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Don't close the door on people with disabilities

Businesses can be reluctant to employ people with disabilities, but they are missing out on high quality potential staff, according to Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People. Read

Muslim women's voice will be heard in debate

Recent Government plans to tackle extremism gives Muslim women a chance to come to the fore in society, says Shaista Gohir. Read

Europe gives us pregnant pause over motherhood

As Tory leader David Cameron unveils proposals to allow new parents to take six months' leave together to look after their baby, two Birmingham career women highlight the current gap between maternity rights in Britain and other European countries. Read

Polls bring warning signs for Brown

As opinion polls show David Cameron's Conservative Party firmly in the lead, Political Editor Jonathan Walker asks - is it all over for Gordon Brown? Read

Torture lights the touchpaper of terrorism

At Guantanamo Bay detention and torture are carried out with a doctor standing by. The medical profession has its own shameful history of collaboration with torture; consultant neurologist Dr David Nicholl says it's time the Americans learned - and acted on - the lessons of the past. Read

Region's success in fight over 'hidden disability'

Here in the West Midlands, ground-breaking autism work is being done of which we should all be proud, says Carolyn Bailey, chief executive of autism.west midlands. Read

Why it's crunch time for idea of a new central bank

The credit crunch crisis and financial turmoil in the markets has strengthened the case for reform of the Bank of England and the argument for a Bank of Britain, says Andrew Lydon. Read

Traversing a minefield of matrimonial love and loss

The remaining silence over the details of the McCartneys' divorce case will have a lasting impact and will matter to millions of peopel who await a clear voice on divorce law, says Trevor Lee. Read

Rural poor pay high price for living in countryside

New research to be unveiled in Birmingham tomorrow will show that for one part of society - the rural poor - the grass is no longer greener, as Jane Jackson, director of production at The Rural Media Company, explains. Read

Ongoing Labour fiction about UK's skills crisis

We face a skills crisis but the Government is not doing enough to address it, says Conservative MP John Hayes Read

Samurai wisdom offers lessons for us all

The Government is planning restrictions on the ownership of Samurai swords. However, in trained hands, the ancient weapons can be a force for social good, argues martial artist Fay Goodman. Read

Citizenship, allegiance and the tale of the tourist

Citizenship ceremonies are on the cards for school pupils. First, however, the goverment might wish to concentrate on immigration, visas and a guru on the run, says Roshan Doug. Read

Let's have some balance please, Mr Ambassador

The Israeli ambassador was in Birmingham recently when he spoke powerfully in defence of his country, but his concerns were selective and his agenda plain, says Adam Lewitt. Read

25 years is a long time in politics for Mr Brown

Public sector reform over the last 25 years have too often taken us "back to the future" with little sign of a political learning curve. Gordon Brown should take note, urges Chris Painter. Read

The stumbling blocks women are still facing

Almost one century after the first ever International Women's Day was held, solicitor Diane Benussi argues true sex equality still hasn't been achieved. Read

A view to a skill is not mission impossible . . .

Skills are the key to the West Midlands generating new wealth in the changing domestic and global economy, says the region's Minister Liam Byrne. Read

Challenging the many myths about gipsies

Racism and sexism have no place in 21st century society, so why should prejudice against gipsies still be accepted? Ian Hughes, chief executive of the Evesham-based Rooftop Housing Group, calls for greater understanding. Read

Outrageous for UK to back Iranian oppression

At a time when Britain and the EU might be expected to help democracy flourish in Iran, they are instead bolstering its oppressive regime, argues Lord Corbett of Castle Vale. Read

Invest in rural England - and reap a golden harvest

They are dynamic and diverse, and major contributors to the West Midlands economic and social prosperity, but rural communities still need help, says Dr Stuart Burgess, Rural Advocate and Chair of the Commission for Rural Communities. Read

Gordon Brown and Labour treat second city as second rate

Ahead of Labour's Spring Conference, Andrew Mitchell MP, shadow minister for Birmingham, reviews Gordon Brown's first eight months in office. Read

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