I was recently asked by the Fabian Society to answer a simple question – why does it matter? What difference would a Labour Government make?
Over recent years I’ve spoken to many local people in Northfield who are struggling to find work, and many more who are struggling on low pay or feeling increasing insecure and in their jobs. Nothing is more symbolic of this in-work vulnerability than the rise of “zero-hours” contracts.
The Labour Party wants your ideas on how the next Labour Government will tackle the challenges facing Britain in 2015. We are looking at every aspect of Labour's policy - from our international role to education - to support the development of our next manifesto. Today I was pleased to submit my response to the Policy Commissions on Work and Business and Living Standards and Sustainability - both...
In addition to granting us some beautiful weather, Summer 2013 has also shone a light on one of the brightest industries our country has to offer – motor. On 12 July 2013 ‘Driving Success’, the first ever comprehensive industrial strategy for UK automotive, was launched by Government and leading industry bodies.
Read my thoughts on the strategy in a new blog for Motortrades Insight here.
In the glorious sunshine of the last few weeks I have been privileged to visit some major new redevelopments in our area – including the near completion of the Sainsbury’s store within Longbridge which will be providing 320 new jobs, and the start of work by Barratt to build over 100 new homes in Kings Norton. As MP’s have left Wesminster for the Parliamenary recess, the sun is certainly shining...
Over the past few weeks my postman in Westminster has been delivering a steady stream of postcards and letters from local people opposing the privatisation of Royal Mail. I completely agree. Along with my Labour colleagues I opposed the privatisation of this 372 year old British institution when the Government first introduced early in this Parliament – and oppose it now.
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.