Dear Newcastle
I hope everyone managed to spend some time enjoying the warm weather in Newcastle – or abroad. It certainly has been a busy return for Parliament with the Scottish referendum and Westminster gearing up for the Conference season and the start of the long campaign to the next General Election. The international situation has dominated discussion in the House with the Prime Minister spending two hours answering to Parliament on Gaza, Ukraine and Syria. But issues close to home have also been high on the agenda, and last week’s Government defeat on the Bedroom Tax shows how some in Government are now beginning to realise just what a mess they are making of it. But only a Labour Government has actually promised to repeal it.
Just before the summer George Osborne came to Newcastle to announce that the economy was back on track. But for many, including some in the business community, things are worse not better. By ignoring chronic problems like poor skills, infrastructure and economic development which blight the prospects of many firms, David Cameron shows how little he understands of the long term challenges business and this country face.
Labour will give cities and county regions the tools they need to drive growth and better jobs. By helping local government to work with business, the next Labour Government will secure prosperity for all parts of Britain.
Shadow Ministerial Role
Over the summer wrote a number of articles on digital government and social enterprise. One, jointly with Jon Cruddas, received wide coverage and was picked up by the Guardian. I also visited Carlisle and Edinburgh to talk to local social enterprises.
We are making real progress on Digital Government Review with draft final report circulated and I launched my Summer Opendata competition. I spoke from Front Bench for Hazel Blears’ Westminster Hall debate on the Social Economy emphasising the role of the Labour Movement.
Backbench and Constituency Role
Just before recess we heard the great news that five beds would be retained in the Severe Eating Disorders Unit in the RVI, something I had campaigned for with local groups.
I have also been involved in the campaign against the proposal to site a McDonald’s at Kenton Bar roundabout almost at the gates of Kenton School which helped bring about the Council rejection of planning permission.
I spoke in Parliament on 2 September 2014 the lack of recovery in average earnings in the North East [Growth in Average Earnings] on 1 September 2014 supporting the research work in Newcastle University on Mitochondrial Replacement (Public Safety); on 22 July 2014 I raised the suffering of civilians in Gaza during FCO Topical Questions on 21 July 2014 about tragic death of NUFC fans on Flight MH17 [Ukraine (Flight MH17) and Gaza] on 17 July 2014 on Child Abuse and on Rural Mobile Coverage
I spoke at the Rally for Peace in Gaza on July 26th in Newcastle. I received over 300 emails and messages on Gaza, 93% asking me to stand up for civilians and children in Gaza.
Successful constituency Ramble organised with Ramblers Association. Local councillor and constituent Ann Schofield was shortlisted as Digital Champion. Please vote at http://digitalheroes.talktalk.co.uk/employment-digital-hero/
Media
Quoted regularly in local media including Journal and Chronicle, and many other media outlets including BBC, ITV and radio on sports in Newcastle, George Osborne ‘recovery over’ visit, Richardson Unit closure reversal and Kenton McDonalds. Profile in New Statesman. Wrote a number of blogs and interviewed by Computer Business Review
I continue to receive a huge volume of letters, emails and phone calls, over 2500 per week. Gabriella Giovinchi from Newcastle was successful in an open recruitment for my summer internship. Mark Simmonds promoted to Senior Parliamentary Assistant. Successful Team AwayDay covering three separate locations in the Constituency.
Organisation
I continue to receive a huge volume of letters, emails and phone calls, over 2500 per week. Gabriella Giovinchi from Newcastle was successful in an open recruitment for my summer internship. Mark Simmonds promoted to Senior Parliamentary Assistant. Successful Team AwayDay covering three separate locations in the Constituency.
Meeting, Visits & Speaking Engagements:
Meetings and Visits: TUC, City Tavern, Liz Truss & Department of Education, French Embassy Bastille Day, CWU, Vocalink, Kola Aluko Foundation, HP, NCG, Oynx Health, 80 years of discovery museum, Law Commission, Lord Reid, Mission Orientated Finance for Innovation, Café Beam, NUST, North East Finance, Newcastle Eagles, Remploy, Northumberland Water, Food Nation, Carlisle CVS, Edinburgh Melting Pot, PCS, Genting Casino, Hat Trick FA Mars Play woman’s football session, Tyneside Cinema, North Kenton Post Office, Palestinian Ambassador to Great Britain, Durham Rifles, Friends of the Church Garden, Graham Mather, Sanctuary in Parliament Event, UKIE, Sepsis, Big Innovation Centre, Later Life Ambitions, Post Office Lab, England’s Women’s Rugby Team, BT, BBC, Open Clasp, Great North Run Million Runner Celebrations, Liam Sweeney and John Alder Fundraiser.
Speaking engagements: Participatory & Deliberative Democracy Specialist Group Conference, Social Economy Alliance, Social Saturday Reception, Rally for Peace in Gaza, NoMcDonaldsKenton meeting.