Dear John,

Last November, the Government announced that, despite a commitment to spending 0.7% as promised in the party’s 2019 election manifesto, they would cut international aid down to 0.5% of the national income. This is funding that helps the world's poorest, combats climate change and help us tackle the effects of Covid-19. 
 
This week, a vote was called in Parliament that sought to approve this cut. I, along with Labour colleagues and activists, have been lobbying Conservative MPs to do the right thing and vote against the cut. While 45 Tories voted by their conscience, unfortunately this was not enough, and the vote passed. 
 
As Shadow International Development Secretary, I will continue to oppose the Government’s attempt to shy away from their moral and legal commitments as well as their promises which they have made to the British people.  

Today, residents gathered on Harborne High Street to protest the closure of their local banks. With Santander closing their branch and HSBC changing their branch to digital only, it will have a detriment impact on their customers, and they will be joining 7,400 other banks who have closed since 2010. 
 
Banks are vital to both communities and other businesses, and without them, it is often very difficult for high streets to survive. Residents should be proud of their high street, and it is the bank’s responsibility to look after their fellow entrepreneurs.    
 
As MP, I will keep fighting for the banks to stay open and help the community’s most vulnerable people maintain access to banks. I have started a petition, which is both online and as a paper version, to ask the community to come together to make sure the banks stay open and viable on our high streets. 
 
If you would like to sign, please look at the link below, or contact my office and we can organise for a paper petition to be signed. 

After the match last Sunday, I was disgusted by the abhorrent racism which three England players were subjected to. This diverse, young and humble England team represents the best of modern Britain and shows what we can achieve through unity. 
 
Instead of giving a clear anti-racism message, the Prime Minister and his Tory Government tried to stoke a culture war and fuel division. The government has also yet to act on clamping down on online racist abuse. Legislation is still delayed and won’t be strong enough to eradicate racism from the game for good. 
 
Labour is calling on the government to use the Online Safety Bill to ban anyone convicted of racist abuse from attending any matches and help bring justice to racists. 

Last week, 520,000 people in England were alerted by NHS test and trace to self-isolate. This is the highest figure since the launch of the app. Simultaneously, when Covid rates are rapidly increasing, our hospitals are starting to feel the enormous pressure of cases and more people are being asked to self-isolate than ever before, the Government is removing the final restrictions. 
 
While I support plans to re-open and believe that the country needs to find a way to move forward with Covid, removing all protections in one go will send infections rising – it’s reckless. We need a balanced approach and a proper plan. For example, masks in enclosed places and on public transport – that’s a common-sense position. As recent data shows, 947 COVID-19 infections per month could be prevented by maintaining face covering use on buses in the West Midlands.  
 
It also means getting vaccinated as soon as possible. Walk-in centres are available right across the city for you to get your first and second jabs. 
 
Check the website for upcoming walk-in COVID vaccination venues. 

This week the ticket ballot for the Commonwealth Games has opened. With plenty of sporting events and other activities that will be happening across the constituency, make sure you’ve applied by 30 July to get your tickets. Make sure you’re there to witness history in the making.