John McDonnell MP
John’s Monthly Newsletter April 2019
Below is a brief summary of just some of my activities locally and in Parliament in the last month.
Launch of April as National Sikh Awareness and History Month 2nd
I was proud to support and speak at the launch of Sikh Awareness and History Month at an event in the Speaker’s House in the House of Commons. This is a timely and important initiative that will help build awareness of Sikh history and faith, build bridges between all our communities and improve understanding and dialogue. The project is all the more significant this year as Sikhs around the world mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Roundtable with City Bankers 3rd
I met with a group of City bankers in Parliament. The discussion focused on key issues as seen by the industry, including Brexit, competitiveness of the UK, future opportunities and challenges for the sector’ and a discussion on a ‘future Labour Government’s policy outlook’, with reference to tax, corporate governance, and future global competitiveness, and the ‘role of industry in supporting growth and productivity both at a national and international level.
Belmore School 4th
I spoke with a group of year 5 pupils at Belmore School, mainly about the possible expansion at Heathrow airport. They were bright as buttons and so on the ball about local issues. The school has a dedicated head and staff team, working really hard and achieving fantastic results with the children.
Cranford Park Nursery
I was very proud to join colleagues and family of the late Janet Ryerson at Cranford Park Nursery for the unveiling of benches in her memory. Janet was a wonderful woman and fine socialist, who dedicated her life to children’s education.
Treasury Questions 9th
During our regular treasury questions slot in Parliament I asked “when will the Chancellor tackle the scandal of Google’s tax avoidance? Google has an estimated taxable profit of £8.3 billion in the UK, so it should have a tax bill, according to the Tax Justice Network, of £1.5 billion. That would pay for 60,000 nurses, 50,000 teachers, seven new hospitals, 75 new schools. It pays £67 million. Why is the Chancellor, year on year, letting Google the tax avoider off the hook?” watch video here.
Film showing – The Spiders Web with Q & A with John Christensen Pump Lane 10th
I was delighted to welcome John Christensen from Tax Justice Network & co producer of The Spiders Web to Hayes. His presentation on how British elites created a network of tax havens after WW II & the lengths they go to today to preserve it was very well received. watch video here
Interview with Robert Peston
The main focus of my interview with Robert Peston was on Brexit. I explained that if we secure a deal in the Brexit negotiations, we need to be able to ensure that a new Tory leader cannot come in and scrap it. watch video here
100th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre15th
I have firmly supported over many years the campaign to secure an apology from the British state for this appalling crime. The Government still refuse to apologise but Jeremy Corbyn has made it clear that a labour government certainly will.
Narendra Makanji’s Memorial 16th
I attended and spoke at a memorial for Narendra Makanji at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre. I was saddened to hear of his passing. Narendra was a political ally and friend for nearly 40 years. A true socialist he devoted his life to the struggle for social justice, always solid in his support for the vulnerable and oppressed. He was a warm, wise and courageous person.
Launch of the 7th British Sikh Report in Parliament 23rd
I hosted and spoke at the Launch of the British Sikh report. The British Sikh Report seeks to identify the opinions of the Sikh population in the UK for the benefit of both the Sikh community and the wider British public. The report is currently in its 7th year and has been featured across a range of mainstream and ethnic media.
Battersea CLP AGM 25th
I spoke at Battersea’s AGM about the future of Britain’s economy and Labour’s plans to rebuild Britain, focusing on a green economy, a fairer tax system and an economic system that works for all.
Streatham CLP AGM
I spoke to members of Streatham CLP about climate change and the green economy as well as the task we have ahead of us in building socialism in the UK.
RMT Demo 26th
I joined The RMT demonstrators at the Euston HQ of Keolis, who own GTR, to marks the third anniversary of the Southern Rail dispute.
Ashfield CLP Fundraising Social
I spoke at Gloria De Piero Fundraising Social at Annesley Working Men’s Club about why we need a labour government. I also took the opportunity to congratulate members for the hard work they are doing in the run up to local elections next Thursday.
GMB demonstration 27th
I joined the GMB union members picketing this morning in Harlington, campaigning for a real living wage to be paid to workers at Heathrow airport. Several major firms are avoiding their responsibility to pay a decent wage. We will not stand by and tolerate poverty wages in our community.
Blair Peach 40th Anniversary 27th
I was proud to march with comrades from Hayes, Southall and across London to commemorate Blair Peach who died 40 years ago as he protested against a meeting of the National Front in Southall. He was a special needs teacher, a socialist & anti racist campaigner. The NEU proudly honour him by having an award in his name. I was there on that night 40 years ago when the Police violently attacked demonstrators and when Blair Peach was murdered.
CWU Conference 28th
I spoke at the CWU Annual Conference at Bournemouth International Centre about Labour’s key economic policies or fair taxation, investing in council housing, scrapping anti-trade union laws, renationalising water, rail and mail and setting up Post Bank.
CBI President’s Committee 29th
I spoke members of the Confederation of British Industry about Labour’s Brexit policy, Nationalisation and Regional Inequalities.
Extinction Rebellion 30th
I met with representatives of Extinction Rebellion to discuss how Labour in government can tackle climate change.