I asked the Minister at the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero why people in the North East are paying 75% more in standing charges than those in the South.

Instead of offering a clear answer they passed the buck to OFGEM.

This isn't good enough.

Today we remember the Hillsborough tragedy 35 years on.

Please read my statement of solidarity with the victims and their families and friends:

YNWA ✊️

#JFT97

Congratulations to Newcastle Women on winning the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division.

Their victory today was watched by over 7,000 fans.

They are building women’s football in our region. Excellent 👏

Spending £2m on focus grouping Eat Out to Help Out is unbelievable.

Sunak tried to become popular quickly but the country has seen straight through his paper thin politics.

theguardian.com/business/2024/…

It is a national disgrace that thousands of people across the country have to rely on charitable dentistry.

Labour’s next Government must follow the example of Bevan - radical expansion of free and universal health care so people no longer rely on charity but rather solidarity.

Congratulations Ged Grebby !! Thoroughly deserved.

Show Racism the Red Card

The public haven’t voted for Thatcher to run this country since 1987 yet her legacy still lives on.

It is time to end the stranglehold that private profit has over our public services. Let’s put the needs of people and communities first.

labouroutlook.org/2024/04/10/tha…

The Tories have ignored the climate crisis and the impacts of climate crisis.

While our towns and villages flood, along with our core infrastructure, they sit back and do nothing.

Our region and our planet sorely needs investment to prevent flooding and lessen its effects.

It is no surprise that Sure Start had a transformative effect on the lives of children.

That is what the last Labour Government achieved but the next one can set its sights even higher.

We must transform the lives and futures of children in this country for the better.

Please remember that this Tory Government has brought in photo ID under the auspices of preventing voter fraud when we all know what it is - an attempt at voter suppression.

So let’s send the Tories a clear message in May - we won’t be silenced.

Read more about voter ID here 👇

Good to see Labour has adopted some of the plans to tackle tax avoidance developed for me by Prem Sikka, John Christensen, & PCS in 2016 & to fund 2019 Manifesto. Much further to go to hit firms enabling tax dodging. bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politi…

Happy international Romani Day!

Today is a chance for us to fight discrimination that is too present in our society.

It is a chance to celebrate the strength of Romani communities in our country and to meaningfully commit to ending structural discrimination.

The reality is that carers do an essential job with an insultingly small allowance from the state and some no remuneration at all.

Despite that, the DWP have been destroying their lives and threatening their financial security.

Shame on this Government.

theguardian.com/society/2024/a…

Good craic this morning at Newcastle Central Station with the ⁦ASLEF⁩ pickets.

#Solidarity ✊️