Policy Issues raised by constituents December 2024

Great meeting with the EPiC (Empowering People in Communities) team in Newcastle

Great meeting with the EPiC (Empowering People in Communities) team in Newcastle to learn about how Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police are working in partnership to ensure residents voices in Benwell, Elswick and West Denton are at the centre of addressing crime & transforming their communities for the better […]
To mark Holocaust Memorial Day, I had the privilege of signing the UK Holocaust Book of Commitment.

To mark Holocaust Memorial Day, I had the privilege of signing the UK Holocaust Book of Commitment. 80 years after the liberation of Auschwitz, living witnesses are relying on us to carry their legacy forward. We must all stand against anti-Semitism and fight for a better future.
A real honour to join members of Newcastle’s Roma Community to commemorate the murder of hundreds of thousands of Roma and Sinti people in the Holocaust

A real honour to join members of Newcastle’s Roma Community to commemorate the murder of hundreds of thousands of Roma and Sinti people in the Holocaust, and speak to the contribution of Roma Geordies to our city, as we all strive for a better future.
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.
Fantastic to wake up to the first full day when the guns have stopped in Gaza, and to see the joy of hostages and detainees returned to their families.
Fantastic to wake up to the first full day when the guns have stopped, and to see the joy of hostages and detainees returned to their families. We must all work to ensure this ceasefire brings long term peace and stability to Gaza, Israel and the entire region. BBC News: Gazans are returning to their homes to […]
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.