It was an honour to attend the recognition ceremony and see the Palestinian flag raised at the newly designated embassy. Whilst undoubtedly a momentous day, we need an immediate ceasefire, an end to the genocide, aid allowed in and all hostages released. 1/2.

I welcome the Governments recognition of the state of Palestine. It has been a privilege to work alongside Palestinian Ambassador Husam Zomlot in the campaign to secure recognition. Israel must immediately stop the genocide, implement a full ceasefire, and allow aid in.

"Recognition of Palestine alone is not enough. Britain must also take concrete steps to defend those who cling to life there and pursue justice for the dead." Me in @left-foot-forward.bsky.social 👇 leftfootforward.org/2025/09/andy...

Welcome to see Commons Business and Trade Committee ask Govt if it has been discussed with partner nations suspending Israel from the F-35 global supply pool. I have asked repeatedly on this without satisfactory answers. committees.parliament.uk/publications...

Years of pay erosion mean staff need pay restoration, not rollbacks. Expand sectoral bargaining - ensure fair pay and standards for all - and end one-sided flexibility. That's why during this week's Employment Rights Bill debate I argued we need further measures.

It wasn't a risk worth taking to appoint Mandelson. It was a colossal error of judgment. He’s tarnished the reputation of the UK. It can't be that good colleagues lose the whip for standing up for their constituents, yet Mandelson keeps it after standing up for a paedophile.

It’s welcome that the Govt has published its Hillsborough Law, backed by the families of the 97. For them – and for families of those who died under the TEWV NHS trust – Duty of Candour and parity of arms are vital. Openness, honesty and justice must define public service.

Thanks to Health Minister Baroness Merron, who met with myself and colleagues to hear our concerns about historic and current issues at TEWV Mental Health Trust. I will continue to make the case for an independent public inquiry into the avoidable deaths of patients at the trust.

A UN Commission today finds that Israel is responsible for commission of genocide in Gaza. It is the most authoritative finding on Israel's actions to date. The naming of Pres Herzog days after a visit to Downing St highlights the exposure of UK Govt and need to change policy.

I welcome the return of the Employment Rights Bill, and the opportunity to address the urgent priorities of this country, of the people of this country, which is in improving employment rights for better security at work, and ultimately, better pay from work.

A very informative and enlightening walkabout in Berwick Hills with Office of the Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey to discuss Operation Salus, bringing together police and partners to tackle serious crime and anti-social behaviour.

Today, MPs discuss the Employment Rights Bill - and Lords attempts to weaken it. MPs must reject attempts to weaken guaranteed hours protections and new steps towards collective bargaining. This Bill must be a first step to new employment protections and union rights.

Proud to nominate my friend @bellribeiroaddy.bsky.social because she addressed the issues that matter to voters. Austerity. Welfare. Gaza. These remain issues on which Labour must change course to win again - and which Bridget and Lucy must address in the contest.

I said to the BBC Radio 4 Today programme this morning that Peter Mandelson is just causing the government and the Labour Party further damage. If he doesn't do the right thing and resign today, then the Prime Minister should sack him.

Last night, I told @itvnewspolitics.bsky.social that to have sympathy for Jeffrey Epstein shows a colossal loss of judgement, and Peter Mandelson has to quit or be fired.

The assault on Gaza City is escalating. A million residents have been told to evacuate, and we risk a further escalation of civilian death, a new phase in the genocide. Britain must act decisively, urgently, and on the side of humanity.

"We need to be more transformative. With @bellribeiroaddy.bsky.social we have a strong advocate for a bold and radical approach to address the deep-seated issues that are impacting our country." My thoughts in North East Bylines 👇 northeastbylines.co.uk/news/politic...

Great to see @bellribeiroaddy.bsky.social committing to a second wave of employment rights measures. Sectoral bargaining, a long-term pay restoration process, single employment status, and insourcing more services. A clear commitment to workers rights. www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...

Whether it’s on Gaza or the state of public services, people feel as if they are not being listened to. That has to change. @bellribeiroaddy.bsky.social sets out her case for Deputy Leader 👇 www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

Israeli President Herzog said, there are 'no innocent civilians in Gaza'. Today he is visiting the PM whilst Israel's action in Gaza amount to a genocide. The UK is responsible for upholding the Genocide Convention and the Govt should act on that today.

As Israel's President is due, the UK govt refuses to see Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide. We have witnessed hospital destruction, aid blocked and mass killings of Palestinian civilians. That's why we have written to the PM - the UK must uphold the Genocide Convention.

This year marks the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. In Thornaby at the weekend we reflected on the freedoms we enjoy today due to the sacrifices of the airmen in 1940. We are forever in their debt and we will remember them.

"...stagnating living standards in the face of an unresolved cost of living crisis, and the super-rich become ever richer. While public services suffer, profiteering continues..." Welcome to see TUC backs wealth taxes - @labourlist.bsky.social labourlist.org/2025/09/tuc-...

I have just submitted my nomination for @bellribeiroaddy.bsky.social for the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. Bell understands the concerns of the public and will give voice to them.

