We were very lucky enough to be able to do a Q&A with Nickie
Aiken, MP for Cities of London and Westminster. Read all about why she
became an MP and what she does in Parliament.
How did you get into politics and become an MP, it’s not quite a job you can just go and look at?
I have always been interested in news and current affairs. When I went to Uni of Exeter, I met a young man in my year in my first week who I chatted with about politics. He told me I was a Conservative and that I should join the University’s Conservative association. So, I did and got into politics that way. When I left uni I returned home to Cardiff and joined the local association and the Young Conservatives.
What are you proud of completing during your time in politics?
As a Westminster City Councillor, I am proud of the work I did to improve GCSE results across the whole borough. I also integrated Westminster’s children services department with two other boroughs, the first of its kind in UK, which improved standards and improved the lives of more children.
As an MP I secured an amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill which now recognises children as victims of domestic abuse even if they are not directly abused themselves but grow up in a home where there is such abuse.
What would you say to a young person wanting to go into politics?
Join a political party and get stuck in! The best thing to do is join your local constituency association and help campaign during elections.
What do you think would attract girls into politics?
That you can change things for the better. Women/girls make up 51% of the UK population so we have a right to be involved in politics effecting change for everyone. We must hear women and girls’ voices in politics to ensure we secure the right policies that effect our lives.
What do you do in parliament?
It’s an incredibly varied role. I spend time in the House of Commons chamber taking part in debates on legislation and issues that effect all of us in this country and abroad. I ask Ministers questions on issues that affect my constituency. I will ask questions on specific issues raised by a constituent to try to change or improve something in their lives or will table written questions on the same. I also meet with Minsters to discuss issues that concern me and try to convince them to adopt my ideas or change policy. I am also a member of several APPGs (All Party Parliament Group) which brings MPs and Peers from all Parties to work together on specific issues or campaigns. Some of the APPGs I am on include Ending Rough sleeping and Homelessness; Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict; Improving Political Literacy.
Why is it important to vote?
If you don’t vote you don’t have a say in the direction the country is going. Your candidate or Party may not win but by taking part in an election gives you a voice. By voting you can change things for the better. If you don’t vote you will never change anything.
What made you go into politics?
I have always been interested in current affairs and making a difference and improving the place I live in. I believe we all have a role to play in public service to help our fellow citizens make the most of their talents and their lives.
What topics do you advocate for the most?
Ending violence against women & girls; securing education for girls in developing countries to at least aged 12; ending rough sleeping; improving air quality.
Did you go to university? If so, what did you study?
University of Exeter where I studied Sociology
If you hadn’t got into politics, what would you do instead?
Remained in communications.
What’s the best thing you’ve experienced during your career?
It is the people I have met. As a politician I meet hundreds if not thousands of people every year. They teach me something new every day. By meeting and listening to people from all walks of life, from all corners of the world allows me to better understand what laws and policies are needed to make this country a better place to grow up and live in.
Can you briefly describe any projects you currently have underway?
I am working with Crisis, St Mungos and The Passage to secure the repeal of the Vagrancy Act to prevent rough sleepers from being criminalised.
I am also working with MPs and Peers from all Parties to secure more information, support and advice for women going through the menopause and for their families too.
Would you run for PM if the opportunity were to arise?
Yes!
If you could make or change any law, what would it be?
I would repeal the Vagrancy Act which criminalises rough sleeping. Anyone who sleeps on the street needs help and support to turn their lives around, not a criminal record.
Where you are ever a member of Girlguiding? if so what sections/units?
I was a brownie! My daughter was a girl guide until aged 13.
We’d like to thank Yasmin for answering our questions,
and hope you enjoyed reading her answers! Want to know more about
Parliament and politics? Check out our UK Parliament Week resource pack!