Rt Hon Dr Denis MacShane

 15 April 2008

16-31 March 2006 
1-15 March 2006 
1-27 February 2006 
17-30 January 2006
1-14 January 2006
19-31 December
11-18 December
3-10 December
30 November - 2 December
23-29 November

31 March

"European Muslim Communities Confronted with Extremism"

Council of Europe - 15 April 2008

The Council of Europe has adopted on behalf of its 47 member States an important policy document called "European Muslim Communities Confronted with Extremism." Its key point is the appeal and warning "against any confusion between Islam as a faith and Islamic fundamentalism as an ideology." It calls on European States to "combat all forms of discrimination and violence (particularly forced marriages, sexual mutilation of women, so-called 'honour crimes') which, in the name of misinterpreted religious texts or customs, violate the fundamental rights of women and equality between women and men."  Britain's former Europe Minister who works closely with Muslim citizens in his constituency of Rotherham spoke in the debate to support the adoption of the report:

Mr MacSHANE (United Kingdom). -      "In supporting this excellent report, we need to wipe away two important arguments that are sometimes deployed. First, this has nothing to do with 9/11. The extremist attacks linked to Islamist fundamentalism started in Paris in 1995. They also happened in Luxor in Egypt in 1997. The thinking, the planning, the preparation and the ideological grooming of a tiny minority was happening in London, Madrid and Paris in the 1990s and even the 1980s. I should like to recommend a very good book by the French political scientist, Gilles Kepel, a distinguished Arabist. I recommend his latest book, Terreur et Martyre, to those who want to learn about the history.

This is not about 9/11. It is not about the completely wrong reference to a "war on terror", a phrase that I reject. It is about a fundamentalist ideology. It is not about immigration either. We all have many immigrants from many different parts of the world in our countries, and they are not given to violence, despite oppression, exclusion and a lack of employment choices. We are talking about a conscious ideological expression of hate against the values for which the Council of Europe stands, and we must reject it. We must reject it precisely in order to protect the faith.

These horrible films denouncing the Koran are completely out of place. We no more denounce the Koran than we denounce the Bible. If you want to read language about killing Jews, I suggest that you read St Paul. If you want hideous language about violence against women, I suggest that you read the Old Testament. I am not worried about Muslim children learning the Koran any more than I am worried about the fact that I can still commence the Latin mass Introibo ad altare dei. I do not speak that language fluently, but I learnt it as a small altar boy.

We must focus our minds on separating the ideology of Islamic fundamentalism to which the report refers - or "Islamism" - from the religion of Islam. Along with European Jews, European Catholics, European Sikhs and European Hindus, European Muslims are part and parcel of today's Europe. We must say, "Respect the faith, hate the ideology." Islamism is often anti-Jew, anti-women, anti-gay and anti-freedom of expression. It is promoted by ideologues and propagandists, and is supported internationally. It has money, alas, in one extreme form of Wahabi-ism, from a very important state with which we all have diplomatic relations.

      The most important message that the Council of Europe must send out is that we must all separate the faith from the ideology, and separate all the European Muslims from the tiny minority who are prepared to commit horrible acts. We say to the ideologues, the propagandists and the financiers of Islamic fundamentalism, "You will not pass. Europe, European democracy and the rights of European Muslims are stronger than the hate that you preach and the evil that you practise."

MP Congratulates Local Schools On Their Performance
Denis MacShane MP for Rotherham has congratulated the secondary schools in his Rotherham constituency on their magnificent progress at Key stage 3.

Rotherham MP congratulates local council achievements
Denis MacShane, MP for Rotherham has congratulated Rotherham Borough Council on being shortlisted four times in the MJ Local Government Achievement Awards.  The council also received four commendations. The winners will be announced in London at the MJ Awards on 27 June.
"I know from close cooperation with councilors how hard they work to serve the public in Rotherham. They get tons of unfair criticism but national recognition of the achievements of Rotherham Borough Council shows they are on the right track," said MacShane. 

30 March

MacShane Holds Talks with Steel Union Leader
Denis MacShane has agreed to step up cooperation with Community, the union representing steelworkers, following a meeting with its general secretary, Michael Leahy. In an hour long meeting at the Commons MacShane and Leahy agreed that pressure had to be sustained on the issue of energy prices and on pension rights for existing and retired steelworkers. The MP and union leader also decided to work on a new approach to "Social Europe" issues. "Working closely with trade unions is essential for MPs," said MacShane.

29 March

"I Love the Daily Mail" says Denis MacShane.
In a comment posted on the Guardian's website, Denis MacShane MP hails the Daily Mail for publishing an accurate - and positive - story about Europe. See www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree

28 March

MP Calls for More Train to Stop at Rotherham
Rotherham MP Denis MacShane has asked the government to tell Northern Trains to let him get off in his constituency. Fewer than half the trains running between Doncaster and Sheffield stop in Rotherham. The angry MP says this leaves him waiting on platforms at Doncaster when he travels from Parliament to his constituency. Or he has to pay for a polluting taxi to get from Doncaster to Rotherham.

27 March

Deputy Prime Minister visits Rotherham
Denis MacShane welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Rosie Winterton to a site visit of the Breathing Space centre. The new £10 million centre being built on the site of the former Badsley Moor Lane Hospital will offer help to ex-miners and other people suffering serious chest diseases.

Deputy Prime Minister announces a further £482 million of investment on visit to Canklow, Rotherham
The Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, today announced a further £482 million of investment to regenerate some of England's most run down estates.

22 March

A Budget For Britain's Schools
Investment in education and fairness for families shows why Labour is best for Rotherham.
Denis MacShane MP today welcomed the Budget unveiled by Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown, as "a budget for Britain's schools that shows Labour is best for Rotherham".

19 March

Call for State Funding and Elected House of Lords
Denis MacShane has said that Britain should move swiftly to state funding for democratic politics and have an elected House of Lords of around 200 members, twice the size of the US Senate. For more details go to articles.

