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On 15th January I voted against Theresa May’s Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.

Her plan would have only delivered dispute and disagreement for years to come. The agreement would have made our country weaker and does not secure our future trading relationship with the EU. 

I am also supporting work to rule out the threat of a disastrous no deal departure from the EU. Giving the public the final choice on where we go next is the best way to break this log-jam on finding a solution. 

You can read my speech here.

You can watch my interview on Sky News, where I discussed why I would be voting against Theresa May’s Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, here.

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Everywhere I go people ask me “What’s going to happen on Brexit?”

Everyone has their pitch on what should happen next. Everyone is frustrated with a process dominating the news feed 24 hours a day. But the danger is everyone is also sick of it. And while the proverb of choice for some right now is “any port in a storm”, I prefer to point out that we mustn’t leap out of the frying pan and into the fire.

We’ve seen, until a few weeks ago, peaceful and good-natured demonstrations outside Parliament hijacked by extreme right wing protagonists making for a hostile and altogether very different atmosphere. Brexit is not bringing out the best in our system, our country, and is a stark reminder, as if we Scots needed reminding, how divisive referendums can be.

Theresa May chose to interpret the 2016 result through a blue-tinted lens. She has not engaged with Parliament. At every turn choosing to shut out all opinions but hers.

Last week her plan was overwhelmingly defeated. In normal circumstances and without the Fixed Term Parliament Act, her premiership would have ended. She reluctantly offered talks with the opposition. So far signs are nothing has changed.

The threat of No Deal is simply a tactic to bully Tory rebels into submission. It’s not an option that should still be on the table at all, but with less than 70 days to go and after two years of botched negotiations, Theresa May does not appear to comprehend the gravity of the situation she has put us in. Headed straight for the rocks this lady, like Thatcher, is not for turning.

Labour’s position has been consistent. We secured the meaningful vote which prevented Theresa May’s dead deal from being a done deal.

But it is now inevitable the Government will have to seek an extension to the Article 50 process if it is to find a constructive route through this impasse.

Breaking the deadlock will require patience and involve bringing the country together around Labour’s positive vision for our future relationship with Europe. It will also involve facing up to some harsh truths about how people voted last time round.

To ignore the wishes of the 48% who voted to remain or the 52% who voted to leave would be incredibly dangerous for our democracy. The lesson through these last two years is surely that the aim of all responsible politicians now is to find a way to unite the country and begin to move forward. After all, there are more issues that we have in common that we all want to resolve.

In a week where we discovered the richest 26 individuals on the planet own as much as the poorest 50% of the world’s population, the only gap which continues to matter and which we must strive to bridge is the one between the haves and have nots. And that, sadly, is the true dividing line in our society.

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Denton and Reddish MP, Andrew Gwynne, joined over 60 MPs and peers to take part in Cats Protection Annual Parliamentary reception at Westminster to celebrate the charity’s campaigning work.

The event, held just before Christmas, was hosted on the charity’s behalf by Justine Greening MP to highlight its work in helping improve the lives of cats and the people who love them.

Politicians were able to find out more about the charity’s award-winning Purrfect Landlords campaign, aimed at encouraging more landlords to allow tenants to own cats. They also learned about the charity’s work in calling for compulsory microchipping of cats and the licensing of air guns in England and Wales to prevent cats being the victims of shootings.

The campaign’s website can be viewed at http://www.cats.org.uk/purrfectlandlords and includes free, downloadable legal wording for landlords and letting agents to add to their own tenancy agreements, setting out simple conditions on cat ownership to protect and benefit both landlords and tenants.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading cat charity, helping around 200,000 cats every year through a network of over 250 voluntary-run branches and 36 centres.

Andrew Gwynne said:

“I’m a self-confessed pet lover and have several cats and a dog at home.

 

“I fully support this campaign; we’ve got to encourage more landlords to introduce cat-friendly policies and hope that the campaign will help tenants to avoid having to rehome their cats and will make it easier for them to find accommodation where they can own a cat in peace.” 

Cat’s Protection Head of Advocacy & Government Relations Jacqui Cuff said:

“Cats are much-loved pets for millions of people in the UK, so we were pleased to welcome so many politicians who were keen to find out how we’re helping improve the lives of cats.

 

“The day was a great opportunity for us to highlight the problems faced by many renters who are unable to own cats due to ‘no pet’ policies.  We were pleased that so many MPs wanted to find out more about the problem and how our Purrfect Landlords campaign is helping change the way cat ownership is viewed by landlords and letting agents. Cats make for happy tenants with 94% of private tenants with a cat saying that cat ownership has a positive impact on their lives.”

