News last week that Labour had taken a 15-point poll lead, biggest since 2013, may have surprised some but there’s a simple explanation. People have spent the hot summer relieved at not having to think how they’ll cope when winter comes. Later this week Ofgem, the regulator supposed to help consumers, will announce a secondContinue reading Government feeling heat
I recently stumbled upon a fascinating radio piece with Prince Charles and the Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage. They were discussing vegetables, plants and nature. I was interested because earlier the same day I’d visited Greenaleigh Community Gardens to witness the wonderful progress they’ve made. The programme reminded me about many things people raised on theContinue reading Top projects tackling the city’s wasters
Later today we’ll learn if the England football team is going to reach its first final since those historic events 55 years ago when Bobby Moore lifted the World Cup. Football reminds us just how much life has changed since 1966. No colour TVs, computers, or mobile phones back then. Alan Ball, who was the youngestContinue reading Roar on the Three Lions
There was a statement in Parliament on rape offences earlier this week. The Justice Secretary expressed sorrow at the news that in only 1.6% of rape cases is someone charged. He then toured TV studios saying it was nothing to do with him and objecting to criticism from Labour. The Ministry of Justice budget includesContinue reading Rape cases hurt by cuts
Our justice system is the latest place for coronavirus to rear its ugly head. There’s now a backlog of 54,000 cases at Crown Courts and it could be four years before those accused of crimes such as rape, violent assault and robbery come to trial. That’s a long time, ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ asContinue reading Courts crisis: What are the contingency plans?
Steve McCabe MP, Birmingham Selly Oak, is delighted to announce that Isla-Rose Beecroft from St Mary’s Church of England Primary School as winner of his Parliamentary Christmas card competition. Each year, Steve runs a Christmas card competition with local primary schools and after what has been a very difficult year for schools, Steve was determinedContinue reading SLEIGH, WHAT?! LOCAL CHILD WINS “BEST IN SNOW” IN MP’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION
It’s that time of year again as Steve McCabe, MP for Birmingham Selly Oak, launches his annual Christmas card competition for local primary schools. Steve is once again asking local children to design a Christmas card about what Christmas means to them. This year the competition, which is sponsored by Oakton Estate Agents and DavisonsContinue reading IT’S (ALMOST) THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR AS LOCAL MP LAUNCHES HIS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION
I spoke in the Westminster Hall Debate on No Recourse to Public Funds tabled by Stephen Timms MP on Thursday 8th October. You can hear my thoughts here: Covid-19 has highlighted the failings in our system. I have been very concerned about migrants who have ‘no recourse to public funds’ who are often having toContinue reading END NO RECOURSE TO PUBLIC FUNDS
It’s National Clean Air Day and what better time to think about what we can do to improve the quality of the air around us. Air pollution is a major contributor to heart and lung disease and figures suggest over 1,100 deaths annually are link to air pollution in Birmingham alone. We can’t let thisContinue reading NATIONAL CLEAN AIR DAY 2020… TIME TO MAKE A CHANGE
One thing we won’t be hearing this Christmas is that pantomime favourite, ‘he’s behind you.’ Even Christmas is now in doubt. I recently heard from a constituent who contacted me early in lockdown. He’s a self-employed artist who concentrates on children’s entertainment. The government advised him to take a Bounce Back loan but remain oblivious toContinue reading Creative Sector Needs Recovery Cash Now