18 March

Denis MacShane MP met with over 30 constituents at a coffee morning to discuss issues around the Respect Agenda on Saturday 18 March. MacShane explained that this meeting was one of a series of new events he has organised to get out and about in the communities around Rotherham to allow a conversational debate between constituents and their elected MP on issues that are important to them.

17 March

MacShane Votes for Education Bill, Supports Ban on Tail Docking
Denis MacShane MP voted to support the renewal of secondary schools in UK yesterday. "I welcome the new bill which strengthens the role of local education authorities, including the excellent work done by Rotherham's Local Education Authority. I want to see more and better secondary schools in Britain. The Conservatives have never shown any real interest in secondary schools in the state sector as they always send their children to private schools."

MacShane also voted for a complete ban on the docking of dogs' tails. "This is an important message to send out that the Labour government seeks to reduce any cruelty to animals."

Appeal to Corus to Use Profits to Protect Pension Rights of Steelworkers
Rotherham MP, Denis MacShane, has welcomed the £680 million profit announced by steel firm Corus and urged the company to make sure that the firm's pension schemes were fully protected. "The turn-round in Corus is due to the hard work and willingness of steelworkers to work closely with the company to restore profitability. Now the profits are there it is important for Corus to guarantee the future pension rights of their employers," said MacShane. The MP has written to Corus CEO Philippe Varin asking for an early meeting on the company's future plans. Separately MacShane held talks with Energy Minister, Malcolm Wicks, yesterday, to urge further action by the government on energy prices. "I cannot tell Ministers often enough about the very great worry that uncontrolled rising energy prices are putting a question mark over the sustainability of manufacturing that needs large energy input like steel and glass." This morning MacShane met with Tony Blair's policy adviser on energy at Downing Street to underline his concern.

Former FCO Minister Urges Freedom for Maldives Opposition Leaders, Queries BBC Support for Regime
Denis MacShane MP, the former FCO minister, has urged the Maldives government to free the democratic opposition leaders, Mohammed Nasheed and Jennifer Latheef.

MacShane was replying to a letter from the High Commissioner of the Maldives in London who claimed the government was improving media and other freedoms. "The High Commissioner's letter is a great disappointment as it confirms the government's refusal to free Mohammed and Jennifer and no-one can take seriously the view that the Maldives accepts the rules of democracy as long as they remain in prison," said MacShane.

The MP, who is a former president of the National Union of Journalists, is also writing to the BBC to ask about reports that the BBC is to collaborate with the Maldives government on training courses for journalists. "While two people are rotting in prison for wanting to write and publish freely about their country, it leave a rather sick taste to see the BBC collaborating with the government that imprisons democratic activists in violation of international norms on freedom of expression," said MacShane.

 

Denis MacShane MP with local Cllrs Colin Barron and Barry Kaye discussing the Respect Agenda with constituents in Keppel ward

14 March 2006

MacShane Urges Health Secretary to Protect Rotherham Health Cash
Rotherham MP Denis MacShane has asked Patricia Hewitt MP, the Health Secretary to get tough with poor performing health authorities and trusts who fail to respect the budget rules of the NHS despite record sums of money being spent by the Labour government on health. "Rotherham has a good record while some NHS bodies in the south of England spend money without any regard to normal financial discipline. I made clear to Patricia Hewitt that I would be disappointed if hard-working and disciplined financial management in the north of England resulted in transfer from the north to the profligate south." MacShane met the Health Secretary with his two fellow Rotherham MP, Kevin Barron and John Healey.

Serbs Urged to Draw Line After Milosevic Death
Denis MacShane who worked for four years as Minister for the Balkans has said Serbia should move forward after the death of the former Serb leader, Slobodan Milosevic in the Hague. "Serbia has a choice. To wallow in the nostalgia for a man who led the Serb people into the worst conflict Europe has seen since 1945 or to move forward by cooperating fully  with the Hague Tribunal and the democratic governments of Europe and the USA. I hope they chose the latter."

Hopes for Centre-Left Victory in Italy
Denis MacShane MP has returned from a short visit to Rome where he met key leaders in the centre-left coalition headed by Roman Prodi who hope to oust rightist prime minister, Silvo Berlusconi, from power in the elections due to be held 9/10 April. "Europe needs an Italy that can break out of the low growth, high unemployment and constant disputes over media freedom and political trials. But if the coalition headed by Romano Prodi does win it will have to govern with new thinking and a willingness to tell tough truths to Italians both in business and in the unions."

9 March

MacShane Warns on extremist politics in Bulgaria
Denis MacShane who has returned from a 24 hour visit to Sofia, Bulgaria has expressed concern about extremist politics there. "The Ataka movement is a worrying expression of the new nationalist Europe-hating politics in former communist states. Ataka attacks Jews, Bulgarian membership of the EU and Nato, ethnic Bulgarians and wants to re-nationalise the economy." Ataka attracted 50,000 people to its latest demonstration.

8 March

"Only Labour Deliver For Women" Says Denis MacShane MP
Denis MacShane MP celebrates International Women's Day
Denis MacShane MP today welcomed the news that a tribute bouquet would be laid at the statue of suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst to celebrate International Women's Day.

7 March

MacShane Says It is Time for Kosovo to be Independent
Speaking at the London School of Economics, Denis MacShane, the FCO minister for the Balkans, 2001-2005, has said Serbia has to "let Kosovo be Kosovo". MacShane urged new thinking on the Western Balkans and said that once Serbia decided to let go of the pretence that Kosovo would remain under Belgrade's control the Serbian nation would swiftly move towards becoming a strong European country. MacShane also called for more EU engagement and leadership in the Western Balkans. (See speeches section for full text.)

