The Queen’s Speech sets out government plans for the next 12 months. My constituents tell me the issues of greatest concern are: cost of living; energy prices; childcare costs; elderly care; lack of neighbourhood police; education. There’s no action on childcare costs despite its impact on employment and family budgets and no plan for energyContinue reading Vital issues are ignored
Steve McCabe, the Member of Parliament for Birmingham, Selly Oak today asked the Prime Minister at PMQs if he would make a guarantee that the shocking figure of 9000 people who died in their homes last year as they were too cold, would be lower in the coming year. The figures come from the recentlyContinue reading Prime Minister Boris Johnson dodges Birmingham MP’s call for a guarantee that the number of people dying in freezing homes falls by next year
The government announced on 3 February 2022 that a Council Tax Rebate, a payment of £150, will be made from April 2022 and will not need to be paid back. This is different to the Energy Bills Support Scheme. Households are eligible where, on 1 April 2022, they are liable for council tax on aContinue reading Council Tax Rebate
Last week I visited Cadbury. It’s been two years since my last visit because of all the Covid restrictions. The UK Food and Drink industry is the largest manufacturing sector in this country but it’s highly competitive with thin profit margins and many challenges. Chocolate manufacturers are still suffering the consequences of the Boris BrexitContinue reading Brexit leaves a sour taste
Councils across the West Midlands, hold elections tomorrow. In Birmingham all 101 seats are up for grabs. The winners have the privilege of serving for the next four years. I expect turnout to be low, less than 30% could decide those who run local services. I regularly come across folk who are dissatisfied about aContinue reading Use vote & be heard
It was great to visit the Fair for Ukraine at Selly Park Baptist Church this Saturday. I caught up with the organiser of the event, Sally, and we had a broad ranging discussion concerning the current situation facing those currently in Ukraine, and those who have fled and are attempting to start a new lifeContinue reading Fair for Ukraine
Life goes on despite constant questions about the Prime Minister’s behaviour. Last week in Parliament, I spent more time on childcare than the antics at Number 10. I’ve been looking at efforts to support people into work, particularly mothers, through my role on the Work and Pensions Select Committee. On Wednesday we questioned ministers aboutContinue reading A question of priorities
I was privileged to meet with Valentyna and her ten-year-old daughter over the weekend. They are refugees who have successfully negotiated the complexities of Britain’s sponsorship scheme for those fleeing atrocities in Ukraine. They’re wonderful people, as are the Birmingham couple who have given them a home, but why have so few arrived and whyContinue reading Refugees need safety
Last Sunday I was privileged to join the congregation and guests to celebrate the 40th anniversary of St Andrew’s Methodist Church in Cartland Road. It’s been there longer and in an earlier version was known as the corrugated chapel, essentially an old tin hut. As I listened to long-standing members, I heard about ordinary people contributingContinue reading We must all stick together
Has Britain lost its way? Like so many people, I’ve been stunned by the pictures of women and children attempting to flee the brutality of Putin’s Ukrainian invasion while we seem unable or unwilling to help. I’ve had numerous constituents contact me and make offers but of course the stark question must be why ourContinue reading Help lacking for refugees
