Working people need to feel that politics is delivering for them. Our communities have got to feel the benefit of Labour being in power.  Alongside my speech at Durham Miners Gala, I wrote for @labourlist.bsky.social today. labourlist.org/2026/07/comm...

With Labour in power, communities have got to feel the benefit - in their pay packets, their bills and their public services. From my contribution to the Durham Miners Gala. #DurhamMinersGala

Durham Miners Gala is up and running. #DurhamMinersGala

Very much looking forward to the day at the Gala. #DurhamMinersGala.

Utterly shocked to hear of the appalling death of Ann Widdecombe. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Today I was at Middlesbrough Railway Station and had a really productive meeting with Network Rail and TVCA discussing the ongoing developments which will be transformative. This is a fascinating project for us all in Middlesbrough and the wider Tees Valley.

🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨 DR UK issues our statement on the Timms Review interim report, which was published today. "With the hostile political backdrop, Disabled people are fully justified in being concerned about the scope of the Review recommendations" In full👇 www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/dr-uk-s...

The key test of the Timms Review is whether its recommendations are recognised as genuinely co-produced and command the confidence of those who rely on PIP. The Govt must also assure them that this review will be driven by improving support, not by delivering savings.

I was delighted to be one of the very first Labour MPs to nominate Andy Burnham for Leader this morning. There was quite a queue!! www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crm0r94mv7jo

I am so sorry to hear of the death of our former colleague George Howarth. He was a thoroughly decent man and an assiduous politician. I send my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Pleased to meet Fighting With Pride members to hear about the #BattleForLostVeterans. Applications for both the Financial Recognition Scheme and non-financial restorative measures close on 12th Dec 2026. Find out more here: www.gov.uk/government/p...

I joined @pcsunion.bsky.social members in Westminster to voice their anger over Capita's failed administration of the civil service pension scheme. Time to end outsourcing and bring it in house. #EndCapitaChaos #BringItInHouse www.pcs.org.uk/news-events/...

Farage can trigger a by-election, but he tried to hide his links to wealthy backers when he refused to declare them. Reform claims to challenge the establishment but it has voted down workers rights, opposed pay rises, and serves the interests of the super-rich.

Amazing!! Got to be one of the greatest ever victories in England’s history. 👏👏

We have the criminal powers to take action - such as proceeds of crime and anti-money laundering laws - to prevent and punish UK financial and commercial support for illegal Israeli settlements. They need to be used.

Andy Burnham today set out a clear agenda: * Bring down household costs with public intervention. * Reform public procurement and safeguard sovereign manufacturing. * Build more council homes. A programme for lowering costs, rebuilding industry and investing in communities.

Badenoch agrees with Farage and she too would scrap the Employment Rights Act. They both openly admit that they are not on the side of working people.

A new PM will need to act fast to turn round a Britain in decline — here’s where to start Labour must show it is capable of delivering real improvements in people’s lives — bold action is required. My article in @mstaronline.bsky.social 👇 morningstaronline.co.uk/article/new-...

I have signed a motion on Working in High Temperatures. It urges Govt to back the @tuc.org.uk call for a maximum working temp of 30°C, or 27°C for strenuous work, beyond which employers would have a statutory duty to introduce effective control measures. edm.parliament.uk/early-day-mo...

UN commission of inquiry says Israel committing genocide in Gaza by deliberately targeting children www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

The UN Commission report found that Israel has deliberately targeted Palestinian children. It says Israel 'intended to destroy the existence of the Palestinians in Gaza as a group'. This builds on previous reports identifying Israel's actions as amounting to genocide.

I'm standing tall for the small! In Insect Week 2026 I'm backing the Royal Entomological Society to inspire children and young people to develop a lasting interest in insect science and the natural world.

Deep structural changes are needed to reverse 40 years of neoliberalism. This paper sets out some key policies for a new leader to pursue. tribunemag.co.uk/2026/06/the-manifesto-to-save-labour

Huge congratulations to my very good friends at Northern Stars for being shortlisted for the Community Organisation Award for Disability in the National Diversity Awards.

This morning I attended a Turn2Us event to understand more about experiences of the Jobcentre. For employment reforms to support people into work, the Jobcentre must build trust, confidence and ambition.

People want someone who understands their lives and Andy Burnham does that. He speaks to people's aspirations and needs and that's why he won so big in Makerfield and can do the same across our communities.

