Close Tax Loopholes
In Newcastle we love local produce and the beautiful Northumberland countryside, but we know most land is owned by the Duke of Northumberland, big landowners and tax avoiders. I asked if the Minister agrees that loopholes have boosted land prices and priced out young farmers Parliament TV: https://x.com/i/status/1882715042774184032
Wonderful to see the work of the West End Refugee Service
Wonderful to see the work of the West End Refugee Service , and to meet the new WERS team and advisory board. We discussed WERS’ skills and support programs, the challenges faced by refugees, and the contribution refugees make to our city.
Visit to Vita Healtth UK in Newcastle who provide NHS Talking Therapies services
I visited Vita Healtth UK in Newcastle who provide NHS Talking Therapies services, and met their therapists to discuss key the mental health local challenges. You can be referred by your GP, self-refer or attend a drop-in session. They offer online and in-person mental health services.
Tribute to Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann for her leadership in championing victims following Makin Review
Earlier I paid tribute to the Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann for her leadership in championing victims following Makin Review. I asked the Church Commissioners about the review’s implementation, resources for safeguarding, and whether the Church is focusing on victims, not the careers of clergy. Parliament TV: https://x.com/i/status/1879943033304592519
Great to meet with Northumbria Students Union in Newcastle
Great to meet with Northumbria Students Union in Newcastle who care so much about those they represent. Also to learn more about issues that matter most to international students. Renters Rights, BusFares, International Education agents and English language requirements.
Dear Newcastle January 2025 Newsletter
Follow this link for my latest Newsletter: Dear Newcastle January 2025
Elon Musk has no qualms about saying all kinds of things about the British – yet he seems reluctant to actually come and talk to us
Chi : “He (Elon Musk) has no qualms about using his platform to say all kinds of things about the British government and British society and yet he seems reluctant to actually come and talk to us where he can have his views explained.” https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/elon-musk-reluctant-talk-mps-34465346
Callerton Academy visit
Thankyou to Callerton Academy MPs (of their Student Parliament!) for a fab tour & introduction to many engaged and articulate students. I learnt some Mandarin and Spanish and saw them tackle physics and chemistry challenges, Newcastle’s future is safe in their hands
Labour’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill will protect children and ensure they can thrive
Innovation in the NHS
Last month’s Science Innovation & Technology committee brought festive cheer by hearing how science is helping eradicate diseases like cervical cancer. But experts said it could be difficult getting new treatments adopted by the NHS. I asked the Secretary of State how he would ensure innovation benefits British patients. Parliament TV: https://x.com/i/status/1877037743571632554