I visited Kings Heath Boys School last week which has just had a fine Ofsted report reflecting real progress achieved under four years of the current Head’s leadership. It’s only by providing good schools that we can equip our children and grandchildren for the future. There’s always been a link between poor areas and schoolContinue reading Time To Put Children First
Last week, I attended the Department for Work and Pensions Committee Evidence Session regarding the Plan for Jobs and Employment Support. I used this opportunity to raise the suggestion of continuing support beyond the point of obtaining employment. I am keen for the government to learn from initiatives such as ‘Thrive into Work’, a schemeContinue reading Employment Support Needs Improving
I recently asked the Prime Minister about the risk of six hundred community pharmacies closing because of a contract that’s driving them to bankruptcy. It was signed before the cost-of-living crisis and prior to problems we’re now experiencing with medical supplies. You might think a doctor writes a prescription, the pharmacist provides the content andContinue reading Pharmacies Need Saving
Recently, the Government announced its latest attempt to address the financial chaos caused by the mini-budget in October. This Budget was a chance for the government to unlock Britain’s promise and potential. But instead they decided to continue papering over the cracks of 13 years of economic failure. Failure which means that the UK willContinue reading A Tired Budget
I’ve been in Israel for a few days, leading a delegation, to discover more about the political and security situation there and learning about peace initiatives. We’ve been looking at some exciting ideas to help people with disabilities and learning difficulties, management of ambulance services and the bringing together of young Israelis and Palestinians inContinue reading United We Can Achieve Peace
The World Cup is our greatest sporting event after the Olympics. It’s usually played in May/June and often an excuse for a few days off work or last-minute purchases of giant TVs. This year it’s in a very hot Qatar just before Christmas, but the weather’s not the only problem. The tournament’s mired in controversyContinue reading Fed Up with Footie Politics
As Christmas looms, we need to spare a thought for those who won’t have such a great time. I’m about to launch my reverse Advent Calendar where I ask those, who can, to join me and donate something daily in the run up to Christmas. I spent part of Saturday with Labour Party volunteers collectingContinue reading Foodbanks Are Essential
Events at asylum centres have made the headlines this week, drawing attention to the cost of government funded accommodation. They’re now spending millions on hotels. That story rather overshadowed a report on exempt accommodation by the Levelling up, Housing and Communities Select Committee. Exempt accommodation is so called because its exempt from usual housingContinue reading Costly Scandal Needs Sorting
I didn’t think I’d be returning to this so soon, but Tory leaders change quicker than football managers these days. Just six weeks after telling us Liz Truss was the answer, we’re inundated with Tory MPs claiming Rishi Sunak, whom they rejected in favour of Liz Truss, is now the answer. I wish theContinue reading End this Game of Thrones and let the people decide
It was fantastic to see almost 100 people at our Report Back on Thursday. It is clear that people are fed up with the latest crisis engulfing this Tory Government. With the new Chancellor promising Austerity 2.0, there was plenty for us to talk about. I also want to thank those of you who responded toContinue reading Report Back with the Constituency – October 2022