The country needs real transformative Labour policies. It's time to elect a new Labour Leader and PM who can rebuild Labour's broad church and regain voters' trust. We will do that by building a country where everyone can afford a good life and has the opportunity to thrive.

I spoke to BBC Tees about Andy Burnham's election and how Labour is reaching a pivotal point to turn things around. We need to talk about and then deliver on the people's priorities to do so.

I am absolutely delighted at Andy Burnham’s victory in Makerfield. Not only is it brilliant news for the people in his constituency, but it’s also great news for the entire country.

Matt Vickers got this about as badly wrong as it’s possible to get, and he should apologise and grow up - sadly he will do neither. It says a great deal about him. northeastbylines.co.uk/news/politic...

This event should never have gone ahead. Now there is a prima facie case that people were advertising land in illegal settlements contrary to law. Referring this to the ASA is wholly inappropriate and completely inadequate. The government needs to act.

The govt is right to reject the proposed bailout of Thames Water. I urge the govt to go further and to champion public ownership of water, in the public interest. Customers should not pay the price for the private bailout. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

The govt promised a wave of insourcing - delivering that for govt facilities management is the right thing for taxpayers and for staff. I thank Rachel Reeves and pay tribute to @tuc.org.uk and @pcsunion.bsky.social. This should be the first step in a broader wave across public services.

Referring to the Advertising Standards Agency adverts for unlawful property in occupied Palestine, is not enough. If ministers believe settlements are illegal, they should examine using Money Laundering, and Proceeds of Crime, powers — not just adverts. news.sky.com/story/homes-...

This summer, we organise and fight for the pay we deserve. Pledge to be part of our plan to win on council and school pay. unsn.uk/4vkQp9t

Investment in infrastructure, pay restoration, better public services, insourcing.  These are all key actions the govt must take to deliver for voters. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Labour will hand the keys to No10 to Reform, unless they change course. And drastically. I agree with @andreaegangs.bsky.social. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Many congratulations to all of those across Teesside who have received gongs in the King's Birthday Honours list. www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/kings-honour-birthday-middlesbrough-stockton-34112814

Over 100 MPs have urged the govt to prevent today's 'Great Israeli Real Estate event' over illegal Israeli settlement promotion 👇 www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...

Nearly 100 MPs and peers call on ministers to stop London event selling off Israeli settlement land this weekend. See @skynewsrss.bsky.social 👇 news.sky.com/story/politi...

Almost 100 MPs and Peers are urging Ministers to prevent the 'Great Israeli Real Estate Event' taking place in London this weekend. The govt has an opportunity to uphold obligations under international law and take action against Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine.

We need a redistribution of economic power, so that workers can secure decent wages and working conditions, through public investment, and through the public ownership of critical sectors of our economy. Read more in TUCG's new paper 👇 tucg.org.uk/wp-content/u...

The Railways Bill is the biggest reversal of rail privatisation in a generation. Great British Railways can end fragmentation and reinvest in services. And it can improve conditions for passengers and employees alike.

💜✊ Care workers are rallying at Westminster and Holyrood today Together, they are saying: ✅ Keep the current five-year route to settlement 🛑 No retrospective rule changes 🤝 A sector‑wide visa scheme for social care and a fully funded Fair Pay Agreement for all care workers #FairVisasNow

Migrant workers are what our social care services - and our health service - rely on. We should thank and reward them for the care they give - often for too little pay. Well done @unison.org.uk standing up for members with the #FairVisasNow campaign - I support you.

Reform are bankrolled by corporate interests and have used their positions to oppose fair pay campaigns and to vote against basic employment rights. That's why their appeal to trade unions is a complete sham. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

Last week, the Minister accepted Israel's actions in southern Lebanon amount to war crimes. I'm demanding the Govt ensure it is not complicit in war crimes - suspend any support that could facilitate violations, reconsider arms exports and F-35 supplies, and use sanctions.

The Railways Bill returns to Parliament this week with its welcome establishment of Great British Railways. I've tabled amendments to: • Make GBR a single employer • Set out access to the Railway Pension Scheme • Keep rules on ticket office hours in place

"More than a third of people, across every party, age and gender, spontaneously brought up the cost of living when asked what changes would make life for them and their families better." www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

A busy start to the week - out with Labour activists today listening to voters and campaigning for Andy Burnham for Makerfield. #AndyForUs