To find out more about Cats Protection’s advocacy work, please visit www.cats.org.uk/speakingupforcats.

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Bone. Last Friday, I spoke to the principal of Portsmouth College, which I had the privilege of attending. What he told me was seriously concerning, and I am proud to be here to speak up for that college. If we walked into a college in […]

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Nottingham Labour has been at the forefront of creating a more sustainable and greener city for the past two decades. However, the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report “Global Warming of 1.5°C”, shows the urgency for more action in order to prevent irreversible climate change and protect Nottingham citizens from flooding, drought, heatwaves and other extreme weather events. That is why Nottingham Labour used January Full Council to commit to making Nottingham a carbon free city by 2028, two years ahead of the target of many other cities which have taken similar pledges.

Over the past two decades some of the action Nottingham City Council has taken as a part of the green agenda has included:

• Signing the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change in 2000 with a follow up in 2011,
• £15 million investment in one of the UK’s largest electric bus fleets
• Developing and expanding the electric tram network
• Improving cycling facilities, including bike hubs and a cycle hire scheme
• Significant investment in cycle corridors
• Introduction of the Workplace Parking Levy – tackling congestion and containing traffic growth, while generating funds to invest in public transport and
• Installing solar panels on 4500 domestic properties across the city.

Sustained action over the next decade is critical. The IPCC report urgently reminds us that we must go further and faster in our efforts to keep within the boundary of a global temperature rise of 1.5C, and the devastating impacts this would have around the world. This temperature rise doesn’t sound like a lot, but there is already evidence of what a changing climate can do to people’s lives. Our weather is becoming more extreme as climate warms, we are getting warmer, drier summers, with more extreme storms, and warmer, wetter winters.

Nottingham has made a good start, already meeting our 2020 energy strategy emissions target early, reducing emissions by 39% for the city and 43% per person. The next aim is to lead the way nationally and play our part in the global effort against climate change by becoming a carbon neutral city by 2028. Work is already being done towards a long-term citywide sustainable development strategy which will set out a positive vision for a sustainable future for Nottingham.

I look forward to us delivering on the important motion.

Cllr Sally Longford,
Portfolio Holder for Energy and Environment

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Words matter. Today, the third Monday in January, has been dubbed ‘Blue Monday’ following some questionable research some years ago that claimed to have found a formula to identify the gloomiest day of the year.

Whatever, the source, Blue Monday does provide an opportunity to reflect on how we think and act about depression and other mental health issues.

That is why I have joined with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and Mersey Care chief executive Joe Rafferty to ask people today to think about how the catchy tune Sweet but Psycho by Ava Max has made it to the top of the charts for the past few weeks.

And it is why the three of us are supporting the launch of this year’s Big Brew Campaign which uses the power of the Great British cuppa to get people together and help save lives. You can read more about the Big Brew Campaign by clicking here.

The track may have potential lethal and heart-breaking consequences for young people and families across the country.

Of course, it’s just a pop song but there’s another, darker side to the track.

How we use language and imagery helps to shape the way we think. Promoting language like ‘psycho’ in this context normalises the idea that people with mental health issues are dangerous.

The lyrics and video – which features scenes of irrational violence and threat that involves a baseball bat, darts and knives – casually underline negative perceptions of mental health.

In short, it helps stigmatise the experience of mental illness and could create a barrier to people seeking early help. At its worst, stigma can stop suicidal people from reaching out when they are at their lowest, most vulnerable point.

So, let’s use the opportunity of Blue Monday and this song topping the charts to renew the continuing debate about how we discuss mental health – and raise awareness of the detrimental use of negative language.

Steve, Joe and myself back the Zero Suicide Alliance and have each undertaken its free, short online training. Suicide is the biggest killer of young people in the country. It takes 6,000 lives a year. If we can challenge the negative language and imagery that too often surrounds mental health, we can encourage people to open up, talk and help reduce the toll of suicide.

Together, we have been encouraging employers across the city region to offer the training to staff and many have already done so. Today, we can think, talk and act to make a difference.

Click here to find out more about this year’s Big Brew Campaign.

Emma with Community Champion Award winner Jean Hughes

Wolverhampton North East MP Emma Reynolds commended a local community champion by presenting an award at the Express and Star’s Great Big thank You Awards at a ceremony at Molineux Stadium.

The Community Champion award was won by Jean Hughes who was nominated for their work supporting women’s keep fit classes in the city – never missing a class in 46 years.

Following the awards ceremony, Emma said:

“It was great to celebrate all those who do so much to help others – our community champions, our unsung heroes, and those that go the extra mile without expecting anything in return.

