AuthorRichard Burden

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.

Are you registered to vote for the EU Referendum?

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Don’t forget that to vote, you, your friends, family and neighbours have to register as individuals.
Doing so only takes a few minutes – all you need is your National Insurance Number, follow the link here: . Please do it now. To vote in the referendum on 23rd June you need to register by 7th June.

I want to hear your views on the EU

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On 23rd June, every one of us will have the chance to decide for ourselves whether to cast our votes for or against Britain remaining in the European Union. It is a big decision and it is a tough one. Talking to people around here in the last few weeks, though, I know that people are getting really fed up with the bitterness and backbiting that has often disfigured the debate. People also tell me …

Protecting Local Democracy: Important update on local government procurement rules

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In February the Government announced new rules on public procurement without any parliamentary or public scrutiny. These rules appeared to restrict public bodies like local councils and universities from refusing to award contracts to certain companies based on ethical grounds and making their own choices to promote ethical trading and investment. A few months ago I held a Westminster Hall debate …

North Worcestershire Golf Course – Site Security Update

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While Birmingham City Council considers the planning application submitted by Bloor Homes for North Worcestershire Golf Course, I know many local residents remain concerned about security of the site. Here is an update on those issues from what I have been able to find out: Even though it closed for Golf some weeks ago, responsibility for the site remains with the Golf Club which is still in …

What people are saying about the EU

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“We believe that leaving the EU would deter investment and threaten jobs. It would put the economy at risk. Britain will be stronger, safer and better off remaining a member of the European Union.” – Ralph Speth, Chief Executive, Jaguar Land Rover — “The potential consequences of a UK exit – or Brexit – are twofold for domestic pension schemes. A break from the …

Animal Welfare Round-Up #6 – May 2016

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Welcome to my latest Animal Welfare Round-Up. I send these out every two months so I can update you on the action I’ve been taking on animal welfare issues that many of you get in touch with me about.You can find my previous AWRUs on my website. __________________________________________________________ Animal Welfare Codes U-Turn Since my last AWRU, the government has announced and then u …

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Richard Burden

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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.

Get in touch

You can reach me by email at richard@richardburden.com or use the form on the Contact page to send me a message.