Policy Issues raised by constituents AUGUST 2023
Brilliant tour of Hadrian Border Brewery in Newburn
It was brilliant to tour Hadrian Border Brewery in Newburn & get the inside track on how excellent ales such as Tyneside Blonde & Farne Island are brewed in Newcastle. And they’re proud to be a Living Wage employer. #ThinkLocalDrinkLocal
Great visiting the fabulous volunteer cafe (every Thursday) at St James’ and St Basil’s in Fenham
Had a great time visiting the Church of St James’ and St Basil’s in Fenham, who run a fabulous volunteer led café every Thursday. I recommend the homemade soup & also enjoyed a quick impromptu organ lesson, though not sure…
U-turn on rail ticket office closures – but closures should never have been considered in the first place
The government has been forced to U-turn on rail ticket office closures following a concentrated campaign by Labour & many others. This is good news, but these plans should never have been put forward in the first place. What a…
We need automatic big fines for any sewage discharges
I asked the Minister if hardy Geordie #NorthSea swimmers (inc me!) should have to worry about water quality due to bad practices by UK water companies, & whether Govt would implement Labour’s plan for automatic fines for discharges. Minister thought…
Tory broken promises on Northern Transport
After mismanaging HS2, the Government’s attempt to pull the wool over Northern eyes with "Network North" is a farce. I asked the Minister if he really thinks the people of the #NorthEast have fallen for his fag end, fake network to nowhere.…
Statement on Israel Gaza Conflict
Many, many constituents have contacted me regarding the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza. I want to apologise for the delay in responding to them all and also if not every point raised in every email or letter is fully…
Dear Newcastle – October Newsletter 2023
Read full Newsletter: Click to access Dear-Newcastle-October-2023.pdf
Driving Test scandal
Interesting that Rishi is focusing on banning compulsory car sharing that never was rather than addressing the ‘free’ market in driving tests which is costing would-be drivers a fortune. And will his parking app fall foul of the same marketisation?…