Baroness Brenda Dacres OBE

@brendadacres.bsky.social

Baroness Brenda Dacres of Lewisham. Former Directly Elected Mayor of the London Borough of Lewisham (Labour Party)

Really pleased to see this is still happening for our young people in Lewisham. It’s always great to see seeds you plant grow. Especially when they help young people to grow and reach their potential. Please share with young people you know who will find this helpful.

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Happy 64th Independence Day Jamaica! 🇯🇲 Today we celebrate Jamaica’s rich history, vibrant culture and the extraordinary contribution Jamaicans have made around the world. Wishing everyone in Jamaica and across the diaspora a wonderful Independence Day. Out of Many, One People. 🇯🇲❤️ #Jamaica

I am honoured to have been appointed as a Baroness in Waiting (Government Whip). It is a privilege to serve His Majesty’s Government in this role in the House of Lords. I would like to thank the Prime Minister for the confidence he has shown in me, and my colleagues for their support.

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Six months ago I was appointed to the House of Lords. I’ve taken a moment to reflect on what these first six months have taught me about parliamentary scrutiny, public service, and the importance of listening, learning and contributing. Hope you enjoy reading it brendadacres.org.uk/2026/07/11/s...

Six Months in the House of Lords: Listening, Learning and Contributing

Screenshot Six months ago, I took the Oath and joined the House of Lords. Since then, I have had the privilege of contributing to debates, questioning Ministers, scrutinising legislation and learni…

brendadacres.org.uk

Today I spoke on artistic freedom & the role of culture in bringing people together It’s important that our cultural institutions are supported to have the confidence to protect artistic freedom, respect peaceful protest & foster respectful dialogue Reflections: brendadacres.org.uk/2026/07/09/a...

Artistic Freedom, Peaceful Protest and the Role of Culture in Bringing People Together

At a time when public debate can feel increasingly polarised, our arts and cultural institutions have never been more important. In a world where too many conversations take place through algorithm…

brendadacres.org.uk

What do we owe those who serve our country once they leave the Armed Forces? I’ve shared my thoughts on why the Armed Forces Covenant is about more than legislation. It’s about honouring the promises we make to those who serve and their families. Read more: brendadacres.org.uk/2026/07/06/h...

Honouring Our Promise to Those Who Serve

What do we owe those who serve our country once they leave the Armed Forces? For me, that question goes to the heart of the debate surrounding the Armed Forces Bill currently before Parliament. Dur…

brendadacres.org.uk

☀️ It’s extremely hot today – please take care. Heat can affect anyone, but we can all look out for each other. If you feel unwell, move to a cool place, drink water & seek medical advice. Contact NHS 111 if you need medical advice or support. In an emergency, always call 999.

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Yesterday I spoke in the House of Lords on Jo Cox’s legacy & the recommendations of the Jo Cox Civility Commission. In an age of misinformation and polarisation her belief that we have “far more in common than that which divides us” remains as important as ever. brendadacres.org.uk/2026/06/18/f...

Far More in Common: Why Jo Cox’s Message Still Matters

Today I spoke in the House of Lords during a debate marking 10 years since the murder of Jo Cox and reflecting on the recommendations of the Jo Cox Civility Commission. You can read my speech in fu…

brendadacres.org.uk

So please to attend my first Windrush event of the year with my Mum as well as Joan Millbank and Cllr Kim Powell. My Mum is part of that formidable generation. It was also lovely to see her catch up with friends. I must admit I caught with so many that I know too!

Too often conversations around autism and neurodivergence stop at awareness. We need joined-up action, meaningful support and services shaped with those with lived experience because “Nothing about us without us” must mean something in practice. My full speech: brendadacres.org.uk/2026/06/10/f...

From Awareness to Action on Autism and Neurodivergence

What does it really mean to create a society where neurodivergent people feel understood, supported and able to thrive? Too often conversations around autism and neurodivergence focus only on aware…

brendadacres.org.uk

Today in the House of Lords I spoke in support of the Commercial Payments Bill & the need for fair and timely payments for small businesses Too many SMEs are spending time chasing invoices instead of creating jobs, training apprentices & growing their businesses brendadacres.org.uk/2026/06/09/s...

Supporting Fair and Timely Payments for Small Businesses

Today in the House of Lords, I spoke in support of the Commercial Payments Bill during its Second Reading debate. This Bill addresses an issue that causes real frustration and real damage to many s…

brendadacres.org.uk