I am pleased that Labour has announced a £30 million nationwide crackdown targeting dodgy barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts and sweet shops involved in money laundering. These shops will face raids, closure orders and cash seizures as part of a new drive to clean up Britain’s high streets.🌹🚓

Consecutive Conservative Governments refused to protect fans and our world leading live events sector. I am therefore delighted that the King’s Speech includes plans to introduce a Draft Ticket Tout Ban Bill, an issue I campaigned on as a backbencher since 2010. 🌹🎟️

Having previously campaigned to crack down on ticket touting in the live events sector, I am delighted that the Government is now banning the online bots which have been harvesting driving test slots for resale. 🌹🚗

It’s always lovely speaking to my constituents about issues important to them and our community… 🧵(1/4)

Thanks to @sharonhodgsonmp.bsky.social for hosting us at DHSC this week to discuss the National Cancer Plan. Great opportunity to discuss the government's ambitions for cancer screening, inequalities, and survival, and the vital role our fellows and members will play in making the Plan a reality.

Great to meet with Minister @sharonhodgsonmp.bsky.social alongside fellow cancer charities yesterday. Topics discussed included implementation of the National Cancer Plan & Rare Cancers Act, importance of reducing late diagnosis, and the distinct challenges faced in rare & less common cancers.

Renters in my constituency are now better protected, as new laws come into force delivering the biggest upgrade to renters’ rights in over 40 years. Around 5,161 private rental homes locally will benefit from these changes, giving people more security, fairness and stability in their housing.

A huge moment🎉 The PH community came together with the Minister @sharonhodgsonmp.bsky.social to mark the passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill yesterday – and today it became an Act. Proud to stand alongside so many dedicated colleagues who made this happen. Truly a gift to future generations

It was brilliant to be joined by the Minister for Public Health & Prevention @sharonhodgsonmp.bsky.social The Minister congratulated all stakeholders for their tireless work on the Tobacco & Vapes Bill, which she said is the ‘most significant piece of public health legislation in a generation’ 🚭

It was fantastic to join the team at Holly House Care Home this weekend, to celebrate their Outstanding rating following inspection from the Care Quality Commission. It was a pleasure to meet residents and the hardworking team who are a tribute to this accomplishment and our community in Washington.

Cold mornings in Washington this weekend, but a warm reception to myself and Labour councillors on the doorsteps. On May 7th, let's make sure that we elect hardworking Labour councillors who can work in partnership with a Labour Government to deliver for our community. 🌹

It was fantastic to visit Barmston Primary School in Washington on Friday morning, to see their Breakfast Club and meet with staff and students.

I am proud that our renewed women’s health strategy will put women and girls at the heart of our healthcare system. Under this Labour government, women and girls will no longer feel ignored or invalidated by those meant to listen. 🧵(1/2)

Wonderful work - thank you all so much! Excellent for educational attainment/attendance, and so long-term economic growth. But also helping to instil healthy eating at a crucial time, helping to meet the prevention shift of the 10 year health plan.

We brought together some inspiring changemakers to mark a major milestone in improving the quality of school food! Government Ministers @oliviabailey.bsky.social and @sharonhodgsonmp.bsky.social joined us as we marked the launch of the School Food Project. 🔗 schoolfoodproject.org.uk

Yesterday we took the biggest step to overhaul school food in a generation – and I couldn't be prouder. 1 in 3 children are leaving primary school at risk of food-related ill-health. Tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged 5–9. That is simply not good enough.

I had a lovely time today visiting some of the Holiday Activity and Food programmes in Birtley, to see how the children of Gateshead can spend their Easter holidays making friends, getting some exercise, and not worrying about food in the meantime.

Last week I visited ASDA Living in Team Valley where I met some of their current apprentices from local stores in my area to hear more about their work and learning and how the ASDA apprenticeship programme benefits them in their career journey.

Target made, target hit. Today, Labour has announced that over 3,000 additional neighbourhood police are now in post. And we’ve hit that goal 2 months early.

Today’s boost to the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage will give a much needed pay rise to 2.7 million workers. 💷

I was proud to drop-in to an event last month, hosted by Target Ovarian Cancer, to mark Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. As Minister I am absolutely committed to improving cancer care for patients across England, including those suffering from ovarian cancer and other gynaecological cancers.

I today held a Chamber of Commerce area meeting in Washington and Gateshead South alongside the North East Chamber of Commerce. This meeting was attended by businesses and employers across the local area to discuss the issues that matter most for the north east.

