For the past couple of years I have run the Reverse Advent Calendar event to support local foodbanks, food pantry’s and community cafe’s in our local area. This year will be no different. As we draw into the winter months, time’s will get harder for many families, and I would ask anyone who can, toContinue reading Reverse Advent Calendar, please join my foodbank appeal
I always find Remembrance Sunday makes me quite reflective. It’s an event which I almost always attend. My earliest memories are cold winter mornings, marching with the Boys Brigade. I was thinking about that on Sunday as I joined constituents at the Cross of Sacrifice service, organised by Friends of Brandwood End cemetery. I tryContinue reading The values of duty, service & respect much needed today
There’s a foul smell at Westminster these days. Last week it was the botched attempt to bury Owen Paterson’s wrongdoings, it came hot on the heels of Tory MPs being whipped against measures to prevent water companies from pumping raw sewage into our rivers. The practice is allowed, providing they have a permit, as aContinue reading A stench at Westminster
I recently met, on Zoom, with constituents from B30 Churches Together to think about Cop26 and discuss what might be done locally to tackle climate change. We talked about community recycling, cleaner transport and many other initiatives and they reminded me of the positive impact that the Jubilee 2000 Debt Campaign had on world leaders.Continue reading Green economy the way forward
By the time you read this, we’ll have learned if there are any surprises left in the budget. It was once a huge political event, shrouded in secrecy. Back in 1947, a throwaway remark cost chancellor Hugh Dalton his job but now Rishi Sunak briefs the contents to Sunday papers. Any good news is re-announcedContinue reading No surprises are left after Budget leaks
Christmas has come early for Steve McCabe, MP for Birmingham Selly Oak, as he launches his annual Christmas card competition for local primary schools. The competition is popular across Selly Oak with more than 18 schools taking part this year. The winning design will be chosen to feature on Steve’s official Christmas card, which is sent to people in the constituency and across the country. This year, it is being sponsored byContinue reading Ho Ho Ho. Christmas starts early as MP launches Christmas card competition!
I share the view of so many that my murdered colleague Sir David Amess was a thoroughly decent man who cared deeply for others and was devoted to his constituency. I couldn’t pay tribute to him, in the House of Commons, because as is often the case on these occasions, many more wanted to contributeContinue reading No one should go to work leaving their loved ones to wonder whether they will be coming home again
There are many questions and some quite astonishing proposals following the life sentence given to the evil murderer of Sarah Everard. The Met Police said any woman who feels threatened should try to flag down a bus. There were the unbelievable remarks, of the Tory Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, that women needContinue reading Wrong to shift responsibility on to victims
It’s hard watching a loved one suffer with any illness but witnessing the onset of dementia may be hardest of all. The term “dementia” describes symptoms that include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problemsolving and language. Changes are small at first but usually affect daily life and can lead to mood and behaviour changes.Continue reading Dementia help needs reform
Tory MPs were out in force this weekend to support Boris Johnson’s National Insurance rise and repeat the mantra that the NHS is safe with them while blaming all problems on Covid. We know the NHS needs an annual increase of around 6% to keep it on track. The last Labour Government recognised this andContinue reading NHS NOT SAFE IN THEIR HANDS
