Jeff Smith

When Jeff Smith was elected to his home constituency of Manchester Withington, he was appointed a Labour whip – a role he continues to hold. In his maiden speech to parliament, Smith outlined his priorities as being human rights; devolution; and tackling climate change and the UK housing crisis. He has been a member of APPGs on climate change, and on renewable and sustainable energy. Smith welcomed Labour’s declaration of a climate emergency, saying that “radical action” was needed because “our environment isn’t safe in Tory hands.” In 2015, Smith spoke publicly about his own family’s history with mental health problems and has since called on the government to better fund core mental health services. Smith supported Remain in the 2016 referendum and advocated for “as close a partnership as possible with the EU following the Brexit referendum.” Smith co-founded the Labour Campaign for Drug Policy Reform with Thangam Deboonaire and is co-chair of the APPG on drug policy reform. In April 2020, he contributed to a virtual online debate speaking in favour of the decriminalisation and regulation of cannabis. Smith is also vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group.