At yesterday's Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, I pressed Prof Michele Dougherty STFC Executive Chair to explain how the £162m financial shortfall threatening our physics, astronomy, and nuclear research base had come about and why early career researchers were paying for it.

As a child I loved reading, it opened up whole worlds for me and we know it helps boost young people’s academic attainment and wellbeing. This #WorldBookDay I am delighted to see the celebration of reading in #NewcastleCentralWest, encouraging a love of reading across the city 📚

The recent racist abuse directed at footballers is appalling. I've joined with colleagues to demand the FA show true leadership. We need a zero-tolerance approach at all levels to ensure there is no space in the game for those who spread hate or seek to divide us. #kickitout

At last month's Munich Security Conference, the trust gap between the EU & UK was obvious on defence, tech, sovereignty and more. I asked the Foreign Secretary whether the UK should pick a side, forge an independent path or work to restore trust. 🤝 🌍️

Yesterday in the House, I reminded the PM that many Geordies are in the Gulf. While I thanked him for his support, I was clear: Iran is a murderous, despotic regime, but bombs raining down will not make my constituents feel safer. I asked how he can restore security to the region

There are many Geordies in the Gulf including in our armed forces, so I thanked the PM for his support. Iran is a murderous, despotic regime, but bombs raining down will not make my constituents feel safer - I asked how he can restore security to the region.

Fantastic news! Newcastle City Council is a Kinship Zone, trialling payments for kinship carers so more children can stay safely with loved ones. A big step for families raising relatives. Find out more here: www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-investment-in-support-for-kinship-carers

Thanks to all the Labour members who made Labour North Regional Conference such an inspiring celebration of Labour hard work, achievement and values. Great pleasure to introduce Wes Streeting setting out the difference Labour makes in government, not least saving the NHS!

Great to join the hardworking, local Labour Throckley, Walbottle and Newburn team talking and listening to residents in Abbey Heights about the issues that matter to them - there was a lot of interest on our SEND proposals and investment in public services.

This week Parliament debated how to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation online. There was not a single Reform MP present!

Fantastic to meet apprentices Sophie and Alessio from Costa Coffee and hear about their Management and Leadership apprenticeships building skills, confidence and exciting career opportunities while learning on the job! A big thank you to Ryan for teaching me some barista skills!

Northern industry built this nation, but the previous government neglected our industrial heritage - one reason why Newcastle's iconic Swing Bridge no longer swings. I asked the Minister for funding support to get the Swing Bridge swinging again!

My Committee's Social Media report identified 5 principles: public safety, free expression, responsibility, control & transparency We made recommendations on a right to reset and to tackle advertising & the amplification of harmful content I urged the Gov to implement them.

When I joined Facebook in 2005, you had to be over 18. 20 years later, children as young as 13 are growing up with almost unrestricted access to social media shaping their lives and brains. The Tories' failure to act over those years amounts to negligence of the highest order.

Today marks four years since Putin’s illegal full invasion of Ukraine. Through extraordinary resilience, the Ukrainian people continue to defend the principles of freedom and democracy against authoritarian aggression. Newcastle stands with them. #StandWithUkraine

I spent last weekend at #MSC2026.   I was there as Chair of @CommonsSITC so focused on science, tech and defence, particularly tech sovereignty, defence spending and science diplomacy. Here are my five key takeaways: chionwurahmp.com/2026/02/five...

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for Christians in Newcastle and around the world. My best wishes to everyone observing this special time of year in the Christian calendar.

Last month I asked how Iran was able to shut down internet access during the protests, and what the UK is doing in response. The Minister’s reply confirms the regime used its control of a highly centralised telecoms network and the UK is working with allies to help address this

Congrats to our local M&S for topping a mystery shopper survey by The Grocer, notably praised for standout customer service and availability of products. On my last visit, the great service absolutely merited this recognition! A real credit to a hardworking team. Well done! 🌟

Ramadan Mubarak to everyone observing the Holy Month in Newcastle and across the world. Wishing you and your families peace, reflection and joy throughout this blessed month. ❤️

Great to visit constituents in #NewcastleCentralWest enjoying better heating and warmth this winter, and doubled energy efficiency with Warmworks Warm Homes Local Grant scheme, installed by Thrift Energy. Find out more here: www.warmworks.co.uk/our-work/newcastle-warm-homes-local-grant/

Hello from a rainy #MSC2026 day 2! Tech companies launch the Trusted Tech Alliance to address tech sovereignty and shared values, the PM calls for closer collaboration with EU and interdependence with US and President Zelensky highlights the impact of drone technology in Ukraine

I’m at the Munich Security Conference, as the Chair of Science, Innovation and Technology Committee I need to follow the impact of science and tech on security and vice versa. Innovation is happening so fast raising questions of tech sovereignty, defence investment, procurement and our values!

It's International Day of Women & Girls in Science and I spoke to Emily Warner at The Pharmacist about the importance of supporting and championing more women and girls into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

I told the Minister that the Committee was not reassured that Government data was held to the highest possible standard, especially in light of digital ID. He said they are committed to delivering the best outcomes, but human error can never fully be eliminated.

