As a former Unite rep & Exec Council member, I find reports of secret talks between Unite officials & Nigel Farage’s Reform UK deeply concerning Reform are no friend of working people - their record is one of attacking trade unions, support for weakening workers’ rights and dividing our communities

I've signed my name to a motion calling on Government to reconsider proposals to delay access to the Universal Credit health element for young disabled people under 22.

I was proud to be one of the first 10 signatures of the @nionwomen.bsky.social petition that has now reached 100,000. Whilst the Daily Mail and others continue to spew hate out on their front pages and other hate groups continue to try and push discriminatory policies that harm all women -

Deadline for registering to vote in the 7th May elections is 11.59pm on 20th April. Don't lose out. Register now and make sure you use your vote🗳️ https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote #VoteLabour

Today marks the 37th anniversary of the #Hillsborough disaster, my thoughts are with the 97, their loved ones and survivors still fighting for justice No more delays, we need the full #HillsboroughLawNow #JFT97

In Parliament today MPs will be voting on a Bill to give police unprecedented powers to ban recurring protests - this is something I absolutely oppose. The right to protest is not a privilege, it is a fundamental freedom of democracy -

Govt has announced major changes to support for children and young people with SEND, incl new Individual Support Plans, changes to EHCPs & more support delivered through mainstream schools. These reforms could have a significant impact on families, young ppl & education staff across our community.

When diagnosed early, nine in ten people survive bowel cancer. That’s why this #BowelCancerAwarenessMonth, I'm helping @bowelcanceruk.bsky.social  raise awareness of the disease, so everyone has the best chance of an early diagnosis.

Maya and her family were failed by the system. I firmly support calls for Maya’s Law to be brought into law so that this can never happen again and I’m hopeful that this debate will push for this law to be put in place.

Today, on Yom HaShoah, we remember the 6 million Jews murdered during the Holocaust. We honour their memory and reaffirm our commitment to eradicating antisemitism in all its forms. Never again.

The Government has now set out plans to reform SEND support and there's a consultation open until 18 May. Please take a moment to respond here: consult.education.gov.uk/send-strateg... Constituents please do also reach out and share your views with me [email protected]

I'm pleased to announce that with new government funding, 1183 primary age children will take part in free breakfast clubs across Jarrow and Gateshead East.

As a former union rep, I’ve seen first-hand how workers have been forced to choose between their health and their wages Our Employment Rights Act will end that injustice, making sure you get Statutory Sick Pay from day 1 - no more 3-day wait without pay Nobody should ever have to go to work sick

Over half a million pensioners in the North East have seen their state pension go up to £575. After years where rising prices have eaten into fixed incomes, too many older people have been left struggling to keep up with the cost of essentials.

April is Stress Awareness Month Stress is a natural part of life, but when it becomes chronic, it affects our health, happiness, and performance. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax - what do you do to de-stress and relax?

Pets are such an important part of the family, me and my team are all animal obsessed so we are celebrating our wonderful furry friends today! What’s more, on 1 May the Renters Rights Act will come into force, ensuring tenants will have a legal right to keep pets for the very first time.

I am pleased to finally see the end of the two-child limit, a punishing policy which always had a disproportionate impact on my constituents. I opposed it from the very start.

The Hebburn Food Market is back this Saturday from 10 til 2pm! Do head over if you’re out in Hebburn!

Day one rights to paternity leave and unpaid parental leave are now a reality thanks to our Employment Rights Act 👶✨ I know from my constituents that this will be a game-changer for new parents, who so often struggle with time and costs of childcare.

Stronger employment rights need real enforcement to mean anything. For too long, trade unions have had to step in to make those rights real - taking on bad employers and fighting to ensure the law is actually followed.

Today marks 27yrs since the historic signing of the Good Friday Agreement, and we can see the achievements made through the peace process. Thanks to those who worked to make this happen & my thoughts are with all those in Jarrow & Gateshead East & beyond who are remembering this landmark agreement.

We have increased the National Minimum Wage, giving 130,000 workers across the North East a much needed pay rise! It would not have happened without our Labour government working closely with trade unions to deliver the new Employment Rights Act.

Our government has abolished the Two Child Limit to lift almost half a million children out of poverty and boost their life chances It was a Tory policy that punished families simply for having more than two children, pushing many into hardship and denying children the support they need to thrive

As Passover draws to a close, I want to wish everyone marking the festival a peaceful and meaningful end to this important time. Chag Pesach Sameach to all who have observed.

While Parliament has been in recess, there has been no let-up in the work locally.

I’m pleased the government has listened to myself and campaigners to issue a cap on interest for Plan 2 and 3 student loans. However, we must go further. I don’t agree with making the cap time-limited, graduates need more than just a sticking plaster.

