It was a privilege to visit Britannia Royal Naval College this week, to meet cadets training to be the next generation of Royal Navy officers. Fascinating to see firsthand how they’re being prepared for leadership, as part of the cross-party Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme.

Wages are rising in the North East under Labour 📈 In fact, they’re growing 2.5 times faster than the UK average. Through investing in our region, this Labour government is backing the North East and our local communities to succeed.

My statement regarding the serious failings in the breast surgery service at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust ⬇️

This Labour government is taking action on the cost of living 💷 A new £150 cut to energy bills will give much-needed relief to families 💡✂️ We said we’d take action to support households, we’re sticking by that pledge.

📢 Prescription Charges Frozen 📢 Good news! This Labour government have announced prescription charges will remain frozen, helping ease pressure on people who rely on regular medication.

As part of the Royal Navy Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, it was a privilege to visit the Institute of Naval Medicine. From keeping nuclear sub crews healthy on long deployments, to preparing commandos to train in the extremes of the Arctic, the centre plays a vital role.

We’ve done a lot. But there’s more to do.

10 minutes can be the difference between life and death when it comes to ambulance response times. With record investment in our NHS, we’re seeing response times improve.

Really good to welcome Minister for Small Business Blair McDougall MP to NETPark in Sedgefield. We visited Magnitude Biosciences to hear what government can do to remove red tape and help innovative small businesses grow and thrive.

Labour’s new veterans strategy 🇬🇧 🤝 £27m released for a new veteran-wide support service offering guidance and support for those who served 🏠 New funding for a dedicated wraparound homelessness service 🏥 Investing In world-class veterans NHS support

It was an honour to join MPs from across all parties in the Commons to mark 75 years since the rebuilding of the Chamber, following its destruction by bombing during the Second World War. A lasting reminder of Britain's resilience and renewal in the face of adversity.

It was a privilege to lay a wreath at Ferryhill Town Hall for the Armistice Day service. Along with the Mayor, councillors and local school pupils, we remembered the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

An honour to lay a Parliamentary wreath at the Cenotaph in Newton Aycliffe today as our MP. On Remembrance Sunday, we pause to remember all those who have given their lives to defend our freedom.

It was an honour to plant a Remembrance Cross in Parliament’s Garden of Remembrance today. Proud to remember all of those from our communities who have been killed or injured in the service of our nation. #wewillrememberthem

We’re updating what children learn at school so they’re ready for the modern world. That means strong foundations, plus new skills like spotting fake news online and understanding money, and access to arts and sport. Find out more. 👇

Surgery 4️⃣4️⃣ completed in Fishburn. Thank you to the residents who came along to raise important issues with me. To book an appointment at my advice surgeries, please email me on: [email protected]

Great to welcome Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to Ferryhill this weekend, as keynote speaker at our local Labour fundraising dinner. Inspiring to hear Bridget’s plans to give every young person the best start in life and the difference our Labour government is making. 🌹

Long-term employment support secured for our area 👷‍♂️👷 I’m delighted that our area has been chosen as part of the government’s new Trailblazer Scheme. This will bring additional mental health support, training programmes and help for employers to deliver more jobs

Latest figures show a significant 13.6% drop in unemployment claims in our constituency. Securing more well-paid, high-quality jobs for local people has always been my top priority and I’m delighted to see this progress.

Today at #PMQs I raised Reform’s appalling record on Durham County Council since they took office. Their latest action is to cancel events that contribute greatly to our local economy. Chaos and incompetence. County Durham deserves better.

Good to meet residents at my MP Advice Surgery on Friday. I hold regular surgeries in venues across our towns and villages, to make sure I’m accessible to constituents and to support our brilliant community organisations.

The North East will receive £1.5 million additional funding to strengthen homelessness prevention and expand mental health support across our region. Homelessness doubled under the Tories, we’re fixing the mess and rebuilding the system so it protects people, not abandons them.

