Blakelaw Social Club Pensioner’s Party
My last official engagement of Christmas 2025 – on the dancefloor at Blakelaw Social Club for their Pensioner’s Party! Hope everyone has as Merry a Christmas!
Crisis North East distributing Christmas hampers
Great to join Crisis North East distributing Christmas hampers for 150+ sleeping rough or in temporary accommodation. We discussed Labour’s homelessness strategy & extension of the ‘move-on period’ to 56 days, giving refugees more time to secure housing & reducing risk of homelessness.
Children North East “Winter Event” in Cowgate Centre
Great to join Children North East at their Winter event in the Cowgate Centre, speak with kids & staff, and see the disco in full swing! Brilliant to speak with them about their work tackling poverty now being trademarked — a real milestone for children & families!
Newcastle Food Bank at the Venerable Bede Church
Inspiring visit to Newcastle Food Bank at the Venerable Bede Church on West Road, to see how they are helping those less fortunate this Christmas with food, support and advice. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers for the incredible work you do. And to all those generous geordies donating to the food bank.
St Nicholas Cathedral Weekly Organ Recital
I’m usually in Westminster on Mondays so don’t get the chance to join St Nicholas Cathedral Weekly Organ Recital – but today was privileged to hear a festive programme from James Watson – with a little Elf help! The recitals are free – though donations are of course welcome.
UNISON Fair Visa Campaign lobby
Met with constituents at the UNISON Fair Visa Campaign lobby, where care workers spoke about exploitation in the social care sector linked to the visa sponsorship system. Their work is essential to keeping services running, and I’ll be raising these issues with the Minister.
The Labour Government condemns the Israeli government’s approval of 19 new settlements in Palestine
The Labour Government condemns the Israeli government’s approval of 19 new settlements in Palestine. These are illegal under international law. This risks undermining the 20 Point Plan and prospects for the long-term peace and security that only a two state solution can deliver.
Joined the Lord Mayor and the Leader of the city council, with representatives of Newcastle’s Jewish communities to celebrate 8th night of Chanukah
So honoured to join the Lord Mayor of Newcastle and the Leader of the city council, Councillor Kilgour, with representatives of Newcastle’s Jewish communities in the Silver Gallery to celebrate the eighth night of Chanukah, bringing light amidst the darkness
St Mary’s Cathedral Church beautifully decked for a lovely service of Carols by Candlelight
St Mary’s Cathedral Church was beautifully decked for a lovely service of Carols by Candlelight With inspiring Advent Reflections from Canon Simon Lerche
Morning from the Moor on the second shortest day of the year!
