It was great to welcome Oxclose Academy to Parliament for the Planet Big Ideas Competition 2026 National Final! 🌍 It is inspiring to see young people from Washington using their creativity and leadership skills to address critical climate issues.

It was great to drop by to see RNID’s fantastic work in action in Parliament yesterday. I was even lucky enough to get an ear wax and hearing check in the Hear for Norfolk mobile clinic (which I passed 🥰🎉). 🧵(1/2)

Kemi lost her head at PMQs - and afterwards too. It's not the first time. She's compared me to a Gestapo officer. I wonder what it is about a working class woman driving record investment in state schools by ending private schools' tax breaks that the Tories hate so much.

Beautiful display in Parliament celebrating Jo’s life and legacy ahead of the 10th anniversary of her murder tomorrow💜 #JoCox @jocoxfoundation.bsky.social

🗣️ 'We want to support the public by making healthy choices easier' - Health Minister @sharonhodgsonmp.bsky.social speaking at our #BrokenPlate launch event. Junk food environments and the struggle to access good food was highlighted by food campaigners. foodfoundation.org.uk/publication/...

Today the Minister for Public Health and Prevention, @sharonhodgsonmp.bsky.social, joined me at Ark Putney Academy to hear from students all about school meals - what they like and what could be better.

While last week’s Milburn review highlighted a sobering reality, I am glad that we are using this as an opportunity to act now to improve the life chances of our young people. Read my full thoughts on this in the Sunderland Echo: www.sunderlandecho.com/news/opinion...

We’ve hit a big landmark – 10 million free breakfasts served. 10 million better days at school – more children turning up, concentrating, getting on. 10 million easier mornings for parents – better drop-offs and commutes. Change doesn’t happen by chance, it comes with Labour. 🌹

It was lovely to visit Birtley Food Bank yesterday to once again see how they support local residents in great need and to speak with all the volunteers who help make the foodbank the welcoming place it is. 🧵: (1/2)

Improving children’s relationship with mobile phones and social media is a top priority for the Government. 🌹📱 Today is the last chance for you to have your say in the Government’s consultation:

Great to meet @sharonhodgsonmp.bsky.social at the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dietary Health Drop-In! We discussed the link between obesity and cancer, and the importance of commitments in the 10 Year Health Plan to improve our food environment. 🍎 Organised by @oha-updates.bsky.social.

Today we mark the anniversary of the 1812 Felling Pit disaster in which 92 men and boys lost their lives. One of the largest mining disasters in the North East and saw the mine sealed for 6 weeks to extinguish the fire. (1/2)

Labour is opening up access to subjects that have been the preserve of a privileged few for too long. We're investing in school sport and overhauling the system to end the postcode lottery. Levelling the playing field, so every child can achieve and thrive. www.gov.uk/government/n...

Alongside the other Sunderland MPs, I wrote to the incoming Reform Leader of Sunderland Council regarding worrying comments made by several of his councillors. A full copy of the letter can be seen below 🌹👇

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.