"a pro-PR campaign is building within the Parliamentary Labour Party. Each MP involved is convinced that it won’t be long until something has to give." ✍️ @meganekenyon.bsky.social @newstatesman1913.bsky.social #Labour4PR #ElectoralReform #Democracy #Westminster www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...

We are now looking for members of the new Pride in Place board for South Stanley - anyone living or working in the area shown on the map can apply (deadline 12th April). letstalkcountydurham.co.uk/en-GB/projec...

The more you see of Polanski the less there is. A lightweight opportunist with the luxury of knowing he'll never have to face the hard graft and tough decisions of governing.

Earlier this month I formally raised the issue of unintentional occupational exposure to hazardous medicinal products (HMPs) for healthcare workers in the House of Commons. It was an honour to be the first Member of Parliament to raise this issue.

I know how hard it can be to manage household costs. It's always a good idea to check what support you might be eligible for. @age_uk’s benefits calculator could help you find out what support you may be entitled to: www.ageuk.org.uk/information-...

Today is Purple Day, and I am delighted to be supporting @EpilepsySociety by sharing their simple seizure first aid: Calm, Cushion, Call. If I can learn about epilepsy, you can. #IfICanYouCan

Public satisfaction with the NHS rises for first time since 2019

Ministers have announced more than 300 new or revamped school-based nurseries - making thousands of more places available from September.

Lovely message for North Durham from Early Education Minister Olivia Bailey 😀

Yesterday I secured a debate in Parliament to shed light on the injustice of the lack of statutory increases for pre-1997 defined-benefit pension schemes, particularly at Nissan, and to ask the Minister what the Government are going to do about it.

Did you know that today is County Durham Day? County days are growing in popularity and celebrate everything we love about a county – its history and heritage, towns and villages, landscapes and architecture, arts and culture and, most of all, its people! So happy County Durham Day to one and all

I recently joined 115 fellow parliamentarians in backing transport industry calls for better roadside facilities for lorry drivers – to improve welfare and help tackle freight crime. Truck drivers keep our shops stocked, our hospitals supplied and our businesses running.

Great article from @luke-akehurstmp.bsky.social MP on why Labour must not become defenders of a failing FPTP system. #Labour4PR 🌹 #Democracy

🗳️"Electoral reform must be carried out not because it may benefit any particular party or ideology, but because it puts power back into the hands of the British people." ✍️ @luke-akehurstmp.bsky.social in @politicshome.bsky.social

This week is English Tourism Week, and I wanted to take a moment to appreciate some of the incredible tourism businesses we have right here in North Durham – from Beamish Museum to Tanfield Railway and Hall Hill Farm – there really is something for everyone! 😊 #englishtourismweek

On Saturday morning I was invited along with Councillor Tracie Smith to welcome the South Pelaw Banner back to its permanent home. It was extremely moving hearing The Riverside Band play “The Miners” hymn and hear from family of those that worked in the mines.

Huge thanks to St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School for taking me on a tour of the shutter artwork (inspired by St Joseph’s children) along Stanley Front Street – the artworks bring light and colour, and it was great to see them in person.

The Labour Party has asked all MPs if we want to stand in the next General Election. I have confirmed that I wish to seek reselection as candidate for North Durham in the next General Election. I look forward to seeking endorsement as candidate from local CLP members and affiliates.

The government has launched a landmark consultation on how to give young people the childhood they deserve in an online world. Every child should grow up in a digital environment that is safe, supportive, and enriching. Have your say: gov.uk/growing-up-online

It was my honour to be the first Member of Parliament to formally raise the issue of unintentional occupational exposure to hazardous medicinal products (HMPs) for healthcare workers in the House of Commons. Yesterday I asked the Minister for greater protections for healthcare workers.

Labour MPs just voted to expand free school meals to half a million more children, lifting 100,000 children out of poverty. The Tories and Reform UK voted against. Only Labour will give children growing up in our country the best start in life.

Huge thank you to everyone who attended Pride in Place events on Friday it was great to hear directly from residents and local stakeholders on priorities and opportunities for the area. Your feedback will help to shape how this funding is used to strengthen pride in our communities.

Happening today!

Westminster Voting Intention: RFM: 29% (-1) LAB: 21% (+3) CON: 16% (-2) GRN: 14% (+2) LDM: 10% (-2) SNP: 3% (=) Via @opiniumresearch.bsky.social, 4-6 Mar. Changes w/ 25-27 Feb.

Have been a bit frustrated by some of the conversation about Labour's voter coalition. I've written about who the "Hero Voters" actually were, how we won them, and what we need to do to earn their support next time. chriscurtismk.substack.com/p/who-actual...

