How important are buses? In 2019/20, the last year before the pandemic, there were 248million bus passenger trips in the West Midlands despite services being cut by 40% in the previous 10 years. Responding to a recent survey, 68% of my Selly Oak constituents told me they consider bus services very important, especially when almostContinue reading Bus reform is the ticket
As we know, people will need to show photo ID at polling stations before they vote in the upcoming local elections on 2nd May. Thousands of people were unable to vote at the last local elections because they did not have the correct ID. Valid forms of ID include passports, driving licences, older or disabled personsContinue reading Veterans ID Cards: Why are they not valid forms of voter ID?
The TV drama ‘Mr Bates versus the Post Office’ has really captured our attention with its unbelievable story of the Horizon scandal and the despicable behaviour of the Post Office in persecuting and destroying the lives of innocent people. Sometimes, especially during difficult economic periods, it’s tempting to see the arts and creative sector asContinue reading Show faith in creative arts
It was fantastic to meet with the staff from the Grant Arms and Stonegate Group recently at the newly re-opened pub. I was really happy to have been told that Stonegate Group were investing £230,000 in the Grant Arms Kings Norton recently, which had otherwise have had to close due to the financial burdens experiencedContinue reading Visit to the Grant Arms pub
I’ve been to many Labour Party conferences over the years but few where I’ve encountered the quiet determination so evident in Liverpool this week. Labour has grown up under Keir Starmer. It’s shed the crazy promises, the ugly attitudes and the politics of envy. It’s returned to its roots, supporting working people and taking prideContinue reading Labour Party Conference Triumph
The Nat West Bank has been making news for the wrong reasons especially given it’s almost 40% owned by the British taxpayer, having been bailed out by the government in 2008. It also owns the posh bank Coutt’s who are reputed to only accept customers with at least £1million. It’s emerged that not only doContinue reading Bank on PM not to care
I was deeply disappointed at the news that the reopening of the Camp Hill Line has been delayed. This route should shorten journey times into the city centre for many of my constituents. The delay is another example of Andy Street’s failure to improve the West Midlands’ transport network. Andy Street is more focused onContinue reading My Statement on the Camp Hill Line
Last week, I led a parliamentary debate on ending animal testing for new drugs and medicines. It’s a controversial subject with renewed interest since news that, after a 25-year ban, the government has agreed to resume some tests for cosmetic ingredients. I’ll confess that, despite knowing how strongly people feel about animal testing, I’ve beenContinue reading Animal Testing Must End
It’s become fashionable to claim our politics is broken and, given the recent behaviour of a few leaders, it’s easy to understand why, but are some of the loudest critics also breaking our politics? I’m talking about the intolerant activists, those who never stand for election to anything but assume they’re always right and knowContinue reading Critics Must Allow Debate
The UK Government has been evacuating British nationals out of Sudan due to the ongoing conflict there. I thank the Foreign Secretary for the work he has done so far but I am worried about those who are being left behind. The husband of one of my constituents is currently stranded in Sudan while heContinue reading Urgent Sudan Statement