“It was fantastic to present the Community Champion Award to Jean at the ceremony, hearing about her dedication to women’s fitness. Being present at every class since 1972, and building her classes at Worsley Community Centre from eight women to 90, and raising £129,000 for charities over the years, shows her commitment to her class.

“I would like to congratulate Jean, and all the other award winners on the night. The Black Country has a community to be proud of, and it’s great that the Express and Star sets out to find the volunteers who make such a difference. There are extraordinary people across the area who deserve a great big thank you.”

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Over the last few weeks, Rushanara Ali MP has questioned the Government over their use of non-disclosure agreements, which prevent organisations and businesses from revealing any information related to contingency plans drawn up by Government departments in no deal Brexit preparations.

Following Rushanra’s enquiries, the Government admitted to using NDAs in a number of departments, including the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Exiting the European Union.

If have some free time on Saturday afternoon, don’t miss the Llanelli & District Fairtrade party in the Selwyn Samuel Centre – it’s only £2 entry for Fairtrade tea and live music.

Many thanks to Tara Fisher and others for organising what promises to be a great event. Follow the link for more details:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1080003138857410/

Tuesday night saw the largest defeat of a sitting Prime Minister in living memory. It is therefore absolutely right that the Leader of the Opposition has put forward a motion of no-confidence in the Government.

How we exit the EU is the most important decision we have made in decades. It is vital that we do so in a way that works for both Barnsley and our country.

I voted against accepting the Prime Minister’s Withdrawal Agreement. I did so because, having both respected the referendum result and voted to trigger Article 50, I do not believe that her deal would have served the best interests of the people of Barnsley, or our country.

High Peak MP Ruth George has written to Marks and Spencer asking the firm to urgently reconsider plans to closure its Buxton store. 

In a letter to the company, Ruth said she was shocked by the announcement, especially in light of current developments in the town. 

“I have today written to Marks and Spencer asking it urgently reconsider its decision to close the Buxton store. 

“The M&S store is an important anchor on Buxton’s high street, not least because we live in a rural area.  

“I know many people, especially older residents (who do not always have access to the internet) rely on the store for clothes shopping; as do young families; especially now that M&S has closed its stores in Stockport and Denton.  

“Buxton has seen significant investment both from the private and public sector in recent years, not least the £50m redevelopment and restoration of The Crescent, which is expected to open later this year, and could provide an estimated £4.5m boost to the town’s economy. 

“Alongside this is there is the development of the Pump Room as a new indoor attraction for residents and visitors, which should further help to increase footfall for all shops in the town. 

“Further, I understand that the local council is putting together a bid for the new Future High Street Fund to ensure that the town is well placed to make the most of the opening of The Crescent, so that local businesses benefit from its opening.” 

You can read my letter here: M&S re Buxton store closure plans

You can sign the petition against the closure plans here: https://www.change.org/p/prevent-the-proposed-closure-of-marks-spencers-buxton?fbclid=IwAR2hovdMg8LMR0lNqFD7EjSwn3FAAKiIH4-ulcZiM2a_3bdBbQiwpSqU_3Y

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On Friday 11th January 2019, Emma spoke in Parliament in the European Union (Withdrawal) Act debate. Watch her full speech below:

Read her speech in full below:

I do not recall a time when the fractured state of our politics so accurately mirrored that of our nation. Brexit demanded so much more of us in this place. It was brand-new territory, and for it we needed a brand-new approach to how we did our debating and politics, but these proposals for consensus building across party boundaries were rejected by the Government. The vacuum left in British politics, as MPs and parties have struggled to respond, has been filled by a racist and divisive rhetoric that is creating an inward, nationalist and isolationist environment.

We have been left with an angry country. People are angry because we are leaving the EU or because they want out and it is taking too long, but most of all they are angry with us, even though, in large part, regardless of what political party we are in, whether we are leavers or remainers, we are genuinely trying to do the right thing by our constituents and our country. I campaigned for remain, believing it to be in the best interests of my constituents and my country, but neither agreed with me. In the initial aftermath, I was in denial. I fell into the trap of repeating the mantra that people did not know what they were voting for, they were lied to and they misunderstood the implications of their decisions. While there was some element of truth in that, it was far more nuanced, because complex decisions and human motivation are never so simplistic.

