Advertisement
News

James Bowen and Big Issue vendors welcomed into Parliament

‘A Street Cat Named Bob’ author James Bowen was among those invited by Lord Bird to an annual reception for successful organisations

The Big Issue has been a major innovator and influencer on social policy for over 25 years.

And to mark the achievements of the life-changing magazine and its founder Lord John Bird, a group of current and former Big Issue vendors were invited into Parliament last week.

James Bowen, the ex-vendor turned bestselling author of a Street Cat Names Bob, joined Lord Bird and Big Issue sellers at an evening reception held to celebrate the publication of The Parliamentary Review.

The group rubbed shoulder with some of the country’s leading political and business figures, sharing the entrepreneurial ideas behind The Big Issue that have helped thousands of homeless people overcome huge hurdles over the past quarter of a century.

The Parliamentary review is a series of documents based around key policy areas, where organizations and individuals – including Bird and The Big Issue – share best practice as a means of inspiring others.

Big Issue employee Sam, a former vendor who now acts as a franchisee to other vendors in London’s Covent Garden area, said the organization remained a leader.

Advertisement
Advertisement

“There are many charities around that hand out soup and sandwiches, clothes and sleeping bags,” said the former vendor. “But only The Big Issue will give you a structured life and your self-respect back.”

The Big Issue will give you a structured life and your self-respect back

TalkRADIO presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer was on hand to commend Lord Bird, the guest of honor, and Communities Secretary Eric Pickles also made a speech.

Although the world’s most famous street cat Bob did not attend the shindig at Westminster, his owner recently took him on a fact-finding trip to Japan.

James Bowen and Bob visited the Tokyo offices of The Big Issue Japan, our sister magazine founded in 2003. The pair also appeared on TV show called Unbelievable to talk about their remarkable story – made into a major motion picture last year.

Advertisement

Change a vendor's life this Christmas

This Christmas, 3.8 million people across the UK will be facing extreme poverty. Thousands of those struggling will turn to selling the Big Issue as a vital source of income - they need your support to earn and lift themselves out of poverty.

Recommended for you

Read All
Keir Starmer's pledge on benefits 'deepens stigma' and leads to 'fear and shame'
keir starmer
Benefits

Keir Starmer's pledge on benefits 'deepens stigma' and leads to 'fear and shame'

DWP benefit payment dates in December 2024 – including when you'll get benefits over Christmas
picture of money next to a clock representing dwp benefit payment dates
Benefits

DWP benefit payment dates in December 2024 – including when you'll get benefits over Christmas

Wham!'s Andrew Ridgeley on losing George Michael: 'There's a sadness now to Christmas'
Music

Wham!'s Andrew Ridgeley on losing George Michael: 'There's a sadness now to Christmas'

'Living is expensive': DWP winter fuel cuts forcing pensioners to choose between heating and eating
Chancellor Rachel Reeve standing at a podium and smiling
Winter fuel payment

'Living is expensive': DWP winter fuel cuts forcing pensioners to choose between heating and eating

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue