Lots of people have been in touch with me through emails, letters, tweets and Facebook about yesterday's debate in Parliament over the Conservative Government's Welfare Reform and Work Bill. Given the way events have unfolded over the past week and how it has been reported in the media, I can understand the genuine concerns that people have been raising. Let me say at the outset that I am...
Just over two weeks ago, Labour members and supporters -old and new - met at the Factory Youth Centre in Longbridge to discuss our victory in Birmingham Northfield, our defeat nationally and the challenges and opportunities facing Labour over the coming five years. Workshops were on themes ranging from low pay to housing; from children and young people to the economy and the role of the private...
I can rarely remember a Budget over which there has already been so much speculation, concern and fear. And the announcements we will hear on Wednesday are not even the annual budget the Chancellor is required to present every March. This is ‘an emergency summer budget’ – made necessary because the Tories pledged to make £12 billion in welfare savings before the Election, without any idea...
You may recall before the General Election, I did a call out for local people to get in touch if they had access problems to Superfast Broadband.
The response I got back, highlighted a number of random pockets in the local area – not-spots - that have no coverage and affect residents and even a school.
Last year’s fire at Northfield’s Manor House was devastating news for everyone concerned about the heritage of our area. Since then I have continued to press Birmingham University for updates. You can find the latest news about the building and the recent further demolition in this letter– which has also been sent out to local residents. As you will see, the University outline why further...
Over the next week I will be moving my constituency office to new premises. The relocation will mean that, unfortunately, there will be some disruption in contacting me and there may be an impact on the length of time it takes me to respond to cases. However I want to assure you that my team and I will be working through any backlog as quickly as possible. My phone number, 0121 477 7746, will...
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.