It's the second anniversary of my election as Labour MP for North Durham. Spent this morning helping residents at my advice surgery at Annfield Plain Community Centre, opened according to the plaque by one of my illustrious predecessors, Giles Radice.

I was pleased to ask the Defence Secretary about the £790 million in the Defence Investment Plan for additional air and missile defence capabilities. I look forward to visiting the Ministry of Defence in the coming weeks to be briefed on how this money will be spent.

It has been a privilege to serve on the select committee formed to scrutinise the Labour Government's Armed Forces Bill. Watch along as I pay tribute to our local Armed Forces community, and those who support it, in North Durham.

As an MP, I take every opportunity to make the case for a sustained uplift in how much we spend on the defence of our nation. In last week's parliamentary debate on defence spending and readiness, I called on the Prime Minister to cement his legacy by adequately funding defence.

I know that dignity and security in retirement is a key issue for my constituents in North Durham. That's why I asked the Pensions Minister this week what the Labour Government is doing to ensure that today's workers - the next generation of pensioners - enjoy a decent retirement.

Last week, I spoke in favour of the Labour Government's National Security (State Threats) Bill), which gives the Government new powers to tackle hostile activity on behalf of hostile states, including Iran and Russia. Our Labour Government will always stand up for our national security.

So glad I was able to help a constituent who had moved into a flat after fleeing domestic violence only to find that there was no phone signal and no broadband available to the property. I made representations to Openreach and was able to help get fibre installed at the property.

I have been campaigning alongside healthcare professionals who are concerned about the risks arising from handling hazardous medicinal products. This week in Parliament I called on the leader of the House of Commons to hold a debate on the subject.

Millions of people across the UK provide unpaid care to family, friends, and neighbours. Many feel undervalued and unsupported. This #CarersWeek I am sending my support and thoughts to anyone carrying out unpaid care. If you need support, go to www.carersweek.org/about-carers...

I had a blast at Party in the Park Sacriston this past weekend. Huge thanks to the Fulforth Centre and the incredible volunteers who put together a fantastic event – and to Sacriston Parish Council for funding it - great to see so many people out and about 😊

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen and I both receive a lot of reports of anti-social behaviour in and around North Durham. This weekend, we joined forces along with Andrea Patterson (ASB Champion within the PCCs office), to meet with residents and hear their concerns in person.

Celebrating national fish and chip day! Johnsons in Sacriston never disappoints!

Absolute pleasure to meet Stanley lad and boxing hero Glenn McCrory earlier today - Glenn won the Cruiserweight World Title in Stanley in 1989 - given the size difference I am not volunteering to go into the ring with him!

Congratulations to Bloemfontein Primary and Annfield Plain Juniors on their successful bids for funding to revamp their school buildings, thanks to investment from the Labour government. Labour has a long-term plan to get our children learning in modern schools, where every child can thrive.

As a North East MP I am pushing for clear defence spending plans to secure jobs across our region. I raised this in Parliament once again this week.

Always great to see these two in the office - they may have been bribed with treats to stay still long enough to get this photo 😂

Reminder: 6,996 renters in North Durham now have stronger rights and protections thanks to the Renters Rights Act.

Casework win of the week – I was able to help a disabled constituent who had faced five months of delays in obtaining a new wheelchair. Problem raised, problem solved. If you need my support, please email [email protected] or call 0191 371 8834

Hard‑working families are still feeling the squeeze and too often think they have to hold back. To add to the support we've already put in, we're making sure all children in England can travel free on buses in August.

This arthritis awareness month, I’m supporting @arthritisukorg to ensure that arthritis is taken seriously so that hundreds of thousands each year can get an early diagnosis which opens doors to vital treatment and support.

🔥 Westminster's First Past the Post system is broken and unfair. 🌹 Today, 66 Labour MPs have signed an amendment, led by @alexsobel.co.uk, to mend it. 👇 Let’s make sure the “Representation or the People Bill” does what it says on the tin. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Great to support a constituent for a second time with their student loan application - they had repeated issues with the online system which resulted in their application being rejected - which caused months of stress and anxiety. Great outcome now they can go off to University in September :)

"I would urge Wes not to resign or start a leadership contest. I think he needs to be part of the cabinet team still, and my big concern is that he might start a contest that a candidate from the left of the party would win". www.channel4.com/news/kings-s...

My take on the calls for a leadership contest: labourlist.org/2026/05/the-...

I am very proud to be the first Member of Parliament to raise this issue in the House of Commons - the risk of exposure to Hazardous Medicinal Products is detrimental to the lives of those who care for us. I spoke about this on Channel 4 yesterday. www.channel4.com/news/nhs-sta...

Wonderful visit to Annfield Plain Junior School last week. It was fantastic to see pupils accessing the new Government-funded breakfast club. I visited on French Friday when there were just a few students in – pastries & toast/fruit/cereal helping to set children up for a great day in school.

Labour promised to recruit 8,500 more mental health workers and we have kept our promise, three years early.

This morning I was on BBC Radio Newcastle warning voters about backing Reform — Durham’s experience shows they’ve under-delivered and even made things tougher for many low‑income households. Listen here: tinyurl.com/bbclukeakehu...

This Labour government has delivered the biggest upgrade in workers' rights in a generation #internationalworkersday

As I’ve posted before, I am on a mission to visit all North Durham schools. Last week, it was the turn of All Saints Catholic Primary in Lanchester. I really enjoyed the assembly and Q&A session – thanks for having me!

I am delighted to have been appointed Chair of the APPG on the Leamside Line. The group campaigns for the full reopening of the Leamside Line, which is a disused 21-mile stretch of track between Gateshead and County Durham. Reopening the line in full would unlock jobs and growth across our region

The National Literacy Trust works with schools across the UK to provide training, books, and furniture, enabling schools to establish or improve their library. If you have links with a school that might benefit, please encourage them to apply at www.librariesforprimaries.org.uk/schools

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will pledge tougher action on shoplifting this morning as new figures showed a small drop in the number of offences - while a key decision is due over Peter Mandelson

Fantastic to see New College Durham awarded Technical Excellence status by the Department for Education - one of only four in the country to receive this recognition!

Without the Access to Work scheme, up to 50,000 disabled people across the country could find themselves out of work. I recently shared my story of accessing the scheme in 2009 following a serious neurological illness. I urge the Government to give Access to Work significantly more funding.

This weekend was action packed on the Labour doorstep! I spoke to residents in Bloemfontein, Bournmoor, Chester-le-Street and popped over to help our friends in Blaydon & Consett ahead of the Gateshead Council elections. We had some nice spring weather, and it was great chatting with residents!

Last week I went along to meet Val and Coleen, the directors of Aspire. Aspire provides a welcome space for women offering support, activities, courses and a creche. Aspire now employ thirteen staff, many of whom have moved from volunteers to employees.

It was such a joy to be invited to open the brand-new Premier Shop in Annfield Plain on Good Friday ❤ I wish the whole team all the best with their new venture!

Popped along to Just for Women Centre in Stanley last week for a catch up with the incredible director and founder of the centre, Linda. Just for Women provide vital services including counselling, mental health support, and workshops amongst many other things. It’s always a pleasure to visit.

Happy Easter to everyone in North Durham – I hope you all manage to get some time off to enjoy the long weekend 😊

"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.