6 March

Home Secretary Agrees to Respond to Anti-Semitism Inquiry
Denis MacShane MP has welcomed the decision by Home Secretary, Charles Clarke MP, to respond formally on behalf of the government to the report and recommendations of the All-Party Commission of Inquiry into Anti-Semitism which MacShane is chairing. At today's session of the Commission, the Home Secretary agreed to a request from MacShane that Charles Clarke should reply formally on the behalf of the Government to the Committee's report and recommendations. "I am grateful to Charles. This raises the work of the Committee to the same level as a formal Select Committee and puts our work on Anti-Semitism into the heart of government work." The Committee also cross-questioned the Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks, the general secretary of the Muslim Council of Britain, Sir Equal Sacranie and the chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality, Trevor Phillips.

3 March

MacShane Talks to Rotherham Business Leaders
The Rotherham MP, Denis MacShane, held talks this morning with leaders of the Rotherham Business Community. They raised a number of issues with him including the waste disposal directive, WEEE, and the need for a more joined-up transport policy for South Yorkshire. But overall, most reported a positive business outlook for Rotherham. MacShane pledged to convey the business leaders' views to ministers. "I welcome these regular meetings with the Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, which is one of the most dynamic in Britain. The Labour government has delivered unprecedented economic stability, growth, employment as well as targeted public investment which benefit the private sector. The new Liberal Democratic leader simply wants to raise taxes and attack manufacturing while the Tories are only interested in policies for the media-wallahs of the Notting Hill dinner party circuit which knows nothing of manufacturing Britain."

Rotherham and Sheffield Star Reports MacShane's Call for Steel To Be Used in Navy Ships
South Yorkshire's Main Evening Paper, the Rotherham and Sheffield Star has published a long report on Denis MacShane's intervention in the Commons this week urging ministers to use British-made steel in future Royal Navy vessels. "I am glad our local evening paper gives prominence to these reports and I wish the weekly paper in Rotherham would do likewise. We need to create a climate of public opinion that supports Rotherham and British steelworkers," said MacShane.

2 March

MacShane Talks to Rotherham Business Leaders
The Rotherham MP, Denis MacShane, will hold talks tomorrow morning with leaders of the Rotherham Business Community. "I welcome these regular meetings with the Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, which is one of the most dynamic in Britain. The Labour government has delivered unprecedented economic stability, growth, employment as well as targeted public investment which benefit the private sector. The new Liberal Democratic leader simply wants to raise taxes and attack manufacturing while the Tories are only interested in policies for the media-wallahs of the Notting Hill dinner party circuit which knows nothing of manufacturing Britain."

MP Hails Contribution of Steel Workers Union to Rotherham
Along with friends in the Community union, Denis MacShane MP, has paid tribute to steelworker unions stalwarts who are retiring from the industry. At a dinner in Rotherham, Michael Leahy, the general secretary of Community which now incorporates the steel union, ISTC, presented certificates to office holders of the union in Rotherham. "The workers and community of Rotherham know the debt they owe the ISTC and the dedicated work of the steel union local representatives. The ISTC, now Community, has had many presidents from Rotherham, including the present office-holder, Terry Butterworth as well as my good friend, Austin Senior and the present leader of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Roger Stone. I will continue to work with their successors to help Rotherham steelworkers, past and present in every way possible," said MacShane.

Call for Joined Up Government Spending on Foreign Policy
Denis MacShane MP has urged a review of how the Government spends its money promoting UK interests overseas. In an article published in the Daily Telegraph (see articles section) he suggests that Downing Street needs to re-examine the way taxpayers' cash is spent in the different departments promoting UK interests overseas, notably the Department of International Development and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

1 March 2006

MacShane Tell Ministers Royal Navy Must Use British Steel in Ships Flying the Queen's Flag
In a strong exchange in the House of Commons, Rotherham MP, Denis MacShane, said that Royal Navy vessels should be built with steel made in Britain. MacShane told Ministers that there was alarm at reports that some future Royal Navy vessels might be built outside the UK.

Denis MacShane, left with Michael Leahy, General Secretary of the Community Union, at presentation ceremony to Rotherham steelworker union leaders

27 February

MacShane Urges Action on Energy Prices
Rotherham MP, Denis MacShane, has asked DTI Minister, Alan Johnson, to take action on the rising cost of industrial energy prices which are hitting steel and glass firms which in South Yorkshire. Speaking in the House of Commons, the Rotherham MP said that jobs and profits were under threat because of rising energy prices. In reply Johnson told the MP: "We are working with energy-intensive users such as the company in my right hon. Friends constituency to get the right transparency and to see what we can do to reduce energy consumption."

Welcome for President Chirac's Support for new Foreign Policy Ideas
Writing in today's Newsweek, Rotherham MP has welcomed the support from French President Jacques Chirac for new initiatives on foreign policy which includes putting pressure on Iran and Syria to stop destabilising the Middle east and the French deal with India to help develop India's nuclear energy industry. The full article can be accessed on www.newsweek.com.

17 February

MacShane Meets Rotherham Youngsters in Commons
Denis MacShane hosted a meeting in the House of Commons from young Asian students from Rotherham who visited the House of Commons today. "I welcome all visits from constituents. This was a very bright group who asked tough questions such as why Abu Hamza who preaches hate goes to prison but the BNP leader, Nick Griffin, also a hate politician is freed. I had no easy answer. They also said that Rotherham young Muslims found it twice as hard to get a job as their white equivalents even if the Muslim youngster had better qualifications. This is a Britain-wide problem. I asked to come to me with any complaints of being turned down for a job because they were Asian. Defeating racial bias in employment is a never-ending battle."

Welcome for new Socialist International President
The election of George Papandreou, leader of Greek's socialist Pasok party, has been welcomed by Denis MacShane. "George is one of the new generation of outstanding European political leaders. He was the architect of the rapprochement between Athens and Ankara and a very valued colleague as Foreign Minister of Greece when I worked on European politics." In a letter to Papandreou MacShane writes: "Many congratulations on being elected President of the Socialist International. It is good to know the SI is in your hands. There are big problems for the democratic left in Europe and worldwide to overcome. I am trying to think and work on some of these issues not I am free of ministerial office and can write and speak as I please"

16 February

MacShane Says Rotherham Jobs Threatened by Soaring Energy Costs
Speaking in the House of Commons, Rotherham MP Denis MacShane has said that high energy costs are threatening jobs in Rotherham. MacShane urged ministers to take seriously the concerns of the UK glass industry which had seen its profits almost wiped out thanks to the soaring price of gas.

