All articles written by Barry Gardiner MP on PoliticsHome.com

25 Nov Energy

World disasters expose the true cost of fossil fuel dependency

As climate disasters take place across the world, the true cost of fossil fuel reliance comes into stark focus. With billions spent on subsidies and climate commitments unmet, Barry Gardiner MP, chair of the Climate, Nature and Security APPG, asks: will leaders finally act before the next disaster strikes?

06 Aug Environment

We cannot just rely on Thames Water to get itself out of this mess

Both Thames Water and Ofwat tell us that Thames can get itself out of the mess it is in. But a lot of what we have been told by the company has been wrong: they told us that their shareholders would inject more capital, and at the Select Committee in 2023 they didn’t know the quantum of their own debt, or its terms – staggering for a company in financial trouble.

11 Jul Environment

MPs Urge Ofwat To Act As Water Bills Rise While Shareholder Dividends Continue

A group of Labour MPs led by senior back bencher Barry Gardiner have written to Ofwat chief executive David Black to express concern over the impact rising water bills will have on people struggling with the cost of living.

03 Apr Environment

Thames Water is collapsing – there’s only one way to save it

If the Tory government won't nationalise Thames Water, then it is going to have to be radical to avert a disaster.

22 Jan Home affairs

Labour MP Says Leasehold System Is Trapping People In Homes They Can't Sell

Labour MP Barry Gardiner has put forward an amendment to the Leasehold and Freehold Bill to reform service charges and remove another income stream for freeholders, as he continues to campaign for the abolition of the leasehold system.

25 Jun 2023 Energy

Labour MP Challenges Grant Shapps To Justify "Insane" Onshore Wind Ban

Labour MP Barry Gardiner has said the government's decision to keep the effective moratorium on building new onshore wind farms is “insane” and is keen for the chance to challenge the Energy Security and Net Zero secretary to justify the government's Net Zero plans to MPs.

14 Mar 2023 Books & culture

'Truly remarkable': Barry Gardiner reviews 'Wild Isles'

A captivating celebration of the globally important biodiversity of the British Isles, Sir David Attenborough’s new documentary series is a wake up call to protect our precious natural capital from further loss

13 Jan 2022 Foreign affairs

MPs Warned As Suspected Chinese Agent Named After MI5 Investigation

MPs have been told that a Chinese national named Christine Lee is accused of "facilitating financial donations to serving and aspiring politicians".

11 Nov 2021 Environment

Boris Johnson Accused Of "Skulking" Away From COP26 After Defending Corruption Allegations

Shadow energy secretary Ed Miliband accused Boris Johnson of a "dereliction of duty" as the COP26 talks enter their final days, after the Prime Minister made a whistlestop visit to Glasgow on Wednesday.

21 Jul 2021 Environment

For faith groups, progress on loss and damage is essential at the Glasgow climate summit

“The Earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it.” Psalm 24:1. What relevance might an ancient Hebrew poem, written millennia ago, have to the climate crisis?

08 Jun 2020 Coronavirus

Barry Gardiner 'wrong' to break social distancing rules at Black Lives Matter rally, says Keir Starmer

Labour MP Barry Gardiner was wrong to break social distancing guidelines while attending a Black Lives Matter rally, party leader Sir Keir Starmer has said.

04 Jun 2020 Coronavirus

Barry Gardiner rebuked by Labour for breaking social distancing measures at Black Lives Matter protest

Labour MP Barry Gardiner has been rebuked by senior party figures after revealing he was not abiding by social distancing measures at a Black Lives Matter protest.

30 Mar 2020 Political parties

We should thank Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership for bringing Labour back to being a member-led party

As Jeremy Corbyn steps down as leader of the Labour Party, it is right that we examine where our party is politically, intellectually and morally.

23 Sep 2019 Brexit

Labour will not allow this government to sell the UK short

Labour wants a general election but we will not risk a no deal Brexit to get there, writes Barry Gardiner MP

20 Sep 2018 Brexit

If this incompetent government isn’t up to the task, they should make way for one that is

We are facing the most important trade negotiation in this country’s history. Labour will ensure the jobs, livelihoods, and workplace rights of the British people are protected, writes Barry Gardiner

15 Dec 2017 Economy

With Liam Fox, optimism trumps sound judgment on trade

The Trade Bill must focus on standards and rights – not just tariffs and quotas – or the UK will end up with a raw deal, warns Barry Gardiner

04 Mar 2016 Environment

UK energy & economic security 'stronger within the EU'

Shadow Energy and Climate Change Minister Barry Gardiner writes that being in the EU ensures both the UK's energy and economic security.