arms exports

Earlier today, Stephen wrote to the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, about UK arms exports to Israel.

A number of constituents have been in contact with Stephen in recent months, outlining their concerns about the continued arms sales. They welcomed the government's decision in September last year to suspend 30 export licenses to Israel. At the time, Ministers cited a clear risk that they might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law.

Those who have been in touch with Stephen are troubled about what is happening in Gaza. They note a recent UN report estimated that 40,000 babies face starvation due to the man-made famine.

Having sent the letter, Stephen said "I am grateful that my constituents have contacted me about this issue. I will be sure to send them the reply from the Foreign Secretary as soon as I receive it.

“I deeply regret the breakdown of the ceasefire in Gaza and the continuation of hostilities and bloodshed. Palestinians in the area have endured too much, and I call on Israel to restart the much needed flow of aid, immediately".

Stephen pushes for strengthening of Hunting Act

Earlier today Stephen wrote to the Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, asking if the government had plans to strengthen the Hunting Act (2004).

In recent weeks, Stephen has been contacted by a number of East Ham residents who have signed the Protect the Wild petition. The petition asks that Ministers ban trail hunting. It notes that current legislation includes several exemptions which allow the use of a maximum of two dogs for certain hunting activities.

In his letter Stephen called for a full ban that removes “all exemptions and ensures all wild animals are fully protected from being chased and killed illegally.” Such a commitment was included in the Government’s manifesto last year.

Having sent the letter, Stephen said “I am grateful for my constituents getting in touch about this, I stand firmly behind this government’s commitment to ban trail hunting. This will provide significant protections for wild animals including foxes and hares.

“I understand ministers are currently undertaking work to determine the best approach, and hope an announcement will be made soon.’

Stephen attends parliamentary event on Aphasia

Last week, Stephen attended a parliamentary event hosted by Aphasia Support, where he found out more about their efforts to support the 350,000 people living with Aphasia in the UK.

Aphasia is a devastating hidden disability caused by damage to the brain, affecting a person’s ability to speak, read, write and communicate with the world around them. A third of people who experience a stroke will develop some form of Aphasia. The neurological condition can also be caused by a head injury, brain tumour or a form of dementia.

Speech and language therapy is the most common and most effective treatment for Aphasia. Provision is inconsistent across various regions, so Aphasia Support have developed a Branch Network model, which aims to embed support in local communities.

After attending the event, Stephen remarked “I was proud to join Aphasia Support in raising awareness and commend them on their efforts to widen access to speech and language therapy provision. I look forward to continuing to work alongside them in this through my work as Minister for Disability. Together, we can ensure that people with Aphasia receive the care, compassion and support they deserve.”

Stephen writes to Home Secretary about safe routes

Earlier today, Stephen wrote a letter to the Home Secretary about the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill.

The Bill was introduced to the House of Commons by the Government earlier this year. It makes a number of recommendations as to how Ministers can strengthen the UK’s borders.

In the last month Stephen has been contacted by a number of his constituents who are concerned that the Bill does not introduce any “safe routes” to the UK. Following the emails he has received, Stephen wrote to the Home Secretary asking if she had plans to introduce such routes for asylum seekers coming to the UK.

Having sent the letter, Stephen said “I would like to thank my constituents who have contacted me about this. Immigration has always been important to the UK, but the system must be fair and manageable. This Bill will put in place measures to tackle criminal gangs as we attempt to clear the backlog of cases that are yet to be looked at.”

Stephen writes to Minister about fireworks regulations

Earlier today, Stephen wrote to the Secretary of State for the Environment about fireworks and their impact on animal welfare.

A number of constituents have contacted Stephen in recent weeks following the publication of research by the RSPCA and the Social Market Foundation. It found that 55% of pet owners fear fireworks. Those who have got in touch are troubled that the laws currently in place are inappropriate and often misused.

The research recommended that new regulations be brought in to reduce the decibel limit on fireworks, restrict the sales to licensed shops, and consider introducing designated “firework-free zones”.

Speaking about the letter, Stephen said: “I am grateful that my constituents have contacted me about the use of fireworks. I welcome the report by the RSPCA about the impact fireworks can have on animals.

I hope the government can continue to engage with businesses, consumer groups, and charities to gather more evidence about the impact of fireworks on animals. I hope ministers will look to re-examine legislation relating to the sale of fireworks if policy changes are needed."

