Cometh the hour, cometh the man – we’ve got the wrong man for this situation

I got short shrift from the Prime Minister on Monday for daring to ask him to his face what so many of his own MPs are saying behind his back. I asked him if he should quit. Actually, I asked him if he’d thought of making way for someone with a skillset, better suited  to getting us through this crisis.  This is the kind of situation that should bring people together but that’s not how it’s comingContinue reading Cometh the hour, cometh the man – we’ve got the wrong man for this situation

Unemployment continues to rise as city faces jobs car crash in wake of new restrictions

Figures published today by the Office for National Statistics reveal that the number of people who are unemployment in Selly Oak constituency is now 5670 , a huge 61% increase since March before lockdown began. This represents a rate of 7.7%, compared to 6.5% nationally. Unemployment across Birmingham now stands at a shocking 11.2%. ThisContinue reading Unemployment continues to rise as city faces jobs car crash in wake of new restrictions

Chancellor’s proposals Sticking Plaster not a Plan for the Future

The Chancellor of the Exchequer gave a statement in the House of Commons on 24 September announcing economic support measures for the next 6 months, including: Replacing the furlough scheme with a new Job Support Scheme starting in November, which will support businesses and employees who have lost hours due to the pandemic. There willContinue reading Chancellor’s proposals Sticking Plaster not a Plan for the Future

Crisis isn’t easy for government – but we can’t go on like this, Prime Minister

Steve McCabe MP writes for the Birmingham Mail With recent opinion polls showing Labour and Tories neck and neck and his personal rating ahead of the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer is emerging as a leader who can’t be trifled with but he knows government is a long way off. He was in Walsall last weekContinue reading Crisis isn’t easy for government – but we can’t go on like this, Prime Minister

Time to Step up or Step Aside

Dear Secretary of State The people of Birmingham are not stupid. We are a proud, diverse and industrious population, used to coping with adversity. We’ll accept new restrictions, in the battle against coronavirus, but in return we expect clarity, honesty and some respect. Last week your office issued a statement about new restrictions affecting Birmingham,Continue reading Time to Step up or Step Aside