Harry Barnes

Labour MP North East Derbyshire

Date of birth

22 July 1936

Political profile

Harry Barnes is a former railway clerk, who became an academic specialising in politics and industrial relations before being elected to the Commons in 1987.

He is a leftwinger, and in the last Parliament was one of the most persistent rebels against the government, on issues such as asylum, benefit cuts and NATS privatisation.

He likes to lead focused backbench campaigns on specialised issues; besides having a long term interest in Northern Ireland affairs and the anti-nuclear movement, he has spearheaded the campaign for the 'Tobin Tax', a charge on international currency speculation to fund third world development.

He has also led calls for a medal to be awarded posthumously to members of the armed forces killed in service.

Mr Barnes will not be standing at the next general election.

Contact

Commons office 0207 219 4521

[e-mail]