MacShane ask Transport Secretary to Consider Motorway Vignette
As part of an overall policy of making motorists and lorry drivers accept responsibility for the costs of building and maintaining motorways, Denis MacShane MP has argued for charges to be levied for those drivers, including himself, who regularly use motorways.

15 February

Rotherham MP Welcomes Union, Government Action on Steel Job Losses, Calls for Manufacturing Policy
Rotherham MP, Denis MacShane, has urged the steel industry and trade unions to work with ministers to draw up a non-protectionist policy to support manufacturing in the UK following the announcement that a steel mill will close in his constituency of Rotherham.

Welcome for Smoking Ban Vote
Denis MacShane MP has welcomed the overwhelming decision of the Commons to ban smoking and said that a statue should be erected to Kevin Barron MP for Rother Valley who has campaigned on this issue for two decades and whose determination has been rewarded.

MacShane Urges Unions to Defeat Job-Killing Protectionism
Note to readers. As a former trade union official I am always worried when trade unions are tempted by protectionist and isolationist arguments. They have a superficial populist appeal but are bad economic and bad politics.

14 February

Time for Labour to Pull Together Says MacShane
Denis MacShane has welcomed the unity shown at the Labour Party's Spring Conference. "It was good to hear the Prime Minister make a clear re-statement of Labour's classic values."

13 February

MP Asks Sports Minister to Step In on Millers
Rotherham MP, Denis MacShane, has appealed to Sports Minister, Richard Caborn to intervene over the financial crisis which may take Rotherham's football club, "The Millers" into liquidation.

10 February 2006

MacShane Suggests USA Open Diplomatic Contacts with Iran
Speaking in the House of Commons, Rotherham MP, Denis MacShane, called on the United States to recognise Iran in order to lessen the chances of a major confrontation. MacShane said "Iran supports terrorism, wants to see the extermination of every Jew from the face of the earth in its region and soon will possess a nuclear bomb. My right hon. Friend has tried with might and main to find a diplomatic solution, but we are on a glide path to a serious confrontation. In that regard, 35 years ago the main enemy of the United States—it had an ideology that America opposed and supported action that America opposed—was China but, in a great diplomatic coup, President Nixon went to China, recognised China and world history was turned. Does my right hon. Friend think that the time has come for the United States to offer diplomatic recognition to Iran—a personal opinion, please?"

Mr Straw "I think that that is a matter for the United States, Mr. Speaker."

9 February

Knife Amnesty Will Make Rotherham Safer
New anti gun and knife laws are needed 'sooner rather than later'
Denis MacShane MP, welcomed the announcement of a national knife amnesty announced by Home Secretary, Charles Clarke MP today.

8 February

Call for Britain to Have stronger Voice in Europe
Denis MacShane today urged British politicians, business, NGO and union leaders to create new "networks of influence" in Europe. .The former Europe minister was speaking in Brussels at the launch of his pamphlet "Britain's Voice in Europe: Time for Change".

John Monks, head of the European Trade Union Confederation who spoke at the launch welcomed MacShane's ideas as did Edward Macmillan Scott, the Conservative MEP and vice president of the European Parliament. MacShane's pamphlet is available from the Foreign Policy Centre. (Europe@fpc.org.uk)

7 February

MacShane Chairs First Meeting of Anti-Semitism Enquiry
Leaders of Britain's Jewish community attended the first hearing of the All-Party Inquiry Into Anti-Semitism which is being chaired by Denis MacShane MP. BBC TV News carried a full report of the worries of Britain's Jews about physical attacks on rabbis, as well as Jewish places of worship and cemeteries. Henry Grundwald QC President of the Board of British Deputies told MacShane and other MPs that "anti-Semitism is a pernicious form of racism." Commenting MacShane said : "At this time of heightened tension over Islam it is vital to recall that British Jews now live with increased fear." Further hearings will be held in Parliament.

3 February

MP Welcomes Blair's Oxford Speech on Europe
Tony Blair's optimism about the future of the European Union expressed in his speech in Oxford yesterday has been welcome by Rotherham MP, Denis MacShane.

2 February 2006

Call for Re-Think of UK Energy
Denis MacShane has urged British Glass - the industrial federation organising glass companies - to put pressure on the CBI, the government and the media for a major re-think of how British energy supplies are organised.

1 February 2006

Conservative and Liberal-Democratic Indifferent to Muslim Concerns
Denis MacShane MP has said that yesterday's vote by Liberal Democratic and Conservative MPs to reject a law that would address the concerns of Muslims about the level of hate crimes against their faith and against Muslims showed that Parliament did not understand its duty to help increase tolerance and integration in Britain.

Denis MacShane MP Receives Website Award
Rt Hon Denis MacShane MP, has received the MP Website of the Month award presented by leading online politics website ePolitix.com.

 

30 January

MacShane Welcomes Health Test Plans
Denis MacShane MP has welcomed the announcement by Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt that all citizens will have regular health checks during their life time. "This is an important step forward in making the NHS a truly health rather than "illness" service. I look forward myself to having a health check up and get told about blood pressure, cholesterol, and get advice on how to stay healthy."

MP Attends Robin Cook Unveiling
A new portrait of Robin Cook MP will hang in Parliament after its unveiling by the Speaker, Michael Martin MP, in Westminster today. Denis MacShane who worked as a Parliamentary Private Secretary at the Foreign Office with Robin Cook attended the unveiling ceremony. "Robin was one of the giants of Parliament and of the Labour Party. He helped to define politics for my generation by his brilliant speeches and his principled approach," said MacShane

Blair Asks MacShane for View of Europe
Prime Minister Tony Blair held a meeting today with Denis MacShane MP in Downing Street to discuss a new approach to European politics. The Prime Minister is due to make a  major speech on Europe on Thursday. "It was good to talk to the Prime Minister and his commitment to increasing Britain's influence in Europe. Britain has to lead in Europe. I am disappointed that William Hague, whose comic anti-European views are worthy of Celebrity Big Brother, has been parading around Brussels today arguing that the Tories should ditch contacts with fellow conservative parties and instead link up with the loony right-wing, homophobic, women-hating fringe of right-wing EU political parties," said Denis MacShane.

