Alice Mahon

Labour MP Halifax

Date of birth

28 September 1937

Political profile

Alice Mahon, an MP since 1987 and formerly a trade union activist, is one of Labour's most consistent backbench rebels.

She has always espoused a left wing, Campaign group style of politics, which has been often been focused firmly on anti-war activism.

She has long called for the withdrawal of British troops from Northern Ireland and for the end of sanctions against Cuba and Iraq.

She also campaigned against the Gulf war and the NATO attacks on Serbia.

She has also spoken on feminist issues, and against curbs on abortion.

She is a Eurosceptic, and voted against Maastricht.

When Labour came to power in 1997, she was a surprise choice as parliamentary private secretary to Chris Smith, but did not last long.

She resigned in December 1997 in order to vote against cuts in lone parent benefits, and has joined every significant rebellion since.

She has most recently been one of the leading opponents of US proposals for National Missile Defence and led a Commons motion voicing concern over possible action against Iraq.

Contact

020 7219 4464

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