Trump is threatening destruction of infrastructure in Iran. Our Government should withdraw all US access to our military bases and stop the UK being dragged into a wider conflict. We cannot and should not be complicit in the war crimes the US president is threatening.

I’ve long campaigned for fertility equality because I know just how unfair, expensive and stressful the journey to parenthood can be for too many LGBTQ+ people.

The cost of first class stamps is already unaffordable for most, small businesses and individuals will struggle to face another hike, at the same time as a reduction in service from Royal Mail

My social media consultation will be closing soon, but there's still time to have your say👇 If you live in Jarrow and Gateshead East, I want to know your views on how social media affects young people - especially in relation to the suggested ban of social media for under-16s.

The shortlist for this years Gateshead Awards has been announced and you can cast your vote for the brilliant organisations and individuals nominated for awards For the full list of nominees and to cast your vote: www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/1117...

I’d like to wish Christians in Jarrow and Gateshead East and across the world a very happy Easter. I wish peace and happiness to everyone celebrating new hope.

Happy Saturday, I hope everyone is enjoying the bank holiday weekend! Last week, I went to as many easter events as I could from schools to our foodbanks who of course should not be necessary, but they are and they do fabulous work making sure everyone gets an egg and can enjoy the fun.

Embells have lots going on over the Easter half term! From Bingo, fitness and games, there is something for everyone - more info below on how to book a space!

I’ve really enjoyed the first few days of Recess from Parliament and have visited so many great businesses, care homes & schools, including Heworth Grange, Hebburn Town FC, Lishman’s Family Bakery, Springboard North East, Hebburn Helps, Out North East, Embells and Boldon & Cleadon community Library!

A hugely busy week in the constituency, filled with brilliant visits to businesses, schools & organisations! But of course I have continued working hard to support constituents with casework & below are just a few of this weeks wins If I can be of assistance do email [email protected]

South Tyneside's Good Friday Parade is a long established tradition and it is always great to see our local Cadets, Scout and Brownie groups and our Veterans march together. I was pleased to be there again this year and thank you to all who organised and participated, it was an excellent turnout

Tomorrow morning there is a community breakfast in partnership with the Dialogue Society at St. Luke's Methodist Church in Hebburn from 11am-1pm

Good Friday is one of the most sacred days in Christianity, it reflects a powerful message of sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption. Our constituency has a hub of brilliant churches and I hope you all have a peaceful Good Friday however you are spending it.

Good to join Labour colleagues, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and Jarrow and Gateshead East CLP Members and candidates on the Quayside today launching our Local Election campaign!

This Maundy Thursday I want to send my best wishes to my Jarrow and Gateshead East constituents and those across the UK. May this Holy week give you a moment to pause and reflect, however you spend it with friends or with family.

Passover is a time to reflect on the story of liberation, resilience and justice. Across Jarrow and Gateshead East, our communities continue to support those in need: providing care, solidarity, and social responsibility. Chag Pesach Sameach to all who are celebrating.

More Easter Egg donations today, I dropped in to catch up with Christine and the team at Bede's Helping Hands to deliver some eggs for the Easter Bunny to give out tomorrow 🐰

I had lots of fun at Boldon Family Hub this week joining one of the Foundation of Light cookery courses. The sessions provide advice and practical guidance for cooking on a budget & it was lovely to meet young mums Ashleigh and Stephanie to hear how they have benefitted from new skills and recipes.

Visited Boldon Community Food Store to deliver some Easter Eggs 🐣, and some other essentials they were running low on, the volunteers do a fantastic job supporting residents in Boldon If you're able to, please do consider donating!

Israel has approved the death penalty for Palestinians but not for Israelis who commit the same crime. Any use of the death penalty is of course wrong. Israel's law as well as being deeply discriminatory targeted at Palestinians is inconsistent with Israel’s international law obligations.

Today’s increase to the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage will give much needed pay rise to 2.7 million workers 💷 This is good news for working people – now let’s get on and deliver the New Deal for Working People in full✊

Ending violence against women & girls means changing the behaviour of those who set out to intimidate and harass. Too often we see women left to deal with harassment or forced into changing their behaviours to protect themselves, rather than targeting the men that intentionally abuse & target women

Today on #TransDayOfVisibility it is more important than ever to support and celebrate the trans community and raise awareness of the discrimination they face.

A really lovely visit to Bedewell Grange Care home to meet residents and see their musical theatre Mondays🎭 I had some great conversations with residents and a tour with Deputy Manager Denise: it was clear to see how happy residents are I also enjoyed the performance of When I'm Cleaning Windows!🎶