This afternoon, I was informed by Downing Street that I have been stripped of my role as the UK’s Trade Envoy to Ghana for voting against cuts to disability benefits. Trade Envoys have historically been chosen as the person best suited to boost relations and trade with a given country. In some instances, this is regardless of party affiliation. However, it is the Prime Minister’s prerogative to choose his representatives on the international stage and I wish my successor all the best.

I am also concerned about the removal of the whip from Labour MPs who stood against these cuts. Solidarity with my colleagues. As the Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, my constituents’ voices come first. No Labour MP votes against the whip lightly, especially in government, but when our constituents speak clearly, we must listen.

As someone of Ghanaian heritage, I remain deeply committed to UK-Ghana relations and will continue this work as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Ghana. I particularly want to thank the UK-Ghanaian diaspora for all their support in the role, which, like their jollof, is unmatched.