All political parties try to grab headlines and present stories in a way that makes a political point. But there are bottom lines. That is why it is just not right to manufacture stories to discredit your opponents and scare local people in the hope of getting votes for yourself. Unfortunately, that seems to be what at least some Conservatives are trying to do in Northfield right now. They have …
Next Friday, the 21st of February, I’m very proud that I will be hosting a major jobs fair for South Birmingham at Bournville College in Longbridge, as part of The Climb Project I launched last year.
I hope that local people will be able to attend and see the fantastic opportunities that are available here in South Birmingham.
Residents have contacted me about reports that the North Worcestershire Golf Course in my constituency may be sold off for redevelopment as a housing estate.
Local councillors and I have opposed this in the past and we had been assured by the Golf Club that they had no such plans. Therefore, we are as concerned to hear the latest reports as local residents have been.
To coincide with the New Year – a time when many people have recently made weight-loss resolutions – this week is National Obesity Awareness Week. Unfortunately, obesity increases the risk of developing a number of serious diseases, including diabetes – and the rate of diabetes is much higher here in Birmingham than elsewhere in the UK. That's why I'd encourage you to come along to Sainsbury's …
On Thursday 16 January local UNISON and UNITE members will be taking a day’s strike action in a dispute regarding pay and conditions for support staff at Birmingham University – including cleaners, catering staff, security staff, library staff and technicians Below is the statement I have given on the issue: There are currently 4.8 million workers in the country who aren’t paid enough to …
For many people, the New Year brings with it celebration and a sense of optimism for the months ahead. This year though, yet again, it also brings a significant hike in rail fares – and for commuters, that is anything but a cause for celebration.
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.