Policy Issues raised by constituents July 2026
British Airways a major employer in Newcastle
Great to visit British Airways’ newly refurbished Newcastle office. BA is a major North East employer supporting customers across the globe with 700 staff at this site. Continued investment in local jobs, skills and careers highlights Newcastle’s talent and potential.
Summer holiday clubs at St John’s Primary School
It was wonderful to visit St John’s Primary School to see the summer holidays clubs that local kids are enjoying. I’m sure I met the future Dan Burn and Lucy Bronze! It is brilliant to see the Government’s Holiday Activity Fund supporting so many young people in Newcastle.
Stannah stair lifts Newburn plant
Huge pleasure to meet the team at Stannah who manufacture stair lifts at their Newburn plant, and discuss the challenges the steel tariffs represent. Stannah provide great, skilled jobs for my constituents and I want to see them grow and thrive.
Living and working in the North East is great, but train journeys are too often dead time – unreliable WiFi
Businesses and individuals are increasingly seeing the benefits of living and working in the North East, but train journeys are too often dead time. I asked when the Government will ensure that reliable Wi-Fi will be secured across LNER services to improve productivity. Parliament TV: https://x.com/ChiOnwurah/status/2077785443655897190/video/1
Exhibition Park, Leazes Park and Scotswood Community Garden all winning awards
Fantastic news Exhibition Park and Leazes Park have received awards from Keep Britain Tidy and Green Flag Scotswood Community Garden also won the Community Award! We have fantastic green spaces on our doorstep in Newcastle central and West Thanks to the staff and volunteers who look after them
Disability Benefits Review
I asked the Minister how his disability benefits review will tackle the misinformation, disinformation and confusion that too often shape public debate. Lived experience must drive reform, not myths that stigmatise disabled people and create false expectations. Parliament TV: https://x.com/ChiOnwurah/status/2075278976776388851/video/1
Buses – have your say
Buses are a lifeline for many people across Newcastle Central and West, connecting residents to jobs, education and essential services. Share your views with the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority on the proposed Bus Franchising Scheme by 9am on 28 September 2026: northeast-ca.gov.uk/haveyoursay
My nomination for Leadership of the Labour Party
Please see my statement below on my nomination for Leadership of the Labour Party:
Reflect bravery of our young men and women in regional investment
The North East sends more of our young people into the Armed Forces than any other region, yet receives the lowest share of defence spending. I asked to meet with the Defence Secretary to ensure that the bravery of our young men and women is reflected in regional investment. Parliament TV: https://x.com/ChiOnwurah/status/2074524009572483228/video/1