A Voice You Can Trust
(Kate's 2005 general election statement)

I have seen many changes in Vauxhall constituency over my sixteen years as your representative in Parliament. I am glad that after eight years of Labour Government we have seen many real improvements to our communities, but much more needs to be done.

I know that you will agree that we have come a long way in investing in better public services, record police numbers and cracking down on crime, tackling unemployment, and providing support for hard-working families through childcare. All this has been made possible by Labour running an economy that is the envy of the world.

The past four years have been as busy and controversial as any I have known since you elected me. I have been proud of the opportunity to stand up for the constituency in Parliament and take your voice to the Government.

One of the biggest issues has been the Iraq War, and you will know that I voted against it and have continued vocally to oppose it - I have no regrets about this. I also opposed top-up fees and have consistently stood up for civil liberties by opposing ID cards and house arrest.

I have raised many issues in Parliament on your behalf. I have defended pensioners' rights, backed the Pensioners' Manifesto and called for the earnings-link to be restored. I have campaigned for the Post Office to remain in public hands and have continued to support the CWU. I have opposed the EU Directive on Food Supplements and raised concerns about Genetically Modified foods and the power of the supermarkets.

In addition, I have continued to support all of my constituents with their individual problems, especially various housing issues, immigration, and benefits. Lambeth Council's failure to solve the problem of parking is increasingly part of my workload.

Looking forward, our vibrant community has so much potential. I firmly believe that increased investment by a Labour Government will lead to even better schools and hospitals, safer streets, and more secure jobs. I want to see an even bigger increase in social and affordable housing in London.

We must recognise our moral responsibility as the world's 4th largest economy. Now is the time to make poverty history. The Government has rightly committed itself to debt relief, fairer trade, and support for good governance - especially in Africa.

I strongly opposed the decriminalisation of cannabis and continue to campaign against the levels of drug and gun crime on our streets. I am glad that more powers are being used to crack down on vandalism, graffiti, and other anti-social behaviour. Our community must be made safer and more secure, and I look forward to further investment in the police, and further powers to deal with crack-dealers and other threats to decent, law-abiding people.

I will vote to oppose the proposed European Constitution as I believe that it would mean more decisions being taken that affect our daily lives by the unelected bureaucracy in Brussels.

My priorities for the next Parliament will be better public services, protecting civil liberties, and defending our strong communities. Most of all though, if you re-elect me on 5th May I pledge to continue to stand up for you and put Vauxhall constituency first.