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...
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...
So the trial is now over. Kandyce Downer has be convicted of the brutal murder of toddler Shi-Anne “Keegan” Downer and sentenced to life with a minimum term of 18 years. It is now vital that the Serious Case Review set up by the Birmingham Safeguarding Children Board gets to the bottom of what happened in the months leading up to Shi-Anne’s tragic death. Were any warning signs...
#Toryporkies in Northfield 2016 – have a look at this scare story being peddled in Conservative leaflet going out in Northfield at the moment and then read on for the truth. Anyone in the Northfield area remember Conservative campaign here during the General Election last year? Remember the candidate who spent a fortune claiming to have made Kings Norton her home and how much she loved the...
South Birmingham has the lowest bowel cancer screening uptake in the West Midlands with just a 45.98% uptake rate. In fact, I haven’t taken part in bowel cancer screening yet, something which this campaign has prompted me to do.
You have less than a week to register to vote in the upcoming local elections. Don’t lost your right to vote, registering takes just minutes using your National Insurance Number here: . Every individual now needs to register themselves rather than being registered by one person in a household. Unless you register, you lose your voice on issues that directly affect you, your family and your...
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.