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-...

🚨 REMINDER: Only Labour will improve SEND support. The Tories left behind a ‘lose, lose, lose’ system in their own words. Reform UK will cut SEND support. They blame ‘naughty children’ & ‘bad parenting’. Only Labour will build a system where every child can achieve & thrive.

At Craghead Village Hall this morning for Stanley Town Council's well-attended public consultation on local planning issues. Helpful to hear from local residents about their concerns.

Noticed a pothole? Don’t swerve it – survey it! In the first data release of its kind, Durham County Council (DCC) has been rated amber for its road repairs. I want to know where potholes are so that I can chase DCC to get them fixed. Report potholes here: survey.labour.org.uk/northdurhamp...

I have now responded to over 10,000 cases with the help of my amazing team. If you are a North Durham resident in need of help or support please contact me on [email protected] or call 0191 371 8834

Local veterans are concerned about the impact of new legislation on those who served in Northern Ireland – last week I asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has met with veterans’ associations to listen to those concerns. Watch along here.

I really enjoyed visiting Musicwonders last week. Musicwonders is an inclusive creative and wellbeing organisation in Chester-le-Street, supporting children, young people, and families across North Durham.

Towards the end of last year I co-signed a letter to the Prime Minister calling for an inquiry into the Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust mental health provision following years of harrowing experiences and tragic losses. I am pleased this commitment to a formal inquiry into the service

Over 67,000 children in the North East will be helped by Labour scrapping the two-child limit. The new legislation will see 18,410 North East families better off.

Time to get 2026 kick started! £20 million is coming to Stanley - lets hear from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government! (Stanley South refers to the geographic area, the funding can be used to benefit Front Street).

Happy New Year! Wish you all the very best for 2026!

Happy New Years eve to all!

Merry Christmas North Durham!

One thing I love about this time of year is running my Christmas Card Competition! This year, Sacriston Academy took part with some great designs. I had the pleasure of meeting winner Aarav and runner-up Casey to present their certificates and gifts – great to see local landmarks featured

Enough repeat medication to last you over the festive bank holiday? Don’t get caught short this Christmas and New Year! REMEMBER to order your repeat prescriptions in plenty of time. Use the NHS App or visit your local pharmacy or GP surgery online ordering system. #HereToHelp

Glad to see new EV chargers installed in the constituency as part of North East Mayor Kim McGuinness transition to greener transport

It was a pleasure to attend author Catherine Hepburn’s recent book launch. Catherine, from Stanley, has written a children’s book on dog safety. Her book, Is It Okay For Us To Play?, is an illustrated guide that helps children understand dog behaviour.

I went along to Stanley Christmas Food Market last week where I met with Darren and Chris from PACT House. PACT were there selling festive items, sharing information on their social group PACT Owlsand taking part in Karbon Homes’ Presents for Parents initiative, giving out presents to local children

Bank of England expects budget will cut inflation by up to half a percentage point

On Friday 5th December we were honoured to host Bridget Phillipson, the Secretary of State for Education, Kim McGuinness, the Mayor of the North East and our local MP Luke Akehurst.

I’ve heard from countless residents about the dire state of bus services in North Durham and the North East. Last week, the Government announced £74,729,277 of funding for buses in the North East. After years of decline better buses are on the way!

Yesterday I met Josh MacAlister, Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing to discuss the building repairs needed at Sacriston Academy.

My latest article for the Northern Echo is online – this month I have shared my thoughts on the recent Budget – read here www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2567540...

It's Small Business Saturday! Today I am celebrating the many wonderful small businesses we have here in North Durham - here are 7 things Labour is doing to back small businesses - lets show our support today! #smallbusinesssaturdayuk

The number of suicides or attempted suicides attended by fire services have tripled in the past decade. I’m joining @Samaritans #UnitedWithTheFrontline campaign in calling for suicide prevention training for emergency services. Find out more at: bit.ly/4nw5wJI

I’m pleased that Nationwide has committed to keeping its Chester-le-Street branch open until at least early 2030. With high streets across the country facing challenges – and North Durham being no exception - banking services remain vital to the strength and sustainability of our local communities.

At this year’s Remembrance Service at Ouston Community Centre, pupils from Ouston and St Benet’s Primary Schools delivered deeply moving readings. It is so important that we keep the memory of these tragic events alive for future generations. Thank you to the Community Centre for hosting.

This week's budget will directly benefit 2,200 children living in North Durham.

The numbers speak for themselves - minimum wage increase ✅

Really enjoyed visiting South Stanley Partnership to learn more about what they do and the support they provide to residents across South Stanley. Paula provided some helpful feedback about potential projects in the area which I will include in the public consultation on Pride in Place Funding.

Everyone who worked in the coal industry deserves to see this long-standing injustice finally put right. I’m proud that Labour has made this a priority, and that 222 BCSSS pensioners in North Durham will now receive a 41% annual uplift to their pensions - which is an average of £100 more per week.

Budget Day may be hectic, but I used PMQs to call out how Council Tax Reduction Scheme changes pushed through by Reform at County Hall will hurt the least well off residents in North Durham. The Prime Minister agreed, we are now seeing Reform's true colours.

I’m really pleased to share some positive news for commuters using Chester-le-Street and Durham stations in North Durham. For the first time since the ‘90s, Labour is freezing national rail fares. That will mean savings for people across the country.

YouGov tend to record lower Reform scores than other pollsters, but this represents Reform's lowest polling in any poll since 25th April.

Labour is stepping up support for our veterans and their families. Veterans' support centres will be rolled out across the country, to make it easier for veterans to get help with healthcare, housing, or finding a new job.