I entered the European Parliament in 2000, following three decades of involvement in Labour politics and the women’s movement. Since becoming an MEP, I have built upon previous political achievements, contributing to advances for women’s rights and culture in particular.
I am currently the Socialist and Democrat lead on Culture and Education. Since gaining election to this post in 2009, I have helped secure numerous important advances, including measures to tackle child safety online and steps to broaden employment and learning opportunities for Europe’s youth. I also act as Labour spokesperson for gender equality, a cause that has long been a focus of my work.