I recently visited the Job Centre Plus in Stanley where I met with staff to discuss the new Youth Guarantee – which is a government initiative to make sure people aged 18-24 are either earning or learning through youth hubs, work experience/training and jobs guarantees for long term unemployed

The establishment of the new Defence Housing Service is long overdue, military families deserve modern family homes. I am proud to be serving on the Select Committee scrutinising the Armed Forces Bill, which delivers this crucial service. I raised a question on military housing on the committee.

During National Apprenticeship Week I visited Asda Stanley. Visits like these are an incredibly valuable opportunity to highlight and celebrate local apprentices. Good to get the chance to discuss working together to offer more opportunities to Asda colleagues in the region too!

You might have spotted me on the panel on BBC Politics North yesterday – great to join Richard Moss to chat about by-elections, education reform, long covid, and recycling. If you didn’t catch the show, it is available on iPlayer at the link in the comments.

One of the best things about being an MP is visiting local workplaces. McDonalds in Stanley employs over 140 local people. On my recent visit there it was great to meet staff, and learn how to make a (double!) sausage and egg McMuffin 😊- I may have eaten a few before but never made my own until now!

Whilst we are all very excited about the £20 million Pride in Place funding for Stanley, there are many smaller communities that are also in need of funding but are too small to qualify - today I asked the Prime Minister whether further funding could be given to such communities - watch along!

Four years on, Ukraine stands defiant. And the UK stands with you. #StandWithUkraine

Keir Starmer says Britain needs to ‘go faster’ on defence spending ft.trib.al/LwYdISM

Happy #HeartUnions Week! The Employment Rights Act was the greatest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation - but those rights must work in practive. Everyone should have the right to a contract that reflects the hours they actually work: labourunions.org.uk/guaranteedho...

Last week in Parliament I spoke on ESG, I share the government’s ambition for defence spending to act as a key engine for economic growth – especially in the North East.

Yesterday I met up with Wes Streeting and Ashley Dalton to discuss Labour's national cancer plan, which will: 💰Invest £2.3 billion in 9.5 million more tests & scans 🧑‍⚕️Send cancer specialists to rural & coastal areas 🤖500,000 robotic surgeries 👫Help 3 in 4 patients survive 5 years after diagnosis

This World Cancer Day, I’m pledging my support for better cancer care for all, alongside the APPG on Cancer. Everyone deserves the right care, the right treatment and the right support for their needs.

I recently visited North Durham Academy for a chat and a tour. It was great catching up with Headteacher Mark Gray to talk school life, transport challenges, visits to Parliament, attendance, and the exciting Pride in Place plans.

I'm proud to have voted for removing the two-child limit so that families can receive the child element of Universal Credit for all children, taking 450,000 children out of poverty.

NEW headline voting intention from Ipsos 📊Reform UK +8-point lead over Labour – down from +15 in Nov 2025 📊The Green’s vote share of 12% is down from 15% in Nov 2025 📊Both Labour and Conservatives up from Nov 2025 – Labour +4, Conservatives +3

I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Nathaniel Dye – a very kind, inspirational man who truly knew and valued the power of education. May he rest in peace.

Last week I went along to New College Durham to meet with Principal Andy Broadbent and Deputy Principal Alison Maynard for a tour of the facilities and a chat about the ways I may be able to help as an MP with many constituents attending courses.

Today presents an important opportunity for people from North Durham to reflect on the darkest times of European history. I pledge to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered in the Holocaust and speak out against all forms of antisemitism.

Reform UK absent from yesterday's session on the Armed Forces Bill! 👀

Thank you to @luke-akehurstmp.bsky.social for backing #OneParliamentOneEmployer. Clear standards, consistent terms and a single employer are essential to a professional and credible Parliament. (Signature No. 3)

The North East Autism Society are doing incredible work across education, training, residential care and at their very own farm, which I visited last week. From making their own apple juice, to woodwork and horticulture, trainees on the farm are simply thriving.

Did you know that “Blue Monday” is a myth created to sell holidays? I joined the @samaritans #BrewMonday takeover in Parliament earlier this week to discuss how we can work together to reduce the number of people who die by suicide.

I had a fantastic Friday in the constituency last week. First stop Croft School to meet with head teacher and discuss challenges around SEND. Next up was a visit to the North East Autism Society at their farm. Then it was back to the office for team and constituent meetings with the office dogs :)

My latest article on the urgent need for Britain to rearm: www.progressonline.org.uk/if-you-want-...