23 January

Turkish Novelist's Trial
Former Europe Minister Denis MacShane MP has welcomed the decision of the Turkish government to stop the trial of Orhan Pamuk the world famous Turkish novelist

18 January

MacShane Urges US to Recognise Teheran
Denis MacShane says the United States should offer diplomatic recognition to Iran. In an article in today's Independent, former FCO minister, Denis MacShane, urges President Bush to imitate his predecessor Richard Nixon, who transformed America's relations with its arch-foe communist China, by offering diplomatic recognition and move to open diplomatic recognition with Iran. The full article can be read in today's Independent or by reading the article section of the web-site.

January 17

MacShane Holds Talks with Outokumpo on Job Losses
Denis MacShane today met Juha Rantanen, CEO of the Finnish stainless steel firm Outukumpo, to urge more support for workers facing redundancy at the company plant on the M1 between Rotherham and Sheffield.

13 January 2006

Denis MacShane MP with Broom Valley and Moorgate constituents discussing national and local issues. As part of his regular discussion  forums with  Rotherham voters Denis MacShane together with local councillors, Cllr Rose McNeely, Cllr Mahroof Hussain, Cllr Peter Wootton held talks with local residents. The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Hilda Jack also came along and took part in the meeting.

MacShane Urges Pensioners To Keep Warm
It is vitally important for Rotherham pensioners to keep their homes warm in winter. I welcome the Government decision set out in the the 2005 Pre-Budget Report in December to include the following package of support....

12 January 2006

Welcome for Free Vote on Smoking
Denis MacShane MP has welcomed the government's change of heart to allow a free vote on a smoking ban in public places. "I am glad I can go into the same lobby as my good friend, the Rother Valley MP, Kevin Barron and vote for a  life-saving ban on smoking in all public places. It would have been ludicrous to ban smoking in Scotland and Northern Ireland but not in England. Now clubs, pubs, bingo hall and discotheques will be on the same footing. It is a tribute to the tireless campaigning efforts of Kevin Barron MP that the government had changed its position and allowed a free vote. I hope the Tories and Lib-Dems to support a free vote for their MPs as well," said Denis MacShane.

11 January 2006

MacShane Invites 2000 Constituents to Coffee
A coffee morning with a difference in Rotherham when local MP Denis MacShane invites 2000 constituents from Broom Valley to join him for coffee on Saturday morning 21 January. "I do not know how many will turn up but I hope this new initiative will allow me and local councillors in Boston Ward to listen to issues on national, local and world politics that are important to the people of Rotherham," said MacShane.

MacShane Questions Big Brother Appearance by MP
In an article in today's Independent, Denis MacShane MP, has deplored the behaviour of the MP George Galloway in appearing with bizarre characters on Celebrity Big Brother. "It is sad to see an MP with George's rhetorical talent behaving in this way. It will shock all British Muslims who expect MPs to behave with decency and self-respect whatever their views on Middle East issues," MacShane added.  The full article can be read in today's Independent of 11 January 2006.

10 January 2006

MacShane Urges Government to Consult with Unions on Steel Pensions
Rotherham MP Denis MacShane has told the Pensions Minister to consult with trade unions like Community and Amicus on steel and related industry pensions.

1 January 2006

Denis MacShane New Year Message

Rotherham MP Denis MacShane has said the continuing prosperity and social cohesion of his constituency in Rotherham will be his principal object of work in 2006. "We have to build on Rotherham's achievements under a Labour government since 1997 in creating jobs, helping pensioners, rebuilding our schools after years of Tory neglect and increasing the respect we have for each other as individuals and show respect for the traditions, faiths and cultures of our communities. "I will keep up my close ccoperation with Rotherham's award winning Chamber of Commerce and Rotherham Council as well as with friends in the trade unions and hard working professionals in Rotherham public services." Turning to national politics MacShane said Labour leaders had to show moore unity and discipline. "Labour must stop its bickering and briefing at the highest level. A divided party will not win elections." On international politics MacShane said he hoped there would be far fewer troops in Iraq soon as Iraqis took responsibility for their own security. I also hope that a new government in Israel can continue the withdrawal from land occupied after the 1967 attack on Israel. It is time for all Arab countries to recognise Israel and join the world campaign against terrorism. I also hope India can move on Kashmir. Resident Bush should make this clear to the Indian leadership. On Europe 2006 should be the year of job creating reforms. The new Conservative leadership is maintaining the hard line of anti-Europeanism. This projectionist isolationism does damage to Britain's standing and influence in Europe."

29 December

Denis MacShane comments:

Everyone is watching the frantic efforts of the Conservative Party to re-position themselves by calling for wealth re-distribution or helping Bob Geldoff get back into the publicity front line. So far, it is all talk and no policy from the Tories. Are they really going to break with their Thatcherite past and start supporting social justice policies? Personally, I think Notting Hill Toryism will have to keep faith with the rich and powerful in Britain. Taxes will be cut for the super-rich and services will be cut for the poor - including many constituents in Rotherham.

One of my constituents, Ann Edwards, wrote to me about the attempts of the Conservatives to re-invent themselves. Here is what she said: "I agree entirely with your view of the new Tory leader. UGH! And just like the previous ones I'm afraid he will go the same way. It must be a nice change for Mr Blair to face so many different opposition leaders and they, alas, are still trying to get him out, get him down. Oh dear they must know it is a losing battle."

I agree with Ann. Wait and see.

28 December

Denis MacShane publishes a new policy pamphlet today calling for Britain to overhaul its approach to policy-making in Europe.