This government is on the side of families. Whether that is tackling the cost of living, or helping navigate the rapidly changing online world. Today, we publish non-judgemental, practical tips, developed with parents, experts and led by evidence to manage under-5s’ screen time.

Today I was very happy to visit Lighthouse Therapy Group in my constituency of Washington and Gateshead South. Lighthouse Therapy Group is a private counselling practice that are committed to supporting the mental health of our local Washington residents.

Jarrow & Gateshead East & our neighbouring constituency Sunderland rank in the top 3 for illicit & illegal trade, that's why I've organised an event today & invited @northumbriaopcc.bsky.social ,local councils, shopkeepers and stakeholders to look at how we work together to crack down on this issue.

Illicit and Illegal Trade in the North East As I said to BBC Newcastle this is not just about illegal cigarettes and vapes, we are seeing organised crime profit at the expense of local communities

It fuels anti social behaviour and is a blight on our high streets, the Tobacco and vape bill passed this week thanks to the great work by @sharonhodgsonmp.bsky.social on her first legislation as Minister will help us tackle this issue and give more power and resources to Trading Standards.

The UK Gov's consultation on applying the 2018 Nutrient Profile Model to junk food marketing restrictions + promotions is live! We fully support Prevention Minister @sharonhodgsonmp.bsky.social and her team in pursuing this vital update to food policy that will help tackle obesity & prevent cancer.

I confirmed that as a government we remain firmly committed to honouring each and every one of the commitments we made in our manifesto 👇🏻

On Tuesday, I gave evidence to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee as part of their pre-legislative scrutiny of our draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill 🧵

An emotive but powerful morning yesterday responding to the Westminster Hall debate on Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood. It was heartbreaking to hear personal and constituent stories from members across the house. 🧵 (1/3)

A key theme throughout my parliamentary career has always been to push for a healthier and happier society. It is an honour to now be at the forefront of this work as Public Health and Prevention Minister.

I was proud to make my first appearance as Minister responding to a Westminster Hall debate on Monday for such a crucial cause. The debate “Funding so all infants are offered Type 1 diabetes testing in routine care” was granted after the petition reached over 120,000 signatures.

📉 Wait lists have fallen again by 43k in January - 374k in 18 months. 🚑 Fastest ambulance response in 5 years, down to less than 29 mins for heart attacks and stroke 🏥 A&E waits the shortest for four years despite a hugely demanding winter Lots done, lots more to do.

It was an honour to speak yesterday at The Eve Appeal’s Parliamentary Event, as Minister for Public Health and Prevention, to mark Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. 🧵(1/4)

Celebrating the strength and diversity of our Commonwealth family. This year’s theme - Unlocking opportunities together - captures our shared drive to boost growth, empower young people, and tackle global challenges side by side. Happy #CommonwealthDay!

It may be 11pm, but it is very much worth it. The things we have to fight for, though, are astonishing.

Labour MPs just voted to expand free school meals to half a million more children, lifting 100,000 children out of poverty. The Tories and Reform UK voted against. Only Labour will give children growing up in our country the best start in life.

❤️❤️❤️

I was proud to drop into Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal Parliament Event this week to support their vital work in providing crucial nursing care and support for people living with terminal illnesses. (1/2)

Many congratulations. It’s a great role and a fine department. All the very best- you’ll do a great job. Good luck! AB

So proud of you Sharon. You’ll be brilliant xxx

I am honoured to have been appointed as the Minister for Public Health and Prevention in the Department of Health and Social Care. 🌹🩺

The Government has today launched a landmark consultation on UK children's digital wellbeing, covering social media age bans, curfews, AI chatbots and gaming. Labour is taking action to protect our children online and allow them the safe space they need to grow.🌹

Yesterday the Independent Anti Slavery Commissioner published its report on Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking through Adult Service Websites (ASWs). Its findings confirm what we already thought was the case: these websites are active enablers of exploitation and must be outlawed. (1/3)

Violence against women and girls is an abhorrent stain on our society. The action we take against it, therefore, is nothing short of a moral mission. 🧵: (1/3) www.sunderlandecho.com/news/opinion...

Don’t look back in anger… on Friday. Only Labour can beat Reform. 👇🏻 www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...

60 years ago, the ‘University of the Air’ White Paper set out a radical vision that still drives us today: your background or location should never be a barrier to education. That became the @openuniversity.bsky.social, proving that great education truly can reach anyone, anywhere.

We're fixing the front door of the NHS. More GPs. Same-day urgent appointments. Backed by an extra £485 million for GP practices. Through investment and modernisation, we are rebuilding our NHS.