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.
I have recently received lots of signatures to a petition opposing the Revised EU Directive on Tobacco Products, set to be adopted in 2014. I think it’s important – given the amount of time and money spent by tobacco company's to oppose this policy – that some concerns surrounding the Directive are clarified so people can have a balanced debate about the issue.
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 …
Scores of local people have contacted me over the past week to share their concerns on the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill, which received its second reading in the House of Commons on Tuesday 3 September.
The Northfield Labour Party’s Annual Dinner will be held on Thursday September 19th at the Edgbaston Priory Club, Sir Harrys Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2UZ. Our guest speaker is Tom Watson MP – someone well known to so many people up and down the country, not only as a tireless campaigner for Labour but also someone who has done so much to hold the Murdoch press empire to account. Tickets …
I've discovered that a driving holiday in rural central France with intermittent internet access is not the best way to hear that Parliament has been imminently recalled, or the best place from which to act on the information. Result? The logistics of getting back in time have beaten me and I'll still be on the road back to the UK when Parliament meets tomorrow. As my name won't be recorded by …
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.