I convened a Westminster Hall debate celebrating the 80th anniversary of UNESCO.
These debates allow MPs to raise local or national issues directly with the government.
I spoke about the founding aim of UNESCO – to build peace between communities, before discussing its many achievements, and how it can help the government to tackle some of the key issues facing us today.
In a time of alienation, when all too many are turning to the political extremes, UNESCO sites restore that important sense of connection between local communities and the places they inhabit.
You can watch my introduction below.
There are success stories across the country of regeneration of our world heritage sites, including industrial buildings. Saltaire town, and Salt’s Mill in particular, is the gold standard for regeneration, and could be a blueprint for our very own Belper Mills.
Listen here to mine and Anna Dixon MP for Shipley exchange of this.
I wanted to hold this debate on the anniversary of UNESCO because I believe it provides a unique framework to tackle two key challenges.
One is that too many people feel here in the UK feel disconnected and alienated, with some turning to the extremes.
The second is global conflict, and our responsibility to play our part on the global stage to resolve it.
I believe these are two sides of the same coin.
Uplifting our heritage and history helps communities reconnect to our local identity; building awareness between communities across the world helps prevent conflict arising and promotes meaningful resolution and reconciliation in its wake.
I was pleased to hear the Minister recommit to UNESCO and look forward to having further conversations with colleagues in government about this important work.
Find out more in the video below.