HIGHLIGHTS: Yesterday, Labour MPs stood firm to vote down Conservative and Lib Dem amendments that would water down the landmark Employment Rights Bill. See the highlights here 👇

The North East NUM Thomas Hepburn memorial is always a special occasion I was proud to give the lecture this year. Hepburns Union began 200 years ago and we all benefit from the struggles back then. The past we inherit the future we build .

Today we remember the 13 brave miners who lost their lives at Woodhorn Colliery. We remember them and all those who lost their lives or loved ones in the mines. I hope you get the chance this summer to attend Woodhorn and get a chance to remember these men and their sacrifice.

Sir Brian Langstaff's recommendations highlight huge issues with the initial scheme arrangements for the victims of the infected blood scandal. 460 people have settled their claims to date but many more have sadly passed away whilst waiting. There can be no more delays.

Today is Retail Workers Day - a chance to thank everyone who works hard to keep our highstreets thriving. It’s also a chance to reflect on the awful abuse so many staff face and the brilliant work @UsdawUnion does to stand up for them.

People didn’t vote for The Labour Party’s “change” to be a change for the worse. They really had some faith in us, I still want to deliver on what we promised them. That is why I am voting against this Welfare Bill.

It is totally unacceptable that my constituents are being told to travel 170 miles for cancer treatment and foot the bill for accommodation and transport. Especially when there is a treatment centre right on their doorstep. We need the Rutherford Centre re-opened urgently.

I am running an upcoming surgery for any constituent that needs my help. Please book by emailing or phoning and we will be happy to help find you a slot. My surgeries tend to be booked up quickly so please do get in touch soon.

The victims of the horrendous contaminated blood scandal are understandably furious & frustrated in equal measure at the pace of rightful settlement. I continue to support them in Parliament. #contaminatedblood

Today we remember Jack Charlton - a true local hero. He won the World Cup and inspired generations of footballers. We should all be proud of him.

There is something deeply, deeply wrong if MPs vote to make their own constituents worse off. I am proud to stand up for the 10,467 people of Blyth and Ashington who claim PIP.

It was a pleasure today talk to health & safety representatives from across the Trade Union movement about the hazards of asbestos in the workplace. We must continue to campaign to eradicate, not mange asbestos from the workplace.

Excellent visit to the very impressive Blyth Valley Disability Forum. Good conversations with David and Lee about the home care they provide for hundreds of residents in Blyth. Priceless.

Today is the 36th anniversary of Hillsborough. The horrendous tragedy is etched into the memory of this country and the appalling treatment of the victims by The Sun will never be forgiven. Like others I’m determined to support delivering the Hillsborough Law without delay.

Today it would have been my good friend and political hero Tony Benny birthday. Put simply a legend of our movement👊Tony could always be relied on to fight for our class a lesson to be learned by many ✊️

Banks are letting our communities down. Bedlington is already set to lose its last high street bank after the announcement that TSB was closing its premises on Front Street West.

The Government’s benefits reform: a step in the wrong direction Yesterday, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions presented a much-trailed paper to Parliament, outlining plans to encourage those who are able to return to work. 1/ 🧵

The North East is so so proud of the Toon this morning and especially our very own Dan Burn. Selected for England and scoring in the brilliant victory in the caraboa cup final. #muchmoretocome

It is good news to see the continuing rollout of the Northumberland line. We need to see the expansion of rail across our region to secure the growth we need.

Excellent meeting yesterday with Northumberland Recovery Partnership who are helping people on the journey with drug and alcohol issues.

Why is it that Reform vote against empowering the working class? It’s simple. Whilst they masquerade as a party for ordinary people, they are a cheap and nasty Thatcher tribute act. Our communities were destroyed by the original, now Reform are trying to push us back again.

Last week marked 40 years since the end of the Miners’ Strike. The party of vulture capital won that battle, but the fact a former striking miner, like myself, can stand up in Parliament and vote to empower our class across the country shows they will never keep us down.

I am immensely proud. The first government since 1979 to give the working class more power in their workplaces. This legislation is a huge step in the right direction, but we aren’t at the end of the journey. This must be only the beginning.

What a fine bunch ! Great Q& A in Parliament today with the fantastic kids from Whitley Memorial school Bedlington. Our future is safe in their hands 🤲

I have fond memories of Bob. A smashing bloke and a great trade unionist ✊️👊👊 Today we remember him.

