Help for Pubs
Many pubs – and pub goers! – in Newcastle Central and West were concerned at the impact of business rate changes when they are facing so many other challenges, and I raised this with Ministers. I am glad to hear they listened! BBC News: https://x.com/BBCNews/status/2009253091321790557
Labour abolishes the two child limit – Tories and Reform promise to re-impose this – forcing many children back into poverty
Most of those affected by the two child limit are the children of British workers, but just 0.8% are two-parent households in which both parents are in full-time work. That’s why both the Tories’ and Reform’s policies would push almost half a million children back into poverty. Labour has launched a strategy to tackle child […]
I welcome the new cyber bill but called for further action to protect public services, businesses and people
The first duty of Government is to keep its citizens safe, and in today’s online world, that increasingly means cybersecurity, an issue previous Governments side lined. So I welcome the new cyber bill but called for further action to protect public services, businesses and people Parliament TV: https://x.com/i/status/2008584462532067504 Read my full speech here https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2026-01-06/debates/BB815F91-651E-4A24-AAFE-8BD7D92B2033/CyberSecurityAndResilience(NetworkAndInformationSystems)Bill#contribution-26EEAA1B-DD72-4C78-AF36-CB46ED225A07
Social media platforms should be not used to share illegal content
Social media platforms should be not used to share illegal content and Meta should be able to stop it. Removing content and applying message filters is not enough. Social media companies must do more to protect users and support the prosecution of those who seek to break the law on their platforms I look forward […]
We need principles for AI regulation
I want to see the Government set out its principles for AI regulation and explicitly reject the notions that Governments can’t regulate AI and that platforms can act with impunity. Who will be held accountable for the images circulating now and how? With billions in debt and trillions at stake in market dominance, incentives to […]
Happy New Year
Happy New Year to everyone in Newcastle Central and West – may 2026 bring prosperity, wellbeing and security!
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.