A Private Member's Bill - the Fireworks Bill - has been introduced to the House of Commons by Labour MP Sarah Owen. It is due to be debated by MPs next month.

Stephen celebrates carers at Theos exhibition

Last month, Stephen opened an exhibition in Parliament celebrating the work of carers, titled You Cannot Pour from an Empty Cup, on behalf of Theos.

The photographs, taken by Ruth Samuels, show care work as something ‘beautiful and also deeply, particularly human’, rather than ‘unskilled or low–skilled’. The exhibition supports Theos’ report, titled Love’s Labours: Good work, care work and a mutual economy.

Stephen sponsored the exhibition, and spoke alongside representatives from Theos, and Agnes, a carer who featured in a photograph. The exhibition was displayed in the Houses of Parliament’s Upper Waiting Hall.

At the event, Stephen remarked “It is a great privilege to be part of opening this exhibition in Parliament. The work of carers is crucial to the country, and I commend Theos’ for giving carers the respect they deserve yet are so frequently denied.”

Stephen writes to Health Secretary about "Delivering Better" report

Earlier today, Stephen wrote to Health Secretary Wes Streeting about maternity services in the UK.

A number of constituents have been in touch with Stephen in recent weeks outlining their concerns about the future of the women's health. Many referred to a report published by the charity, Delivering Better. They found that 65% of maternity services have been deemed “unsafe” and that black women were three times as likely to die in childbirth, compared to their white counterparts.

In his letter, Stephen asked the Health Secretary what he was doing to ensure that all women have the opportunity to see the same midwife through their pregnancy. He also asked for an assurance that the Department for Health would look at providing more frequent GP appointments to women after birth to check on their health and well-being.

Speaking about his letter, Stephen said: “I am concerned by the findings presented by the Delivering Better report, and am grateful to my constituents for drawing it to my attention.

“I hope the Health Secretary will look at the report and work to ensure better access to maternity services for the residents of East Ham. "

Stephen speaks at Mencap's Parliamentary Reception

Last Tuesday, 28 January, Stephen spoke at Mencap’s parliamentary reception about supporting people with learning disabilities and the need for better social care.

Mencap is the UK’s largest charity that exists to support people with learning disabilities. Last week, they hosted a parliamentary reception to share their work with members of parliament and highlight the flaws in the current social care system.

According to data shared by Mencap, there are approximately 8,115 people living in East Ham with a learning disability, 750 of whom are in receipt of long term care. However, there were 950 vacant posts in the social care workforce in Newham in 2022/23.

Stephen attended the event in his role as Minister for Disability. He gave a short speech outlining the Government’s work to support people with learning difficulties.

“I am grateful for the work that Mencap does supporting people with learning disabilities in East Ham and across the UK,” Stephen said after the event. “Everyone deserves to live with dignity, no matter their additional needs, and Mencap’s work showcases this.”

Stephen signs the Holocaust Educational Trust Book of Commitment

This week, Stephen signed the Holocaust Educational Trust Book of Commitment, pledging to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and paying tribute to those murdered in the Holocaust and the extraordinary survivors who continue to educate young people today.

Holocaust Memorial Day falls on 27 January, the date that the former Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated in 1945. The Day pays tribute to all those persecuted by the Nazis, including Jews, Roma and Stinti people, gay men, and political opponents of the Nazi regime. It also pays tribute to those affected by genocide since, in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.

This year’s Holocaust Memorial Day marks 80 years since the Allied Powers liberated concentration camps across Europe. This is likely to be the last significant anniversary at which many Holocaust survivors are present to share their eye-witness testimony, with many growing older and frailer.

Stephen signed the Book of Commitment yesterday, on Holocaust Memorial Day. He did so to mark the Day and pay tribute to all those murdered in the Holocaust, and commit to doing so in future.

“It is 80 years this year since Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated,” Stephen said. “Holocaust Memorial Day presents an essential opportunity for people from East Ham to reflect on one of the darkest moments in European history and remember those murdered, including six million Jewish men, women, and children. We must never forget the scale of the atrocities or flag in resisting all forms of antisemitism.”

Stephen hosts the launch of Open Door's World Watch List 2025

Yesterday in Parliament, 15 January, Stephen hosted the launch of Open Doors’s World Watch List for 2025. This year’s report finds that over 380 million Christians face persecution worldwide, with North Korea, Somalia, and Yemen the worst offenders.

