Great progress already made in the last 12 months as we’ve seen a big reduction in disposable vape use. 🙌🏻 There’s lots of work still to do to tackle the ways in which despicable companies market vapes to young people. More 👇🏼

I had a v useful discussion with representatives from Sustain and the First Steps Nutrition Trust this week. Again, the content of food items for babies and young children were under the spotlight particularly baby milk formula and ‘healthy’ snacks for use in weaning which are packed full of sugar.

Always a pleasure to catch up with one of the most vocal advocates for dentists and dental patients in Parliament @marykfoymp.bsky.social. Thank you for continuing to speak up for the millions currently unable to access the care they need.

I’ve long supported Arthritis UK’s campaigns in Parliament so it was great to catch up with them again this week. This time we discussed the issues faced by people living with arthritis who may be struggling to secure NHS operations due to their weight. More 👇🏼

I've been contacted by Durham BID and a number of properties in the city to highlight the poor connectivity and wifi in the city centre, which is having a real impact on businesses in Durham. More 👇🏼

Always great to catch up with BDA colleagues in Westminster. They were in the Attlee Suite as the APPG on Dietary Health brought together parliamentarians, healthcare professionals, public health, local govt champions & young people on the frontline of a food system that isn’t working.

In my contribution to the King’s Speech debate, I also highlighted the world-class work being carried out by Durham University when it comes to renewable energies, particularly geothermal. The very mines that powered our industrial past could be used to heat our homes in a greener future.

There was much in the King’s Speech to celebrate, but I had to take a moment during the debate yesterday to remind the Govt to ensure businesses in Durham are adequately supported. More 👇🏼

I've already spoken on supporting our culture. This is why. Local people leading one of the only professional repertories in the UK, Ensemble 84. Culture is woven through our communities. It's our history, our pride and our future. It doesn't just inform what we do; it defines who we are.

Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia #IDAHOBIT 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ This year, the UK has fallen again in the rankings for LGBT+ equality on the Rainbow map.  We need to do more to make our workplaces more inclusive and highlight the struggle for LGBT+ equality unsn.uk/2tJY83u

The theme for Mental Health Awareness week this year has been “Action”. While awareness about mental health has improved drastically in recent years, campaigns and charities are emphasising that real change requires tangible efforts. More 👇🏼

I was so pleased to join an event organised by the Association of Colleges yesterday in Durham Town Hall, which was arranged to celebrate and strengthen the impact of T Levels across the region. More 👇🏼

Durham District Prostate Cancer Group - read more about this fantastic bunch 🫶🏼👇🏼

A fab fundraiser with Durham Pride organisers, trade unions, local orgs, businesses & colleagues from across the political spectrum. Tess Tickle & the Dragettes were incredible, as always, and now I can't wait for 30th May for the main event. 🏳️‍🌈💃🏻🏳️‍⚧️ Join us 👇🏼🎟️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/new-date-d...

Following my virtual intro meeting with the new owners of the Milburngate Development last week, it was great to meet them in person at the site this morning. More 👇🏼

My second stop yday was to catch up with award winning optometrist, Simon Berry. I know many people will know Simon & his team and everyone I speak to holds the practice in Gilesgate in such high regard, particularly those who have children with disabilities or learning difficulties. More 👇🏼

Wow what a busy Monday. I started the day addressing Equity members at their conference in Redhills. It was great to highlight the £1.5 billion package announced by the Govt for 2026 which includes funding for accessibility improvements, environmental sustainability & cultural infrastructure. More 👇🏼

It has been a difficult few days, but I will always pride myself in staying true to my Labour values. 🌹 My thoughts on the current situation.

Popped to Laurel's Childcare & also met with Fareshare to talk about their work putting surplus food back into our communities. I got to see firsthand the difference it makes to places like Laurel's to have a regular supply of donated fresh food & got to share pizza made by the children! Yum! 🍕

The Tobacco and Vapes Act will help create a smokefree future free of lethal tobacco for millions more children in the future. Read this excellent myth buster from Cancer Research UK which answers many of the questions about how it will work in practice @crukpolicy.bsky.social 🔽 shorturl.at/i1jVB

Many in Durham will know outgoing Police Inspector, Dave Clarke, well today I was pleased to meet the new Inspector on the beat, Pete Newman. We had a walkabout of key areas in the city centre like the bus station & North Rd & I was glad to raise the issues constituents & shop workers raise with me.

Wonderful to welcome Chief Exec of Durham County Carers, Jenni, to Redhills today. We had a catch up about all things carers, the work that her organisation has been carrying out and of course the ‘Commitment to Unpaid Carers’ regional pledge which I was only too glad to sign. More 👇

I had a fab time at St Patrick's Catholic Primary School in Langley Moor to have a chat with head teacher Mr Rogers & answer questions from the pupils. I think there's at least one future Prime Minister in there! It’s such a lovely small school with a welcoming atmosphere, so great to meet everyone!

This afternoon I had a positive meeting with reps of the company that acquired the Milburngate Development. They have a lot of work to do but I’m here to support them in any way that I can so we see the site unlocked & it’s real potential unleashed. Our city deserves it & I’m pleased to be involved.

