My final speech in the European Parliament
Speaking for the final time in the European Parliament, I explain why I will be voting against the Withdrawal Agreement.
Blog posts
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Final MEP Report – 31 January 2020
My Final Report – 31 January 2020
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Rule-Takers vs. Rule-Makers: The EU-Norway Fisheries Agreements for 2020
One of the key arguments repeated time and again by Brexit supporters is the idea that Britain will ‘take back control of our waters’. The notion that the UK could run a completely different national policy, increase its catch by reserving all rights to fish in the UK’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to UK fishers, is a far cry from the reality of migratory fish and depleting fish stocks.
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Brexit: Now The Real Problems Start
Proceeding with Brexit involves difficult choices. The Johnson deal does not “Get Brexit done”. In fact, it’s simply the end of the first, easier, and less important part – the exit arrangements. Now come the negotiations on the future relationship. It means years more wrangling, arguments and division.
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Three Labour Remainers (in a pub)
I recently caught up with Alex Sobel, Labour candidate for Leeds North West, and Mike Galsworthy, activist and campaigner for Scientists in the EU and recorded a video of our discussion.
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The Lisbon Treaty’s 10th anniversary: what it changed, what worked and what didn’t
1 December 2019 marks 10 years since the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon. With MEPs and the new European Commission preparing the Future of Europe conference due to start in early 2020, it is important to look back on what the Lisbon Treaty achieved and what it didn’t achieve.
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Berlin: 3 snapshots
The 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall brings back some personal memories. Three in particular are amusing but illustrative. The first is from when I hitchhiked to Berlin in 1973 as an 18 year old, getting a lift from inside West Germany and going along the “corridor” road through East Germany to […]
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The vexed issue of subsidies for building new fishing vessels
The EP fisheries committee today voted to give a mandate to its negotiating team to start negotiations with the Council on the next European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.
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Thomas Cook’s collapse shows why EU protections are essential
In the light of the the collapse of Thomas Cook and the loss of jobs and inconvenience to thousands of holidaymakers, it is worth reflecting on the safety nets and support that our EU membership entitles us to in such terrible situations.
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Brexit Debate in the European Parliament on 22 October
Speaking in the chamber on the Withdrawal Act bill, the need for a confirmatory referendum and Labour’s position on a Brexit referendum in any circumstances.
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Speaking at the People’s Vote March: 19 October 2019
Addressing the Labour and Left bloc near Hyde Park at the start of the Let Us Be Heard march. Click here to start video.
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Why I’m Marching for a Final Say
For the past three years, the fate of this country has been held hostage by internal ideological squabbling of the Tory Party. It’s time to let the people be heard and give them a final say on Brexit.
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MAP Charity: Inspired by a sense of responsibility
I recently visited MAP Charity in Leeds where silk screen printing, rooftop aquaponic gardening, creative media and sound engineering are just some of the activities that re-engage young people with learning important skills.
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Speaking in the Brexit policy debate at Labour Conference
My contribution to the Brexit debate on Monday 23 September at Labour Party Conference in Brighton.
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Labour can’t be ambiguous about the next EU referendum
Writing in Labour List I explain why Labour cannot afford to be ambiguous about the next EU referendum.