Rachel has contributed to the debate at "openleft", a project aimed at renewing the thinking and ideas of the political left. The online conversation is generating interest from prominent politicians and commentators.

Rachel talks about her introduction to politics, the reasons she is on the left wing, and what changes we should see in Britain. See Rachel's contribution at http://www.openleft.co.uk/2009/07/20/rachel_reeves/

The rain held off for the Armley Moor Fun Day organised by Hazel, David and everyone else at the Armley Common Rights Trust. The day included dancing, games, food from the mosque, temple and the Healthy Living Network, as well as representation from housing, Children's Centre, Churches, police and much more.

Armley Common Rights Trust work hard to maintain the parks of Armley, and events like this make the most of them.You can find out more about the Common Rights Trust at www.armleycrt.org.uk

Rachel is pictured with visitors enjoying the fun day, and councillor Alison Lowe.

Sunday was the National Big Lunch day. Rachel spent the day with Interplay in Armley for a book swap, and delicious lunch. Bramley Elderly Action also hosted a big lunch at the Bramley Carnival. Two local examples of bringing the community together and spending time with each other. Well done to Armley Mayoress, Emma Bearman for organising. Also thanks to Toni Myers for taking the photos, which can be found at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wicca303/sets/72157621561166151/

http://www.thebiglunch.com/

Open Left launches today, it's mission - rediscovering the Left's idealism, pluralism and appetite for radical ideas. I have contributed to the debate, led by James Purnell and Demos. Go to http://www.openleft.co.uk/ to find out more.

On Sunday Rachel enjoyed a day out at Bramley Carnival. She was happy to meet Jamie Jones-Buchanan, local lad of Leeds Rhinos fame, who opened the festivities.

Rachel spent the afternoon at Hollybush Primary School and Children's Centre. Rachel was very impressed with the school which has been widely praised since opening in 2005, winning plaudits for the role it plays the heart of the local community.

Rachel is pictured with Terrie, manager of the children's centre, who is stepping up to a city-wide role at the start of the next academic year. Terrie (pictured with Rachel) leaves Bramley with the best wishes and thanks of the local community, which she has supported in the citizen's advice bureau, job centre plus and of course, at Hollybush.

Link: http://www.ippr.org.uk/publicationsandreports/publication.asp?id=683

Re-building the economy in the wake of the credit crisis and recession is not going to be easy. But, if we want to build the jobs for the future, the Government have an important role to play in supporting investment and skills. In this paper, I set out how that could be achieved.

Full Report

Link: http://www.labourlist.org/quantitative-easing-working-bank-england-deputy-governor-reeves

On Monday, I attended a speech given by Charlie Bean in Leeds – really good to see the Bank of England get out of London! Government action to lift the economy out of recession is making a difference, he argued, although the form the recovery might take remains uncertain. See http://www.labourlist.org/quantitative-easing-working-bank-england-deputy-governor-reeves for more information.

Rachel joined members of Bramley Elderly Action for the opening of the Bramley Shopping Centre drop in point. Local residents will now be able to access support and resources there as well as at the Stanningley Road HQ.

A great Saturday spent at the Kirkstall festival. The sun kept shining all day. The day started with the schools parade through Kirkstall and then on for a day of entertainment, bringing the community together in the wonderful surroundings of Kirkstall Abbey. Well done to John Liversedge and the committee for organising such a fantastic day.

Link: http://www.wyp.org.uk/events/event_details.asp?event_ID=5471

On Saturday evening I went to see the premiere of ‘Dust’, a play telling the story of the courageous, June Hancock, and the Armley community who fought the JW Roberts factory that pumped out asbestos in to the community causing people to die from asbestos poisoning, mesothelioma. The play will be performed at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. I can highly recommend it: http://www.wyp.org.uk/events/event_details.asp?event_ID=5471

Link: http://www.justgiving.com/brendabrady

On the 23-26th July 09 I will be supporting a good friend, Rebecca, who has put together a team to cross the country from Liverpool to Hull by bicycle. This 200 mile challenge - over four days - is to fundraise for Mouth Cancer, which Rebecca's mother suffered from, but also for the family to do something positive and inspirational a year on from her death. I will be joining Rebecca, her father and brother and partner and two other friends on the first day for fifty miles, between Liverpool and Stockport.