The Foreign Policy Centre is pleased to publish a new pamphlet by the Rotherham MP, Denis MacShane, in which he calls for a new approach by the UK to Europe so that government, business, NGOs, MPs and union can seek to influence EU decision-making before it is set in stone.

24 December

The President of the Maldives has been urged by Denis MacShane to grant an amnesty to all political detainees and to stop political charges against journalists and the democratic opposition on the popular holiday destination.

December 23

MacShane Discusses Foreign Policy in Prospect
In a review of the controversial book by Sir Christopher Meyer, the former UK ambassador in Washington, in the new edition of the monthly journal, Prospect, Denis MacShane says that British foreign policy should do more create support for Britain in Europe and Asia, especially China, Japan, Korea and India. You can read the full review in the articles section of this website.

December 22

MP Congratulates Local School On Ofsted Inspection Results
Denis Mac Shane MP for Rotherham today congratulated Wingfield staff and pupils on their recent OFSTED inspection results.

MacShane Works with Keith Goulty on
Rotherham Problems
In a street surgery in Kimberworth Park in Rotherham, Denis MacShane introduced the new Labour candidate for the May 2006 council elections, Keith Goulty, to local residents. "Keith is a good friend who worked closely with me as one of the steelworker union leaders in Rotherham. He has previously served on Rotherham Council and we are lucky to have him join the Labour team working for Rotherham.

December 21

MacShane Urges Job Action in Europe
Speaking in Warsaw, Denis MacShane, said that Europe should now focus on economic reform and job-creation in 2006. In a wide-ranging speech, MacShane outlined 10 challenges for Europe in 2006. See speeches.

19 December

MacShane in Die Welt
For German readers, Denis MacShane was interviewed by Die Welt on Saturday about the Orhan Pamuk trial in Istanbul. Please see the article in the Deutsch section.18 December

Denis MacShane attack at trial of Turkish writer
Denis MacShane MP was attacked by anti-European ultra-nationalists in Istanbul on Friday when attending the trial of Orhan Pamuk - the Turkish novelist. Pamuk is being charged under Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code because he said Turkey should examine its past treatment of Armenians and Kurds. 50 other writers and journalists also faced charges of "insulting" the Turkish nation for calling on Turkey to examine its own historical record.

The trial and the attack on MacShane was widely reported on world television and in the press. Go to articles for a comment MacShane wrote in today's Observer on the Pamuk case.

16 December

Denis MacShane Congratulates Rotherham Council On 3 Star Rating
Denis MacShane, MP for Rotherham, has today written to Councillor Roger Stone, the leader of Rotherham council and Mike Cuff the Chief Executive to congratulate RMBC for the 3 star rating.

14 December

Denis MacShane MP for Rotherham met with Rotherham Royal Mail staff Jim Burgess and Wendy Stocks on a visit to his local delivery office on Wednesday 14 December.

Denis MacShane Meets Up With Local Royal Mail Staff
Denis MacShane MP for Rotherham met with Rotherham Royal Mail staff at the local delivery office on Wednesday 14 December.

13 December

Denis Macshane Meets Up With Local Royal Mail Staff
Denis MacShane MP for Rotherham will be meeting Rotherham Royal Mail staff at the local delivery office on Wednesday 14 December.

Denis MacShane will today be meeting with the following Trade Union leaders from Yorkshire to explore ways of strengthening Trade Union organisation and growth in Rotherham and the rest of the Yorkshire and Humber region. Cliff Williams, Chair of the Regional TUC and Regional Secretary of Unison, Eddie Spence, Regional Secretary of PCS and Convenor of the Regional TUC Racial Awareness Forum, Bill Adams, Regional Secretary of the TUC, John Lewis, Policy Officer, Regional TUC, Sean Cahill - Regional Secretary, FBU, Chris Beastall, Equalities and Campaigns Officer, Regional TUC. Mr MacShane and other Yorkshire MP will hold the meeting in the House of Commons. MacShane said

"Trade Unions are central to any concept of families in the workplace. Now that we have commitment from the new Tory leadership to destroy the social rights that British workers get from the European Union - notably 28 days paid holiday each year - is vital that every working man and woman in Yorkshire and the Humber joins a Trade Union and together we can see of this new Tory threat to basic social rights."

12 December

Denis MacShane Says Walk In For Health Advice This Winter
Denis MacShane MP visited the new Rotherham Weekend Walk-in Centre when it opened on Saturday 10 December.

9 December

Denis MacShane today appeared on BBC Radio 4's 'Any Questions' chaired by Jonathan Dimbleby. He appeared along side Alan Duncan MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Liberal Democrat MP Chris Huhne and journalist Jo'ann Nadler. For those with broadband internet access, the full broadcast can be heard via the BBC website.

10 December

Denis MacShane MP with Jonathan Dimbleby, Chairman for Any Questions and Northallerton Rotary Club President, Ian Mitchelson (9 December)

8 December

Denis MacShane Welcomes Acknowledgement Of High Quality Education In Rotherham Schools
Denis MacShane welcomes the news that two Rotherham schools have received one of the highest accolades possible - inclusion on the national list of successful schools.

7 December

Denis Macshane MP  Welcomes Top Performance Of Local School
Denis MacShane MP for Rotherham welcomes the news that Ferham Primary School is amongst the 100 top performing schools this year based on the most improved schools over the period 2002-2005.

6 December

£30 million Compensation to Rotherham Miners Under Labour
Denis MacShane has revealed that £30 million pounds have been paid to miners and their families in the Borough of Rotherham under compensation schemes initiated by the Labour government.

Pre-Budget Report Good News For Pensioners In Constituency - Denis MacShane MP
Denis MacShane MP today welcomed the Pre-Budget Report unveiled by Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown as "good news for pensioners and young people in Rotherham".

3 December

News Statement 
Britain's former Europe Minister, Dr Denis MacShane MP, has asked the EU Commissioner for enlargement, Olie Rehn, to consider whether it is worthwhile going on with EU membership negotiations in the light of the decision by the Turkish authorities to file charges against five respected Turkish newspaper columnists who wrote articles supporting an academic conference in September held to discuss the 1915 massacre of Armenians.

