Once again I was privileged to be asked to speak at the Halabja memorial service for the thousands of Kurds that were massacred by Saddam Hussein in 1988 by chemical attacks. This was following a period of sustained attacks on the Kurds known as Operation Anfal from 1986. Not only did around 8000 people die immediately in the attack, it had long term consequences for the health of the civilians. We have a number of Kurdish refugees in Portsmouth who are really enjoying contributing to the community here and some of them are becoming British citizens.  The memorial is behind the D Day museum and there is a tree growing in remembrance.

We set up a stall at this important day with some information on how few women there are in politics around the world. In Westminster there are 96 Labour MP’s who are women, 17 Conservatives, 9 Lib Dem and 4 representing other parties or independents. Considering we make up more than 50% of the population this is ridiculous. It is really difficult for women to have a job, family and enter politics which takes up a lot of time in the evenings and weekends not least the financial pressure on the family. When I wanted to follow this path, we decided that I would give up work so I could allow time for the family as well as being a full time candidate – we get no income or expenses as a candidate so financially it is very tough. Fortunately, I have a husband who is prepared to back me, but I know how hard it is for my fellow candidates who are single parents or who have to work long hours to keep the mortgage going. The Scandinavian countries have a 41.8% average of women in Parliament so it would be interesting to see how they manage there.