Inspiring to meet the women and men and the staff of Northumbrian University Officers' Training Corps. The North East has a long and proud Army tradition and it was great to see young people gaining confidence and leadership skills as well as First Aid, fitness and map reading.

For 100+ years North East workers have relied on well-paid jobs in coal, gas & oil Labour is creating new green energy jobs but business and workers need support to transition I asked the Minister how she’ll futureproof supply chains to deliver good, well paid, unionised jobs.

Great to join the hardworking local Newcastle Central and West team talking and listening to residents in Monument about the issues that matter to them. Littering and flytipping were top of the list but concerns over security and the environment were high too.

Knocking on doors on the new Vallum Heights Estate in Elswick with the hardworking local Newcastle Central and West team, great to hear about the issues that matter in this growing, supportive community. The economy, the environment, divisive immigration rhetoric and NHS came up a lot.

Wet but rewarding to be out in Blakelaw with the fabulous local Newcastle Central and West team, talking and listening to residents about the issues that matter to them. Littering, parking and potholes topped the list, with a lot of support for the difference Labour is making in Newcastle.

Great to join businesses from across our region for the Business Forecast 2026 breakfast at The Glasshouse. I agree with speaker Andy Haldane, former Chief BofE economist, that regional growth - creating jobs and opportunities locally - must be central to any national strategy.

My latest #DearNewcastle Constituency Report is now up, check out what I’ve been up to & who I’ve been meeting as your MP – in #Newcastle, #UKParliament and online! 👇🏾 chionwurahmp.com/wp-content/u...

A couple of years ago, I posted a photo of me with the children of a school in my constituency on Facebook, receiving nothing but likes and heart reactions. 🧵

Great to join AMRC #CharityShowcase in Parliament representing 150+ medical research charities powered by public generosity and investing £1.6bn in UK research in 2024 alone. Their patient‑focused innovation saves lives - including under-researched areas like mensuration!

Thanks to officers and crew of Royal Navy HMS Duncan for fascinating tour of the Type 45 destroyer, docked in North Shields. Great to see its capabilities first-hand and learn how the next generation Navy will create new industrial defence opportunities for the North East.

Meta, TikTok, X & Google all told my Committee that they are accountable to the British people through Parliament. I asked the SoS to confirm that any eventual ban on social media for children must be in addition to - not instead of - more effective regulation of these platforms

Many scientists contacted the SITC concerned about UKRI cuts, especially to large Physics projects. Sir Ian said the overall budget was not being reduced but rising costs created a funding gap driving the reductions announced. He admitted a communications failure.

Labour will support 2679 children in #NewcastleCentralWest with free breakfast clubs. I've spoken to Bridget Phillipson about the impact of Labour's rollout of breakfast clubs - how they boost attendance, attainment and life chances. That's the difference Labour is making.

Great to visit Children's Cancer North and University of Newcastle for a tour of the childhood cancer research labs, seeing inspiring progress in paediatric oncology and the impact of research funded here in the #NorthEast. Childhood leukemia survival was 1/10 in the 60s/70s, now 9/10 today!

Less than 100 days to go to local elections! Great to join the Labour Team at @NewcastleLabour campaign event with councillor candidates from across the city. Only a Labour council can deliver for the people of Newcastle.

Great to join the Friday morning cooking class at West End Women & Girls Centre with fresh produce from their amazing community farm! I loved getting stuck into the cooking and helping hand out the care packages my team and I put together to empower women and girls in #Newcastle

My Committee launched an inquiry into the science & regulation of hair & beauty products, to address concerns that chemicals in everyday products may be harming women. I spoke on BBC Woman's Hour on why this is long overdue and vital for women’s health - especially Black women’s.

Today’s statement is so disappointing for WASPI women, who feel strongly the injustice they have suffered. I asked the SoS about the personal impact on my constituent who left school at 15 to do hard physical work and do it for longer than Uni graduates who make up 90% of MPs

What is leasehold reform and why does it matter?

I asked Will Whitehorn, Chair of Seraphim Space Investment Trust, what the UK’s space strategy is He said we don’t currently have one - but urgently need one He added that the public still think of space as "NASA and rockets", rather than a fast‑growing UK industry employing 65k people

I asked UKspace and the former UK Space Agency CEO whether the UK has sovereign space capability. The answer? Absolutely not. They said we remain very dependent on US technology - and on Europe.

Great to meet with Leonardo. The North East is home to a growing community of highly skilled engineers, and it’s fantastic to see Newcastle strengthening its role in the defence and engineering sector. Proud of the talent we have here in the North East!

I strongly welcome this Labour Government’s action to free so many of my constituents from the feudal injustice of leasehold. I asked what hope I can offer constituents who still cannot extend their lease or buy their freehold because of the Mary Magdalene and Holy Jesus Trust.

The 3-year local government funding settlement is welcome, but Newcastle City Council faces a 34% rise in adult social care costs with only a 15% budget increase, risking cuts to vital services. I asked the Minister to review the formula so Newcastle City Council can meet the real cost of care.

For #HolocaustMemorialDay, I signed the @HolocaustUK Book of Commitment, writing that we must all work to build the bridges across generations to ensure #NeverAgain is a reality. In light of rising antisemitism and violent attacks, this message matters more than ever.