Last week I met with Marie Curie nurses and volunteers and Larry Lamb to discuss the important work they do in providing palliative and end of life care. I am proud to support Marie Curie and the incredible service they give to people at the end of life. #GreatDaffodilAppeal

Newbiggin to Sandy Bay Cambois to Blyth….Not a bad constituency eh ???

It was good to attend APDAWG drop in at Westminster highlighting the hard work of our dog rescue centres and the importance of protecting our dogs. #APDAWG #UKRescue

Today we remember those we lost to COVID. We also commemorate the extraordinary hard work of so many NHS staff, cleaning staff, workers in food production and so many others who risked their lives to protect us.

I had an inspiring visit to the full circle food project in Ashington today celebrating International Women’s Day. Great conversations with very committed individuals. Solidarity on this special day #IWD2025

On International Women's Day, we take action for all women and girls worldwide. Let's commit to empowering the next generation, ensuring equality and opportunity for all. Join the movement today. Find out more here: buff.ly/CRbStQe.

It was good to meet with Dennis Fancett from SENRUG: The South East Northumberland Rail User Group yesterday to discuss the initial success of the Northumberland line and to discuss potential extension. This must be the beginning for a new era of rail in our region.

It was brilliant to visit FES in Ashington today. They are a world leading specialist manufacturing for the offshore energy sector - exporting products made on our doorstep across the globe. With local jobs and a supply chain almost wholly within the UK they are a model for the future we need!

Yesterday I spoke in Parliament to make the case that our local authorities are at risk of cyber attacks due to 15 years of Tory austerity. It must be a priority of this government to protect our data and our public services from hostile actors.

This week I met with the IWGB to discuss the huge issues facing our foster carers. It is always a pleasure to meet with brilliant foster carers who are also powerful activists but it has made clear that we need to do so much more for them.

It was great to attend the North East business drop in this week and speak to the excellent business people from the region from Port of Tyne to SAGE. Firebrick breweries have promised to send me a couple of cans of their new brew “ Stottie Ale”. Thanks!

Congratulations to Eddie Dempsey elected to be the next General Secretary of the RMT union The members will be delighted to have such a capable class fighter working for them. Good luck to Mick Lynch a hero of our movement ✊️

1 in 4 children receiving free school meals said that the World Book Day book they ‘bought’ with their £1 token was their first book of their own. World Book Day is our chance to make reading accessible. Well done to teachers today who are make books available to all children.

Today is 40 years since the return to work after the 1984 strike. It was an incredibly hard day for me and my dad. We were battered and bruised but we survived to tell the tale and to keep campaigning for our communities. We are proud members of the 5.3.85 club. Solidarity.

Great news for Blyth today. Labour’s Plan for Neighbourhoods will deliver up to £20m to invest in our town—real funding, real change. Most importantly through the Neighbourhood Board we will put local people in charge. This is a plan for growth that will put our town at the top of the agenda.

Good to meet Martin and the Port of Blyth team at the British Ports Association function in Parliament last night.

I have always supported the WASPI campaign and this will not change. Really good to hear about the recent developments in the campaign and that the fight will continue. For more information and how to get involved with WASPI get in contact here 👉 buff.ly/Mc9D59y

It is appalling that at a stroke of a pen the council will throw thousands off the housing waiting list. They aren’t making lives better, they are making their statistics look better.

It is taking far far too long for Infected Blood Scandal payouts to be processed by the IBCA. Tragically two victims of this scandal are dying a week, the Government must move faster and expedite the compensation.

@tuc.org.uk research shows 1 in 6 workers have skipped a meal regularly in the past three months to make ends meet. We are still suffering from a cost of living crisis and that is why the Employment Rights Bill is so important. Together we can fight for better pay and conditions.

It is a disgrace that Tory-led Northumberland County Council are striking thousands of people from their housing waiting list because they think they are adequately housed. Today I asked the government to make time to explore real solutions not callous and cruel manipulation of people and figures.

It is a disgrace that Tory-led Northumberland County Council are striking thousands of people from their housing waiting list because they think they are adequately housed. Today I asked the government to make time to explore real solutions not callous and cruel manipulation of people and figures.

The rumours of the scrapping of PIP for those with mental health issues has terrified my constituents - many of whom rely on PIP to keep them in work and many of whom cannot work but play vital roles in the community. That is why last week I challenged the Government on this issue.

Happy birthday to one of my greatest colleagues, friends and mentors of all time. A true hero of our movement ✊🌹

Companies that have benefited from the privatisation of public services have set up food banks for their own workers. In work poverty has been facilitated by the Tories, it cannot be allowed to continue under Labour.