Rebecca's mother, Brenda Brady, leaves a huge gap in the lives of those who knew her, all her life she was a generous and giving of her time and energy. A keen fundraiser she held events in the house for various aid appeals and local charities. Through church and as a friend she quietly supported countless people who couldn't get out of the house, gave comfort and support to lonely people as they passed away and did the small everyday unsung things for others all her life. During her struggle with mouth cancer, despite her own constant pain she became a great support to others, volunteering with the Mouth Cancer Foundation to support people who were experiencing disfiguring operations and coming to terms with life post operation and writing a cook book for people who couldn't chew or swallow like herself. She was also a patient representative on the NICE board campaigning for drugs to be made available on the NHS and saw Erbitux made available during her time on the committee. She was also a very keen fundraiser. Basically she was inspirational and amazing!

If you can sponsor us your support will not only help us get over the Pennines, but will help other people like Brenda get the support they need through the Mouth Cancer Foundation. please go to http://www.justgiving.com/brendabrady

We are getting really frustrated with the ability of Leeds City Council to clear away rubbish. This was the latest on Haddon Avenue yesterday afternoon.

If you are suffering with fly-tipping or rubbish being dumped where you are, please get in touch.

This year’s UN climate change conference is a chance to take urgent action, say Andrew Pakes and Rachel Reeves – but securing a deal will be tough

The road to Copenhagen is paved with good intentions and competing demands for what should be included in the new treaty on global warming. The UK government has set a high bar for success, building on its own ambitions in the Climate Change Act for an 80% cut in emissions by 2050. Following on from April’s G20 summit in London, which achieved international agreement on measures to rebuild the global economy, the United Nations climate change conference in Copenhagen in December is a chance to rise to the urgent challenge of tackling global warming.

read more...

Rachel met with women at the Stocks Hill Day Centre in Armley who attend the 'Dosti' group (meaning friendship). Women can take part in computer and English classes, exercise, massage and use the crèche. Dosti also works with the Citizens' Advice Bureau and offers counselling for Asian women.

"The women I met all spoke about the strong sense of community at the group."

Rachel joined members of New Farnley Cricket Club and representatives from the English Cricket Board and Yorkshire County Cricket Club for the awarding of the Club Mark, a prestigious award to recognize the Club's community involvement work.

Rachel said "It was fantastic to see so many young people enjoying the weather and the game, including many young people making a mark at a county level already. The Club relies on dedicated volunteers to keep up the excellent work."

Reaction to the award can be found in "Armley Today" at http://www.armleytoday.co.uk/5010/New-Farnley-Cricket-Club-achieve.5481220.jp

Rachel welcomed the announcement today by Transport Minister, Lord Adonis, that the National Express East Coast train route will be nationalised later this year. The top priority is to keep this vital train route running. Critically, there will be no interruption of services.

Existing operational staff a who continue to provide a good service a will transfer to the new East Coast Main Line company; so will the assets necessary for the continuation of the service. The Government has assured the travelling public that services will continue without disruption and all tickets will be honoured.

Rachel joined teachers, parents and children (including Hannah and Jack, pictured) at Kirkstall Valley Primary School for their summer fayre, fantastic paella, tombola, ice-lollies and lots more. A great afternoon was had by all. KVPS is delivering an excellent education to local children, as recognised by the recent Ofsted report.

Rachel joined Community Support Officer, Alison, for a walkabout on the Broadleas, talking about tackling anti-social behaviour and crime and also the importance of building trust and relationships in the community to support local residents and businesses. Rachel said "PCSOs do an excellent job in our communities, and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude. Powers given by our Labour Government to tackle anti-social behaviour and to make police locally accountable is making a huge difference".