To begin the month, I met with STEM Students from the University of Manchester to discuss their research on storing green energy. I understand some Manchester University students have won awards for their projects – so a huge congratulations to them!
It was great to meet with UoM students in STEM subjects in Parliament yesterday!
The research done by students in Manchester is crucial in innovating for our future. Hannah's research focuses on storing green energy. This is vital research as we produce greener, cleaner energy. pic.twitter.com/dEs0V1QaGt
— Afzal Khan MP (@Afzal4Gorton) March 7, 2023
I then spoke in an adjournment debate about the issue of pavement parking. I received lots of support from constituents and other MPs about this issue. It is clear that a default ban on pavement parking is necessary across all of England.
Last night, I was lucky to obtain an adjournment debate on pavement parking.
Pavements are for people, not for cars. It's time for a default ban across England.
Read my full speech here 👉🏾 https://t.co/GcOfRvNWj3 pic.twitter.com/BNfs0LKL1v
— Afzal Khan MP (@Afzal4Gorton) March 14, 2023
As I was unable to attend the debate in Parliament, I spoke out in support of the Trophy Hunting (Import Prohibition) Bill. I received lots of correspondence from constituents about this and I believe it is important that legislation is put in place to end this cruel practice.
I've had many constituents contact me regarding the Trophy Hunting Bill in recent weeks. 🦁 🐯
Although I am unable to be in Parliament today – I want all my constituents to know – I support the legislation to end this cruel practice.
You can hear my thoughts below. 👇 pic.twitter.com/RJVdtwFy4E
— Afzal Khan MP (@Afzal4Gorton) March 17, 2023
Also, I attended the WWF Earth Hour drop-in in Parliament. This event gave me the opportunity to reflect on the importance of coming together to look after each other and our planet.
Back in the constituency, I joined community members and volunteers from Keep Britain Tidy and Keep Manchester Tidy in litter picking. It was great to see how much cleaner our community can look when we all work together!
Today is the first day of this year's #GBSpringClean!
Delighted to join @KeepBritainTidy and @keepmcrtidy1 at @StanleyGrovePA where everyone was involved in litter picking this morning.
We must all work together to keep our streets clean and tidy.https://t.co/IjMrz4mzk1 pic.twitter.com/IKQX9lZF5I
— Afzal Khan MP (@Afzal4Gorton) March 17, 2023
I also joined in the calls made by The Labour Party on World Water Day to end the sewage scandal. Clean water is a human right and it is unacceptable this Tory Government has allowed raw sewage to be dumped into our waterways for this long.
If you have not yet had the chance to view the clean air film by Let’s Talk Clean Air Whalley Range, you can view it here:
It has been a productive month in joining in localised climate conversations which impact some households daily. I look forward to continuing the work on climate change and the environment into Spring.