I have just sent the below letter of resignation to Jeremy Corbyn. I have done so with a heavy heart. Jeremy is a friend and someone who I have worked with for many years. However, I hope the attached letter of resignation sets out why I believe the current situation has become untenable and cannot be allowed to continue any longer. You can also find links below to copies of the letter I sent to …
Yesterday I wrote to members of my Constituency Labour Party on the challenges ahead after last week’s referendum. This is what I said: Dear Member/Supporter, Describing the events of the past week or so as momentous doesn’t really come close to it, does it? Britain votes to leave the European Union of which we have been part of for over forty years. And by doing so our country enters …
Friend, comrade and fellow boat-dweller. Rest in peace, Jo. You made a difference and we will miss you x
Yesterday I pledged my support for Carers Week 2016. Across the UK there are 6.5m people providing unpaid care for an ill, older or disabled family member or friend, with 11,243 of those in Birmingham Northfield. There are also a lot of people who do not identify themselves as carers because they see what they do as part and parcel of family life, helping to support those closest to them when …
You have until 23:59 tonight to register to vote so that you can have your say in the EU Referendum. Registering only takes a few minutes and this is the last chance you’ll have. Even if you’re not sure about voting or what your decision is, at least register so that you have the option to vote two weeks from now – you may regret not being able to vote! This is a moment where you control the …
You should not be stopped from getting a job in your chosen career because you can’t afford to start off working for free. Politics and Parliament should be no different. This way, we can make sure that it is more understanding of the issues facing people from all backgrounds and that it makes more meaningful differences to people’s lives. Getting your first job in Parliament is notoriously …
I was Labour Member of Parliament for Birmingham Northfield between 1992 and 2019 and a former Shadow Transport Minister. I now chair Healthwatch in Birmingham and Solihull, and the West Midlands Board of Remembering Srebrenica. I also work as a public affairs consultant. I am an effective community advocate and stakeholder alliance builder with a passion for human rights. I am a trustee of the Balfour Project charity and of Citizens Advice Birmingham, and a former Chair of Medical Aid for Palestinians.