Open Doors is a global charity that exists to advocate for religious freedom and aid Christians facing persecution. Every year, they release a World Watch List that reports on the scale, location, and forms of persecution against Christians.

The World Watch List 2025 finds that over 380 million Christians face persecution worldwide and 4,476 were killed last year for their faith. In many countries, including North Korea, Somalia, and Nigeria, Christians face execution at the hands of either their government or militants.

Yesterday’s launch was attended by 102 MPs. Stephen hosted the event and Open Doors’ partners from Bangladesh and Nigeria shared their first-hand accounts of persecution. David Smith MP, the Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, also attended and spoke.

Speaking at the event, Stephen said, “While I want to celebrate the work that Open Doors have put into this report, it is also important we note the seriousness of its contents. The number of Christians persecuted for their faith has risen by 15 million in the last year and by 140 million since 2018. I hope that today’s event and this year’s Watch List will drive us to continue advocating for all those persecuted for their faith.”

Stephen writes to Education Secretary about further education funding

Stephen has written to the Education Secretary following a campaign about the pay gap between workers in Further Education and schoolteachers.

A number of constituents in East Ham are troubled about the £9,000 pay gap between those employed in Further Education and their counterparts in schools. They are particularly concerned given ever increasing workloads and projections that college student numbers are expected to reach 200,000 by 2030.

Those involved in the campaign welcomed a recent announcement that an additional £300 million would be made available for further education, and hope it may go some way to closing the pay gap with schoolteachers.

Having sent his letter, Stephen said “This government appreciates the importance of the Further Education sector. I hope that we can work together to bring forward new national bargaining structures for Further Education and to repair some of the historic problems we are now facing.

“As ever, I am grateful to my constituents for bringing this to my attention.”

Stephen joins Primark's 50th Anniversary Reception to celebrate the British high street

Yesterday, Tuesday 22 October, Stephen joined Primark’s 50th Anniversary Reception to celebrate the British high street and Primark’s support of it.

Stephen joined Primark’s 50th Anniversary Reception to hear more about how Primark are supporting the local high street and their commitment to keep investing in physical retail.

Every week, Primark stores draw 2.3 million people onto the high street. Primark’s has invested more than £100 million in its UK stores in 2024 alone.

“The high street is part of the fabric of our local community,” Stephen said after the reception. “Primark has supported our high street in Newham, through their investment in their store on High Street North, and I am delighted to hear that they intend to continue their fifty-year tradition of putting local retail first.”

Stephen lends support for a "smoke free generation"

Earlier today, Stephen wrote to the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, about the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

The Bill proposes raising the age of sale for tobacco products to prevent individuals born on or after 1 January 2009 from buying cigarettes. This would effectively raise the smoking age by one year every year until it applies to the entire population. Wider measures in the bill include restricting the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes to children.

In recent weeks, Stephen has been contacted by a number of his constituents who support the move to gradually increase the age limit of purchasing tobacco. The constituents who have been in touch are troubled that 160 cancer cases are diagnosed each day as a result of smoking.

Having sent the letter, Stephen said "I welcome this bill, it includes measures that I have long supported. I believe it has the power to make a real difference to our society. Putting cigarettes and tobacco products out of the reach of young people will lead, overtime, to a smoke free generation. “

Stephen seeks clarification for constituents about the Rough Sleeping Initiative

Earlier today, Stephen wrote to the Secretary of State for Housing, Angela Rayner, asking that she extend funding for the Rough Sleeping Initiative (RSI). 

The RSI provides targeted support for frontline services who work directly with people who sleep rough on the streets. The initiative was introduced in 2018. The current funding package, which began in 2022, is due to end in Spring next year. Many charities and local authorities are concerned that this might put thousands of homeless people at risk. 

A number of constituents have been in touch with Stephen over recent weeks. They have asked ministers to extend the initiative and provide wider funding to tackle homelessness in the UK. Stephen's constituents have noted that over 324,000 households were at risk of homelessness last year, with nearly 4,000 people sleeping rough each night. They have warned that without extra funding, almost a third of services may have to close. 

Having sent the letter, Stephen said, "The Rough Sleeping Initiative has been an important tool in tackling homelessness. It is important that we build on projects that have established themselves in the last few years.

“I hope that ministers will consider the calls being made by my constituents in East Ham, and charities like St Mungo's, as we look to tackle the problem of rough sleeping together."