Mince Pies MP
Denis MacShane and Labour Party councillors and activists distributed mince pies in the centre of Rotherham today as part of a tradition of talking to Rotherham citizens informally in the period before Christmas. "We just wish people the best for the season and offer them a mince pie as a thank you for the solid support Rotherham always gives Labour. There is no hard-sell about politics and people can talk about anything under the sun, or under the winter clouds," explained MacShane.

Denis with councillors and friends at the annual event giving out mince pies to Rotherham shoppers as a thank you for past support along with the MP's calendar for 2006.

2 December

MacShane Urges Germans to Support CAP Reform
In an article in the German national newspaper, Tagesspiegel today, Denis MacShane MP says that reform of the whole EU budget to help poorer member states in East Europe should be a priority. He urges the new German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, to re-examine the 2002 deal on the CAP agreed between her predecessor, Gerhard Schroeder and French president, Jacques Chirac. MacShane tells German readers that Tony Blair has had to face opposition from the anti-EU press and the Conservative Party over his policy to open up the UK Labour market to Polish and other workers. "Blair has changed the British position on the rebate but this will be opposed by Conservatives who do not want to help the Poles, Czechs and Hungarians," said MacShane. The MP has been on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Scotland and BBC WM explaining why Britain should resist the anti-East Europe Daily Mail and Conservative Party and instead, show some solidarity with the new European states.

A copy of MacShane's German article can be found in the Deutsch section.

Denis Macshane MP  Welcomes Improvement In Local Schools Results
Denis MacShane MP for Rotherham welcomes the news that Rotherham schools are continuing to improve.

1 December

Launch Of Rotherham Carers Rights Day
Denis MacShane, MP for Rotherham, congratulates Rotherham Carers Forum on the launch of Carers Rights Day in Rotherham on Friday 2 December 2005. Denis MacShane will be joining Rotherham Carers for Carers Rights Day at their information stall in Rotherham town centre at 12.30 on Friday 2 December.

MacShane Urges FSA To Support Jobs in Rotherham
Denis MacShane has told Sir Callum McCarthy, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Financial Services Agency, that Britain's growing financial services sector should be spread more evenly across the UK. He said that Rotherham was open for investment for new jobs and with housing much cheaper than London and the people much more friendly the MP hoped that firms would think of opening new business in South Yorkshire.

MacShane held a meeting with Sir Callum at the FSA headquarters in Canary Wharf as part of his programme as an Ambassador for Rotherham aimed at encouraging more investment and jobs into the Borough.

"Financial services in Britain now employ almost 1 million people and contribute 5 per cent to British GDP. Obviously there will always be a concentration in London and we want to maintain the nation's capital as a world hub earning billions for Britain as well as paying taxes. But with new technology and the ease of transport in South Yorkshire it is time we made an effort to get some share of this growth industry for Rotherham and the region," said MacShane.

MacShane on BBC and Sky
Denis MacShane today appeared on the BBC's midday Politics Show to discuss the European budget. He told presented Andrew Neil that the main responsibility for the blockage over the EU budget lay with countries like Ireland and France who backed agricultural protectionism and refused any reform of the EU budget. "It cannot be Britain alone that takes the strain," said MacShane. The former Europe Minister also said Britain was let down by Conservative MPs and the incoming leader, David Cameron, who was breaking of all contacts with their sister parties in Europe. "President Barroso of the Commission as well as most EU leaders are Conservatives and it is sad that our Tories do not play  their part in Europe advancing the British case," said MacShane.

MacShane is due to appear on Sky TV at 2000h to discuss sex trafficking and on Sky Newsnight at 2230 to discuss Europe.

Comment
"I recommend everyone reads Ed Owen's excellent review in the new edition of the New Statesman of Sir Christopher Meyer's book on his time as Ambassador in Washington. After the demolition job last week in the Spectator by former top diplomat Sir Nicholas Henderson of Meyer's breaches of confidence and privacy Ed Owen, who was Jack Straw's closest aide upto May 2005 provides a damning indictment of Meyer."

Denis MacShane MP says: "I am committed to the battle against AIDS"
Denis Macshane welcomes new UK funding for global AIDS battle
On world AIDS day Denis MacShane MP gave his support to the UK's commitment to fight AIDS.

30 November

Let's Have a Pension Debate
Denis MacShane MP has welcomed the publication of the Adair report into pensions. "Now we can have a proper debate free of the leaks and special pleading in recent days. We need a fair, affordable pension scheme for Britain. In particular, we need laws to put right the scandals that have robbed workers in Rotherham of their full pension rights."

Progressive Politics Needs to Support International Rule of Law
Comments by Denis MacShane MP at Foreign Press Association on launch of St Antony's College, Oxford new International Affairs Review

29 November

Cameron's First Foreign Policy Move Is Rupture with Europe
Denis MacShane today raised in the House of Commons, the problem of David Cameron's commitment to rupture relations between the Conservative Party and their fellow conservative and centre-right parties in Europe.

25 November

Rt Hon Denis MacShane MP with teachers and pupils from Redscope, Rockingham, Sitwell and St Bede's schools receiving donations of computer equipment from Tesco's Computers for Schools scheme.

Rt Hon Denis MacShane MP with Sandra Surtees Head teacher of Sitwell Junior School, Councillor Hilda Jack Mayor of Rotherham and consort Kingsley Jack at the opening of the new classroom block at Sitwell Junior School.

Denis Macshane Hails Award For Rotherham Businesses
Last night Rotherham Chamber of Commerce won the coveted award of Chamber of Commerce of the Year at the British Chambers of Commerce annual award ceremony held in London.

EU Budget
Denis MacShane held talks last night with EU Commissioner, Joaquin Almunia. "I told Mr Almunia that the Commission as a whole had to take a lead in tackling the agro-protectionist governments in Europe so that they agree to reform of the CAP budget in exchange for Britain discussing the rebate. No MP will vote for a one-sided budget. The ball is now firmly in the court of Dublin, Rome, Brussels, Luxembourg and Paris as well as other nations who hold the key to a successful EU budget deal by opening up the prospect of CAP reform."

