Tory MPs were out in force this weekend to support Boris Johnson’s National Insurance rise and repeat the mantra that the NHS is safe with them while blaming all problems on Covid. We know the NHS needs an annual increase of around 6% to keep it on track. The last Labour Government recognised this andContinue reading NHS NOT SAFE IN THEIR HANDS
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?
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
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
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
This week I’ve had complaints from people who can’t get a flu jab and others who fear being forced to take a coronavirus vaccination. A report by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommends the following for a coronavirus vaccine: care home residents first; over 80s, health and care workers next; over 75s andContinue reading Arguments over vaccines should be remedied now
I know that many of my constituents have been concerned about the Coronavirus Act, it’s impact on democracy and the lack of scrutiny. It’s shocking but unsurprising that despite being 18 on the list to speak in the debate on the Renewal of the Coronavirus Emergency Powers, I had no chance to represent the viewsContinue reading Coronavirus Act Sept 2020
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
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
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
