In PMQs today, I asked the Prime Minister to tell Melrose PLC she expects them to abide by the spirit and letter of the promises they made last year to back UK manufacturing, and not reduce GKN’s capacity as a defence contractor:
My press release today in response to announcement on future of the GKN Aerospace factory in Kings Norton: CLOSURE OF GKN AEROSPACE KINGS NORTON A BREACH OF FAITH SAYS MP Richard Burden MP has described as a “breach of faith” the announcement by GKN Aerospace that its Kings Norton factory in his constituency is to close with the loss of over 170 jobs. The factory produces high performance...
Welcome to my latest Parliamentary newsletter.
You may have already seen that I recently sent out my latest Brexit update covering recent developments in Parliament, which you can read here. Since then, we have had another tumultuous week with a lot going on in and around Parliament. On Monday, I spoke in the debate in the Commons about Brexit, and you can watch my speech here or read it here. I highlighted my concerns about a no deal Brexit...
Any viable peace deal for Israel and Palestine needs to be based on respect for international law and human rights. Today’s decision by the UK Government to vote against all but one resolution on Israel-Palestine at the UN Human Rights Council is an unwelcome step away from that rights-focused peace. In one day, the Government has reversed years of policy on the self-determination and human...
If the UK gives licence to violate international law with impunity, how does that reflect our promotion of human rights? By Lisa Nandy and Richard Burden First published in the New Statesman, March 21, 2019 Last year the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) voted to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate killings on the Gaza border. The UK government, regrettably, abstained on that...
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.