Brexit Not Looking Good for Farmers
Visiting Fortshot House Farm near Wike last week I discussed a number of issues facing farmers in Yorkshire, with none more pressing than what Brexit could mean for their future.
Richard
Author Archives
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The Tory’s Costly and Chaotic Brexit
Speaking in the European Parliament debate in preparation for the next European Council meeting on 18-19 October, I point out that the Brexit being offered to the UK, including Leave voters, is not what they were told and not what many voted for.
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Place Jo Cox
On 27th September, the city of Brussels honoured the memory of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox, by naming a square beside the Ancienne Belgique music venue she often visited in the years she lived here, as Place Jo Cox, in a formal ceremony.
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What does Labour Conference’s Brexit Motion mean in practice?
Brexit has been one of the main issues discussed at this year’s Labour Party Conference, and Labour’s policy has been clarified. Here is a summary of where we stand now, and how the various options may play out in the coming weeks.
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EPLP Leader’s Speech to Labour Conference
My address to Labour Conference on the achievements of the EPLP and our position on Brexit.
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Sky Interview 24th September
Interviewed by Adam Boulton while at Labour conference.
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Developments in EU Sea Bass rules to favour recreational anglers
Update on the EU rules concerning sea bass fishing for anglers, following action by Labour MEPs.
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International Day of Democracy
Some reflections on recognising the importance of democracy in today’s heated political climate.
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Leeds For Europe: Remaking the Case for Europe
Speaking on a second panel at the Leeds for Europe event, I outline three strong arguments in favour of the EU.
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Welcome Copy
My latest updates
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Leeds For Europe
Speaking on a panel at the Leeds for Europe event in September on why there are increasing calls for a People’s Vote.
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What Happens Next? Some of the many Brexit Scenarios
The two year Article 50 period runs out in March 2019, but Theresa May’s terrible handling of the Brexit negotiations, and the Conservative party’s bitter divisions mean that it is still very difficult to predict where the UK will be politically in the next few months.
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EU Collaboration Crucial in Combating Cross-Border Crime
The two Russian nationals charged by the CPS of committing the Salisbury nerve agent attack have returned to Russian, from which there is no extradition. However, the UK has already obtained a European Arrest Warrant which will ensure that the two men are brought to justice in the UK should they ever enter an EU country.
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Don’t Fall for the Decoy!
Make no mistake: the government impact papers outlining the dire consequences of a no-deal Brexit are intended to frighten everyone into supporting a deal – any deal, if it manages to secure one. These papers are a decoy.
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Costly, Chaotic and Catastrophic: What happens with a no-deal Brexit?
As the possibility of a no-deal Brexit scenario increases, and the government publishes its “no-deal preparedness” notices, it is worth taking stock of the sheer variety of problems that would arise with a no-deal Brexit.
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Scallop Skirmish. A taste of things to come?
Earlier this week, a video emerged of French fishers attacking UK vessels harvesting scallops in the Bay of Seine. Could this clash be indicative of disputes that Brexit may bring to the fishing industry?
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Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are disproportionately applied to Christians and human rights activists. In 2010, the Christian woman Asia Bibi was handed down a death sentence for blasphemy and the Christian government minister Shahbaz Bhatti was assassinated for advocating on her behalf.
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Follow-up on the Council’s conclusions on Myanmar
Follow-up on the Council’s conclusions on Myanmar of 26 February 2018 and its Decision 2018/655 regarding human rights violations, targeted sanctions and and independent investigation.
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Forced disappearance of Mohammad Nawaz Atta
Question on the forced disappearance of Pakistani human rights defender Mohammad Nawaz Atta in October 2017.
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LBC Radio Interview – 27th August 2018
Radio Interview with LBC’s Matt Stadlen on Brexit, the People’s Vote campaign and Labour’s evolving policy position. (8 minutes long.)
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Bangladesh: Developments and Challenges
When I was a student, Bangladesh had just gained its independence from Pakistan and faced extreme poverty, a population explosion, frequent flooding, and many other challenges. Economists called it a basket case. I am delighted to see that, despite all this, it is now “graduating” from being a Least-Developed Country to a being a Middle Income Country, and was privileged to host and chair a conference to mark the occasion.
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Brexit Pantomime Villains
The Prime Minister, her ministers and other pro-Brexit talking heads now constantly repeat a mantra of five things they claim the public voted for in the referendum. But, no matter how much the public are encourage to boo and hiss at them, these supposed villains are as fake and over the top as pantomime baddies.
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Settled Status will hurt the most vulnerable EU citizens
Despite government assurances to the contrary, the “EU Settlement Scheme” is unlikely to work smoothly for everyone, and in many cases this could have a devastating impact, in particular on some of the most vulnerable. I have been speaking with organisations that help migrants, including EU migrants, integrate in Yorkshire, to hear about how the EU settlement scheme might impact the people they work with.
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July 2018 Newsletter
Brexit, the World Cup, the People’s Vote march and a visit to Huddersfield’s Textile Centre of Excellence.