This #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, I'm sharing an important message from @samaritanscharity: if you think someone might be suicidal, take action, interrupt their thoughts and show them you care. To find out how, visit samaritans.org/WSPD

Labour needs to agree what its purpose is and express that clearly to the country. With Bell, we have a strong advocate for a bold and radical approach to address the deep-seated issues that are impacting our country. I’m pleased to be supporting Bell.

Today, I asked the minister if the govt has received legal advice re a visit by Israeli President Herzog and the UK's Genocide Convention responsibilities. I asked if any visa application would be rejected or if he would be subject to police investigation.

Don’t let the Lords sabotage workers’ rights. Ahead of this weekend's reshuffle, I wrote for the Morning Star bout the Employment Rights Bill 👇 morningstaronline.co.uk/article/dont...

Andy McDonald MP says the deputy leadership contest will be "a proxy for the bigger question facing our party" and argues that Labour cannot afford to play Reform's game.

Labour cannot play Reform’s game – we must be bolder and truly transformative. Have a read of some of my thoughts for @labourlist.bsky.social 👇 labourlist.org/2025/09/labo...

On BBC Radio 4 Today, I said I don't think trying to occupy the slipstream created by Nigel Farage is the way to go. We've got to use this moment to think about the reasonable expectations of the public. And they want to see an improvement in their material living conditions.

I worked with Angela in terms of the New Deal for Working People, that resulted in the Employment Rights Bill. She's brought in protection for renters, the English Devolution Bill, votes at 16. She can reflect upon that as being her enduring legacy.

Polls show Labour is losing support, with voters drifting to other progressive parties meaning we trail Reform. A Leadership-imposed Deputy will confirm the public's worst concerns about tightly-controlled politics. We need an open election about our future.

I am saddened at Angela Rayner’s departure from government. She is a towering figure in the labour movement and has done so much to improve the lives of millions of people. She can be rightly proud of her legacy.

As we take private rail franchises back into the public sector, it's vital that the transfer undertaking processes fully engage trade unions, protect employment rights, and level up varying terms to a national gold standard. See my question in the Commons yesterday 👇

The government could bring in a wealth tax, it could equalise capital gains tax, it could bring in a windfall tax on banks and it could tax the gaming industry more fairly. @paulnowaktuc.bsky.social for @skynewsrss.bsky.social on the opportunities for a fairer tax system.

People support fairer taxation of bank and gambling profits and fairer taxation of wealth. The govt should tax profits and wealth so it can focus it's efforts on lifting the living standards of ordinary people. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

"We need a tax system that reflects inequality, not just inequality in income but inequality in those who've got wealth and assets and those who haven't." I agree with @paulnowaktuc.bsky.social - we need fairer tax on the super wealthy. www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...

The Poverty Strategy Commission is right to say increasing incomes will be central to any attempt to tackle poverty. Alongside taking up work opportunities and contributing to pensions, they urge removing the two-child limit - and I agree. www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

Lovely to hear that the Neptune Centre in Berwick Hills is shortlisted for a number of awards. It's up for the Regional Public Club/Centre of the Year – North of England category and will also be considered for Outstanding Club/Centre of the Year in the ukactive Awards.

If “never again” is to mean anything, then let us deliver the Hillsborough Law in full — so openness, honesty, and justice become the defining standards of public service.

Today, I stood with @pcsunion.bsky.social members in the Parliamentary Security Department, standing up for their pay, their leave terms, and highlighting ethnicity pay gaps. Now, with our Employment Rights Bill, employers must consult unions and respect employees rights and terms at work.

Now the bill to bring passenger rail companies into public ownership has been passed, the govt is getting on with delivering that. Today I joined @tssaunion.bsky.social to discuss how we ensure it delivers a better experience for passengers and staff alike.

From this week, the Labour govt is providing 30 hours of govt-funded childcare. This will save local families £7,500 and give half a million more children the best start in life. Find out more 👇 www.beststartinlife.gov.uk

Recognition should be immediate and unconditional. If Palestine has the inalienable right to statehood, it is abhorrent to give Israel a veto on recognition by stopping the murders of innocent civilians, medics and journalists. 1/2.

As of today, Labour is saving parents up to £7,500 on average with 30 hours per week of government funded childcare. Find out more including the location of your nearest Best Start Family Hub in Middlesbrough & Thornaby East here - www.beststartinlife.gov.uk

At Middlesbrough Station this morning to return to Parliament following the summer recess. There is much work to do to improve the lives of people in Middlesbrough & Thornaby East and across the country. 1/3.

Good luck to all receiving GCSE results today in Middlesbrough & Thornaby East. I'm sure exciting times lay ahead for our brilliant young people No matter what your grades, remember this is just the beginning of your journey. Enjoy today & take all the opportunities that present themself from here!

More than eight in ten Labour members support end to two-child benefit cap. This overwhelming view of Labour members is shared by MPs. labourlist.org/2025/08/end-...

The cost-of-living crisis is still here for millions of households. Ending poverty and increasing real incomes for the majority must be the priority. We need fairer taxes on wealth and profits whilst we grow the economy. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cp...