If you are a North Durham constituent and need to contact me please email luke.akehurst.mp@parliament.uk

New Child Poverty Strategy 'must only be the start' to help North East, says mayor

The UK will never look away as Russia wages its illegal war.   At the @OSCE yesterday, I set out how we stand with Ukraine - for its sovereignty, and for all our security. And I challenged Russia directly over their forced deportation of Ukrainian children #BringKidsBackUA 🇬🇧🇺🇦

Today we took action towards lifting 450,000 children out of poverty. Here is why we did it, and how we did it:

Reform have finally removed Ian Cooper from the party - what took them so long?

Tackling child poverty is a huge priority in the North East and we’ve dedicated over £28m to take direct action to support kids and create opportunity. Today, as the Government’s child poverty strategy was launched, @bphillipsonMP and I visited the brilliant @TanfieldSchool in

Labour launch ambitious Child Poverty Strategy, promising around 550,000 children will be lifted out of poverty by 2030 and deliver Labour's 'moral mission'. https://t.co/n7GHQJatEc

'I'm proud we're lifting half a million kids out of poverty - this is our moral mission' - @Keir_Starmer https://t.co/zsquwDIJ7L

Thank you to the indefatigable @JohannaBaxter & the 129 other MPs for highlighting how a peace plan on Russia's terms will endanger 1.6 million Ukrainian children, including the at least 19,546 abducted by Russia. Ukrainian children must be safeguarded in any agreement.

The number of suicides or attempted suicides attended by fire services have tripled in the past decade. I’m joining @Samaritans #UnitedWithTheFrontline campaign in calling for suicide prevention training for emergency services. Find out more at: https://t.co/i9IWASI4DS

Overall, the combination of tax rises and giveaways since last year’s Budget is progressive. Incomes for households in the bottom half of the distribution have increased by 1.0 per cent and incomes for households in the top half fell by 0.7 per cent.

I’m pleased that Nationwide has committed to keeping its Chester-le-Street branch open until at least early 2030. With high streets across the country facing challenges – and North Durham being no exception - banking services remain vital to the strength and sustainability of our

In discussing the Ukrainian peace talks, why do journalists & broadcasters so rarely mention the estimated 20,000-35,000 Ukrainina children abducted by the Russians from their families and taken back to Russia? What will happen to them in any deal? Will they even be mentioned?

"The idea I'd work with them is ludicrous" Reminder: as of this week, Nigel Farage has welcomed 21 former Tory MPs into his party.

✂️ Energy bills, NHS waiting lists and government debt - all cut in this Labour Budget. ✂️

Chancellor Rachel Reeves did not mislead on challenges facing UK ahead of Budget, OBR official tells MPs https://t.co/VIus1p959r

At this year’s Remembrance Service at Ouston Community Centre, pupils from Ouston and St Benet’s Primary Schools delivered deeply moving readings. It is so important that we keep the memory of these tragic events alive for future generations. Thank you to the Community Centre for

Labour is bringing down NHS waiting times, making it easier to see a doctor when you need one.

Reeves did not mislead on challenges facing UK ahead of Budget, says OBR official

Since this Labour government entered office there are 360,000 fewer working age people out of work. That is 360,000 stories of lives moving forward; - new parents able to get back into the workplace - people off NHS waiting lists thanks to record investment - young people

Whilst I’ve been fighting tooth and nail to secure funding in Stanley - Reform Councillors have been busy at County Hall looking to cut funding from the Town. Their latest proposals can be found at the link below - and will result in £50,000 being cut from Stanley while the

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