MacShane conveyed the same message to Polish government ministers and officials when the Rotherham MP met the new Polish Prime Minister, Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz, at the Royal Institute of International Affairs yesterday. "Mr Marcinkiewicz's visit to London early on in his period in office is important. Poland is a key friend and ally of the UK. We want to see the Polish economy grow and jobs created. I also hope the more aggressive aspects of Polish nationalist politics as well as intolerant statements on gays and the right of women to control their bodies do not grow in force as they do damage to Poland's good name across the world."

Censorship in Turkey
Denis MacShane has an article published in today's New Statesman protesting the trial next month in Turkey of the Turkish novelist, Orhan Pamuk.  "This is a further sign of the growing censorship movement in Europe, " writes MacShane. (See articles section for article.)

Press Complaints Commission
The Guardian today publishes an article by Denis MacShane MP arguing that the chairman of the Press Complaints Commission, Sir Christopher Meyer, should step aside following the controversy over his breaches of confidence in his book about being Ambassador in Washington DC.  Check Guardian website for article.

Comment on George Best
"Am I the only fan of George Best who finds the coverage on television of his dying moments ghoulish, unpleasant but all-so-typical of today's tabloid television. My best friend died 10 years in the Cromwell Hospital from advanced alcoholism which is a major illness that kills many. As a football reporter in the 1970s I saw George Best play magical football and I prefer those memories not the vulture-like reporting turning a sad and early death into a feast for the media carrion," said Denis MacShane.

23 November

Denis MacShane se rend a Paris aujourd'hui afin de discuter avec des hommes politiques français et allemands a l' Institut Heinrich Heine sur le theme du futur de l'Europe après l'arrivée au pouvoir en tant que Chancelier de Angela Merkel.

"L'Europe a besoin d' un regain d'énergie et de leadership, et j'espère que Mme Merkel travaillera de concert avec les autres Européens qui aspirent et mettent deja en œuvre les reformes" a-t-il déclaré.

Denis MacShane se rend ensuite a 18h dans les studios de la radio France Culture afin d'y évoquer l'Europe.
"J'espère que nous pourrons trouver des solutions aux crises autour du budget de l'Union européenne 2007-2013, et autour des negotiations a l'OMC. Ce sera un décembre noir pour l'Europe si les agro-protectionnistes parviennent a bloquer toute reforme du budget européen et a torpiller l'ouverture de l'économie mondiale aux exportations européennes de biens et de services. Tony Blair a renversé de 180 degrés la politique britannique en annonçant que la question du rabais britannique pourrait être discutée. La balle est désormais dans le camp des autres capitales européennes comme Dublin, afin que tout le budget puisse être discute", a ajoute D. MacShane.

22 November

Denis MacShane  MP Calls For Free Vote On Smoking Ban In Commons
The Rt Hon Dr Denis MacShane MP said he will vote for any measures in the Commons that lead to a reduction in cancer and other diseases caused by active and passive smoking, even if it means voting against the Government.

MacShane Holds First Meeting of Anti-Semitism Enquiry
MPs on the recently created All-Party Parliamentary Enquiry into Anti-Semitism held their first meeting today. The All-Party committee is chaired by Rt Hon Denis MacShane MP.

21 November

Minimum Wage Increase Welcomed
Denis MacShane has welcome the new minimum wage increase to £5.05 for adults and £4.25 for 18-21 year olds. 1.3 million low paid workers benefit from this boost to their earnings. "I will never forget the Tory years in Rotherham with wages as low as £1.50 an hour advertised in job agencies. Families with children in the poorest fifth of the population - that includes many in Rotherham - are on average £3,200 a year better off in real terms compared to 1997. That's why it was worthwhile voting Labour."

Press Complaints Council Chair Challenged.
Denis MacShane,a former president of the National Union of Journalists and well as a former minister, has suggested that the controversial chairman of the Press Complaints Commission, Sir Christopher Meyer, should stand aside until an enquiry is undertaken into his financial relationship with the media whose behaviour he is meant to oversee.

The following letter has been sent to all members of the Press Complaints Commission and members of its appointments committee. "The ball is now in the PCC's court. They have to deal with the Meyer problem and quickly," said MacShane.

Click here to read the letter MacShane has sent.

20 November

Fabians Urged to Work on European Policy
Speaking to the Surrey Fabian Society in Guildford, Denis MacShane, warned against Labour giving up its commitment to European construction." If the Tories ever find their way back to having a sensible policy on Europe while Labour indulges in Euroscepticism-lite we will find that public support, especially in the open trade sector of the economy, will drain away from Labour. Admittedly, with David Cameron adopting a hard-line anti-EU policy of pulling the Conservatives out of any relationship with fellow centre-right and conservative parties in the European Parliament, it looks as if the new leadership of the Conservative Party will stay true to the anti-EU politics of the last decade."

Andrew Marr Told Cameron is no Tony Blair
Denis MacShane told BBC1 Sunday morning presenter, Andrew Marr, that David Cameron should be seen more like Neil Kinnock than Tony Blair. "By that I mean no disrespect to Neil Kinnock whose work in saving the Labour Party from near-extinction was heroic and who helped shape the generation of leaders who won the 1997 election. But David Cameron is a much lighter figure and he has a Tory party still hankering for the past. Like Neil Kinnock, he will have to spend years making the Tories electable again."

Mo Mowlam
Denis MacShane joined hundreds at the Theatre Royal celebration of Mo Mowlam's life. "Mo was a wonderful friend from the moment I came into the Commons in 1994. She came to my house for parties and had the most wonderful gift of laughing at politics and politicians while taking what we do with deadly seriousness. We all miss her very much. Congratulations to Jon Norton, his children and Mo's family for rewarding us with a terrific evening of warmth, wit and witness to a great woman."