Costa Coffee apprenticeships
Fantastic to meet apprentices Sophie and Alessio from Costa Coffee and hear about their Management and Leadership apprenticeships building skills, confidence and exciting career opportunities while learning on the job! A big thank you to Ryan for teaching me some barista skills!
Swing Bridge – pressing the case for restoration especially being able to swing again!
Northern industry built this nation, but the previous government neglected our industrial heritage – one reason why Newcastle’s iconic Swing Bridge no longer swings. I asked the Minister for funding support to get the Swing Bridge swinging again! Parliament TV: https://x.com/i/status/2026999772326899951 Chronicle Live: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/swing-bridge-parliament-chi-onwurah-33498045
Online safety requires: public safety, free expression, responsibility, control and transparency
The House of Commons Science Innovation & Technology committee Social Media report identified 5 principles: public safety free expression responsibility control transparency We made recommendations on a right to reset and to tackle advertising & the amplification of harmful content I urged the Government to implement them. Parliament TV: https://x.com/i/status/2026716197543174233
Protection of children from online harms
When I joined Facebook in 2005, you had to be over 18. 20 years later, children as young as 13 are growing up with almost unrestricted access to social media shaping their lives and brains. The Tories’ failure to act over those years amounts to negligence of the highest order Parliament TV: https://x.com/i/status/2026358095639691290
Government taking action on Generative AI
Great to see the Government taking action on Generative AI – something the House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee has called for! Secretary of state for Science, Innovation and Technology announces: 🗣️ “…we will close the gap in the law around AI chatbots. We’re really concerned about the impact that those are […]
Iran internet access blackout during the protests
Last month I asked how Iran was able to shut down internet access during the protests, and what the UK is doing in response. The Minister’s reply confirms the regime used its control of a highly centralised telecoms network and the UK is working with allies to help address this.
Our local M&S tops a mystery shopper survey by The Grocer
Congratulations to our local M&S for topping a mystery shopper survey by The Grocer, notably praised for standout customer service and availability of products. On my last visit, the great service absolutely merited this recognition! A real credit to a hardworking team. Well done! 🌟
Warm Homes local grant scheme making a big difference in West Denton
Great to visit constituents in West Denton enjoying better heating and warmth this winter, and doubled energy efficiency with the Warm Homes Local Grant scheme, installed by Thrift Energy Find out more here: http://warmworks.co.uk/our-work/newcastle-warm-homes-local-grant/
Munich Security Conference
I’m at the Munich Security Conference, as Chair of the House of commons Science Innovation and Technology Committee I need to follow the impact of science and tech on security and vice versa. Innovation is happening so fast raising questions of tech sovereignty, defence investment, procurement and our values! Chi’s video https://x.com/i/status/2022335749375291520
International Day of Women & Girls in Science
It was International Day of Women & Girls in Science on Tuesday this week. I spoke with Emily Warner at The Pharmacist about the importance of supporting and championing more women and girls into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.