"Financing the arts is an economic investment, not a subsidy. Further, placing the arts and culture sector “down the governmental pecking order” is a product of outdated thinking." theguardian.com/culture/articl…

Congratulations to Sir Lewis Hamilton on his incredible 200th podium win. A true legend in #F1 Lewis Hamilton #NeverGiveUp #HungarianGP 👏🏽❤️

It has been a very busy first few weeks as the Liberal Democrats MP for Eastleigh! Here’s some of what I’ve been up to ⬇️

AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery has progressed at a “frightening” rate as we’re now seeing the first convincing examples of AI videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Read our updated #AI report at iwf.org.uk/aireport #ai #report #artificialintelligence

As new online tech emerges, so do new harms for children. AI tech must be regulated & prevented from being used to create child sexual abuse material. We will work with the Govt to keep ahead of emerging online threats, including AI and virtual reality, to protect our children.

The government is to pursue a "broader, richer, cutting-edge curriculum" with the launch of a review that could reprioritise the arts in schools. Read more here 👇 thestage.co.uk/news/governmen…

It is no secret that the arts have been going through a tough time in recent years. But a major new report we're publishing today with the University of Warwick’s CCMPS Warwick Uni shows that things are even worse than we thought.  Read it now: campaignforthearts.org/reports/the-st…

The State of the Arts report shows startling declines in arts funding, education and provision. It serves as a stark warning to all of us, and a resounding call for change. Read it here: campaignforthearts.org/reports/the-st… CCMPS Warwick Uni Heidi Ashton Jack Gamble

My speech yesterday at #KingsSpeech debate on creative industries being key to our industrial strategy but also putting culture at the heart of our society & education hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2024-07-…

Join the fight against child sexual abuse online 🛡️ Discover how we work in partnership with like-minded organsiations to remove criminal content online and protect children. Learn more and support our cause at iwf.org.uk/about-us/our-i…

Children are being encouraged, groomed, or coerced into sharing sexual imagery online by predators. We're calling on the new government to make keeping children safe online a priority. news.sky.com/story/how-the-…

May I add my congratulations to you Jess from a past University of Exeter Chancellor who used to tell all the graduates to ‘make a difference and change the world for the better’ I hope you do too and keep smiling ❤️ Michelle's here

In my #KingsSpeech debate in the ⁦House of Lords⁩ I highlighted Barnardo’s call to reform the 2 child limit policy, the need to resolve the #Windrush Compensation Scheme and called for an Ofcom review into the crisis facing children’s television hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2024-07-…

This is a warning to all parents and those who look after children. You need to be aware of bad people trying to damage children’s wellbeing online. And demand that the government do everything to protect children from online harms Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)

The #Arts have been eroded over the years, especially in schools. This new government needs to press the reset button and turn things around. Arts Education is essential to children’s wellbeing and is uplifting for the human soul Campaign for the Arts

In 1987 black MPs were elected for the first time. There were just four of us. Now there over 90 #BlackLivesMatter Diane Abbott

Sending virtual birthday hugs ❤️Ruby Turner

My dad was a hero, an adventurer, a philosopher and a brilliant saxophonist who introduced me to music and the stage. He would have been 98 today and his legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren ❤️❤️

Had an awesome time with the talented cast, team and director Denzel of the upcoming stage musical tour based on my book ‘Coming to England’ adapted by the wonderful David Wood. Very excited to see the show developing and meeting everyone involved ❤️

Great to see my book ‘Keep Smiling’ is considered one of Waterstones top ten books for children. ⁦Macmillan Children's Books⁩ loveballymena.online/post/top-10-al…