Spending the day with my sister and many of our comrades from Unite the Union, the Durham Miners Association and the National Union of Mineworkers to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1926 General Strike and Miners' Lockout. ⛏️✊🏻⛏️

My days! I often wonder what happens to cause someone to be so hate filled. It’s really quite saddening. 😕

👨🏽‍💻🌍 Today is International Workers’ Day 🌍👷🏻‍♀️ Solidarity to all workers and trade unionists in Durham, across the UK and around the world. All across the globe, people are celebrating the achievements and hard won rights of workers. In solidarity, today and every day. 🫶🏼✊🏻🫶🏼 #solidarityforever

For too long shopworkers have been expected to put up with theft, threats & violence in their daily working life while offenders assume they’ll get away with it. Usdaw’s latest survey of nearly 9k retail workers found last year nearly 80% experienced verbal abuse, many also threatened or assaulted.

Crime and Policing Act: Usdaw welcomes the passing of a landmark protection of shop workers’ law #FreedomFromFear #Respect4RetailWorkers www.usdaw.org.uk/latest-news/...

👑 Royal Assent When you work for years on a topic, see it initially stall in the House, then see it criticised by a small but vociferous bunch of individuals - I think people asked why I didn’t just give up. What’s the big deal about phasing out smoking in the UK? But I don’t give up easily! More👇🏼

APPG Co-Chair @marykfoymp.bsky.social celebrates royal assent of the Tobacco & Vapes Act and highlights the major impact it will have in reducing health inequalities. As she says, the Tobacco and Vapes Act is an incredible achievement but there is more to be done to help current smokers to quit

Yesterday, I tabled an Early Day Motion to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day 2026. Across the globe, workers’ rights are human rights. 🌍💜

Today marks International Workers' Memorial Day and we pay tribute to everyone injured or killed at work. Today we remember the dead and fight for the living. 💜

I spoke in the animal testing debate earlier. This is a snippet, we’re working late tonight so I’ll post more tomorrow. Let’s do everything we can to push for the govt to go further, faster when it comes to phasing out testing on dogs & other animals for development of products for human use.

Absolutely stunning at Redhills this morning! ☀️☀️☀️

I’ve received a number of emails over the weekend from parents of pupils at a Belmont Community School regarding Durham County Council’s plans to remove the maintained concessionary home to school transport scheme from September 2026. More👇🏼

What a pleasure to stop by to see the award winning Hospital Radio team at UHND yday. It was great to speak with Eileen, Nicky, Terry & Tony to hear about their recent success & also learn more about their past awards - many of which adorn the walls of their studio. I couldn’t believe my eyes. More👇🏼

I was grateful to the new Deputy Chief Exec of County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust who took the time to have an impromptu meeting with me at UHND yesterday afternoon. More 👇🏼

A trip to sunny Washington today to support some brilliant candidates standing in the upcoming local elections. Had a number of really interesting chats on the doors, despite some voters having choice words for Labour at a national level - and I quite understand why. More 👇🏼

Congratulated my friend & constituent, Ruth, at the end of her 328 miles to London - Mind Over Mileage challenge. She’s only got the 26 of the London Marathon to do to complete it! Find out why she’s putting herself through this torture at her Just Giving page. 🫶🏼 www.justgiving.com/fundraising/...

The parliamentary event organised by UNISON and Maternity Action this week was incredibly eye-opening. It marked the launch of a new report on the experiences of new mothers facing maternity discrimination. More 👇🏼

Constituents may know that I've been a supporter of the Herbie's Law campaign for some time now, and I certainly know that many of you are, too. Herbie’s Law is actually supported by over 170 cross-party MPs and Peers, which is a huge amount of support across the Houses.

Many of my constituents asked that I attend the World Curlew Day event in Westminster yesterday - and I did! While many of my colleagues showed their support by standing next to Cathy Curlew, I went one step further and became her! It had been a trying few hours so a bit of fun was much needed.

Whenever the Hugh’s Law team are in Parliament I always do my best to call in and see Hugh’s parents, Ceri and Frances, to hear how their campaign is progressing as their courage and determination really know no bounds. More 👇🏼

As a supporter of small biz in Durham it was helpful to chat to the Minister for Small Business & Economic Transformation about the impact late payments have on small businesses. This govt is determined to tackle the scourge of late payments which costs the UK economy £11 billion each year. More👇🏼

During FCDO Qs today I raised the humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine. Whilst conflicts rage around the globe, we must not forget the hardship ongoing in the West Bank and Gaza. Humanitarian access must be protected, international humanitarian law must be upheld, and civilians must be safeguarded.

This week is MS Awareness Week. MS is unpredictable and affects everyone differently. The theme is challenging MS assumptions and the impact these misconceptions can have. If you’re living with MS in City of Durham, I’m here to listen so please get in touch. #msthinkagain @mssocietyuk.bsky.social

Lots of you got in touch asking me to attend Shelter’s drop-in event today & it was my pleasure to do so. It was v useful to hear about their new briefing which highlights key changes the govt must make to knock down the barriers to councils building social rent homes at scale once again. More 👇🏼

I know a lot people in my constituency will have views on the Government's recently released SEND White Paper and I'm sure many will have already contributed to the current consultation on the proposed changes to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. More 👇🏼

I was happy to meet with members of the trans community in the Labour Movement to celebrate Trans Day of Visibility last week 🏳️‍⚧️ Thank you @aslefunion.bsky.social @unison.org.uk @cwunews.bsky.social @labour4transrights.bsky.social for hosting the event 🏳️‍⚧️