Another busy MP advice surgery in Ferryhill on Friday. Thank you to the residents who attended. My next surgery will be on the 17th of October in Newton Aycliffe. To book please email me on [email protected]

Thank you to Lewis for getting in touch about a housing which I was able swiftly resolve. I’m always available to help residents, just drop me an email on: [email protected]

It was a privilege to spend time at the Commando Training Centre seeing how the next generation of Royal Marines are getting ready to serve our country. It’s an honour this year to take part in the Royal Navy Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme.

🗳️ Ballots are dropping today for Labour’s Deputy Leadership election. I’m proud to have voted for @bphillipsonMP who’s delivered for families across our country: 🥣 Free breakfast clubs 🚸 30 hours free childcare 🧸 Sure Start family hubs 🥙 Free school meals for more kids

🔧 Backing British Innovation 🔧 This Labour Government is investing over £10 million to support UK semiconductor businesses like Pragmatic in Sedgefield. I’m proud our constituency is home to such cutting-edge technology, leading the way in industries across the world.

Great to attend the open day at Hitachi in Newton Aycliffe today, to celebrate 200 years of rail innovation in our area ⬇️

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, I was proud to welcome the Lord Lieutenant, Japanese Ambassador, Transport Secretary and local parliamentarians to Newton Aycliffe. Thank you to Hitachi Rail for hosting this fantastic event.

Fantastic to be at Bridget’s campaign launch in Sunderland today. Powerful speech about uniting to fight for the best future for kids across our country. And being a campaigning deputy leader to take on Reform with a positive agenda of change.

This is why I’m running to be Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.

Today I held my 40th Advice Surgery since the election. It’s always a privilege to listen, help and support residents with a wide range of issues.

Proud to be supporting Bridget Phillipson for Labour Deputy Leader. I’ve known Bridget for more than 20 years - she’s always been a powerful champion of working people, tackling child poverty and standing up for our communities.

On the beat with Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen and Inspector Jassat in Newton Aycliffe today 🚨 Great to see first-hand the impact of increased police numbers in our town. This Labour government is making our streets safer.

Alongside expanding free childcare, Labour is investing £600m in school holiday clubs. By extending the Holiday Activities and Food Programme for three more years, we’re supporting low-income families with free meals and exciting activities. Last year alone, over half a million children benefited.

Always happy to support constituents who reach out with concerns and issues 🤝

A real pleasure to visit 3M in Newton Aycliffe to see their world class manufacturing facility 🦺 They employ 300 people and have a strong record on apprenticeships - exactly the sort of business I'm working hard to support. Proud of the innovative work 3M is doing in Aycliffe

Interest rates are coming down under Labour, meaning the average mortgage is now £1,000 cheaper per year. That’s more money in people’s pockets, helping families with the cost-of-living.

Great to visit Tesco in Newton Aycliffe to meet staff to learn more about their work supporting our area 👏 From donating to food banks to helping charities and community groups, Tesco is making a real difference beyond the checkout. A big thank you to the team.

Congratulations to all students receiving their GCSE results today! 📝

🚨 Labour government invests in Sedgefield business 🚨 I’ve been campaigning for more government contracts to be available to our fantastic small and medium sized businesses. Great news that Kromek at NETPark has been awarded an important Home Office contract.

Really inspired to meet the amazing team at the Great North Air Ambulance 🚁 The life saving work they do everyday makes a huge difference to our region. Proud to meet the pilots, doctors and paramedics who keep this vital service running.

Today we remember all those from our communities, our nation and the Commonwealth who fought with such courage in the Far East to bring the Second World War to an end. Lest we forget.

Congratulations to all A-Level, T-Level and VTQ students receiving their results today! 📚

A pleasure to join Chair of Bishop Middleham Parish Council, Councillor Harvey Neve, for a walkabout this week. Great to discuss local issues, share ideas and hear more about residents’ priorities.

Out bright and early this morning joining Royal Mail on their delivery round, starting at the Newton Aycliffe sorting office. A big thank you to our local posties for the incredible job they do in all weathers to keep our community connected 📮

I’m proud that four towns in our constituency will see more police officers on the streets thanks to this Labour government 🚨🚓 This is a real step forward in making our neighbourhoods safer, restoring trust and delivering our promise of visible and effective policing.