I knew that from people such as my dad—a decent, kind and hard-working man, a retired welder from the shipyards. He and his mates were not angry at economic migrants who had crossed the channel from Europe to work alongside them; they were angry with the Government and institutions that exploited those migrants by allowing the undercutting of wages. That led to him and thousands of others losing their jobs. None of us should ever underestimate the impact that unemployment on this scale can have on individuals, their families and their communities. These scars are irrevocable. That was when disillusion set in. Freedom of movement and the single market were not problems for my dad and his mates. It was about Governments that allowed unemployment to shatter families and communities, Governments that used the EU as a handy repository for blame whenever they failed people; Governments that for decades made no effort to tell anybody the ways in which the EU was a “good thing” and then wondered why they could not get across the message in a few weeks; and Governments that left people behind and created chasms in our communities. These are the people constituents such as mine had in mind when they voted to leave.

I trust the people who sent me to Parliament. In a representative democracy, it is my job to do what I think is best for the people who elected me, unless they have already made their opinions on the subject perfectly plain. They have and over the past two years they have not changed their minds about leaving, so it is now up to me to see that they get what they want. It is my job to thrash these things out in Parliament. That is why I voted to trigger article 50 and why I stood on a manifesto that promised to respect the outcome. We should leave, but I do not want us to leave in this way—not with this deal. I am not convinced that a second referendum would solve the impasse. My constituents tell me that they find it a strange concept: a democratic way of overturning a previous and also democratic decision, which in turn supplanted the democratic decision taken 40 years earlier. I also fear that such a referendum will delay the inevitable and we will be right back to where we are now, trying to find a deal that works for all. I do not accept that the choices on offer are as binary as accepting this deal or crashing out. There is another option: an extension to article 50, giving us the space, albeit a small timeframe, to do our politics differently, to restore our country’s faith in this place and to show people that we really are working together. Crucially, for that to happen there needs to be a marked difference in the rhetoric and actions coming from this Government and the Prime Minister. If we continue to fail to deliver the mandate we have been given by the British people, what little trust remains in politics and politicians will surely evaporate.

Source: pxhere (pxhere.com/en/photo/714697) A new analysis  has been published evaluating the effects of Brexit.  The Government and EU have concluded a Withdrawal Agreement on how the UK should leave the EU, which is due formally to take place on 29th … Continue reading →

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Immediate Release

Deliver Free Travel for ‘WASPI women’ now, demands Labour

Cllr Ian Ward, Jack Dromey and Liam Byrne unite to deliver call ahead of West Midlands Combined Authority budget. 

Birmingham City Council and Labour MPs have today called on Metro Mayor Andy Street to guarantee free bus passes for WASPI women affected by the sudden increase in state pension age.

The plan has already been introduced by Labour’s Mayor in Manchester, Andy Burnham, which delivers free travel across buses, trams and trains for women born between 6 October 1953 and 5 November 1954, who have had their pensions delayed by up to 6 years by arbitrary changes to pension rules by the Tory government.

Today, Labour leaders repeated their call for the West Midlands to follow Manchester’s lead ahead of the WMCA draft budget to be published this Friday.

The pass would entitled holders to free travel across West Midlands transport.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Ian Ward said today:

“These sudden pension changes have caused massive stress, upset and disruption to hundreds of women in the West Midlands who are being forced to return to work with as little as a year’s notice”

“A concessionary pass for those affected would go some way to helping out those hit hardest by this unfair policy”

Liam Byrne, MP for Hodge Hill, who led opposition to the changes to pension rules when they were introduced back in 2013, said:

“These women have had the rug pulled out from under them just a year away from retirement. They did the right thing, paid in and were then punished for being the ‘wrong age’ by this Tory government. The very least we can do is make sure they can get free access to public transport across the West Midlands”

Jack Dromey MP, who as Shadow Pensions Minister has led the campaign for the WASPI women, said:

“The WASPI women of Birmingham and Britain built our country. It is nothing short of shameful that tens of thousands of them have been cheated on their pensions. We have fought hard for that which will at least make a significant difference for the women concerned, free bus travel.”

Bridget Green, Birmingham WASPI co-ordinator said:

“So many of us women hit hard by the pension changes really struggle to make ends meet. We have campaigned long and hard with Jack Dromey and Liam Byrne for justice for the WASPI women. A breakthrough in the West Midlands would give real heart to WASPI women like myself who believe that if you campaign for a just cause you can win.”

ENDS

Notes

• The plans produced by Labour’s Manchester Metro Mayor, Andy Burnham are here: http://aboutmanchester.co.uk/new-travel-pass-set-to-benefit-women-affected-by-pension-changes/

• Birmingham Labour first made the call for free travel for WASPI women 2017. The link is here: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/campaign-free-transport-women-hit-13992434

• The WASPI campaign presented their letter to Andy Street in May: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/waspi-bus-pass-pension-mayor-14612294

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