Labour MP for Sunderland Central. Also on BlueSky.
Sunderland
- Tweets 3,152
- Following 1,937
- Followers 4,060
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I am appalled by the disorder in the centre of Sunderland tonight.
Our city is not represented by a tiny minority causing trouble.
@northumbriapol have my full support as they respond to criminal thuggery and work to protect all the communities of our city.
Tomorrow the people of Sunderland will come together and continue to build the bright future that we have - a future where every community of our city feels safe and prospers.
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Following election as MP for Sunderland Central, I have resigned from the NHS after 19 years.
The expertise, humanity & commitment of NHS colleagues I’ve worked with across the North East will forever be with me.
Thank you for the amazing things you do. I will miss you.
(1/3)
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Counting down to 3pm Saturday, I managed to work a cheeky #SAFC Premier League preview into a speech.
The first time Mayenda’s views on Sam Fender have been discussed in the House of Commons 👀🔴⚪️
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£25million has been confirmed for Crown Works Studio, set to create 8000 jobs thanks to Labour's budget.
This is the investment Sunderland needs.
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As I arrive in Westminster I know I am here to serve the people of Sunderland Central.
I will work for all constituents, whether you voted for me or not.
My new office is now open - you can contact me lewis.atkinson.mp@parliament.uk or call 0191 565 5327.
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When that 3rd #SAFC goal went in 😆
Enjoy your top of the league night Sunderland, you deserve it.
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This evening I’ve had the privilege of spending time with Zaf and other leaders from the faith communities of Sunderland.
It is clear that Islamophobia and racism was present in some of what we saw last night.
Zaf is a taxi driver. He’s born and bred Sunderland
He broke down when he described the hate he’d received
This was seconds before racial slurs were thrown, telling him to “go back to his own country”
A short clip. Hard, but important, so please watch
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It is the honour of my life to be elected as MP for Sunderland Central.
I will work my socks off to champion our city, represent all of our communities, and support a Labour government deliver the change we desperately need.
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Sunderland is a great city with cracking people. A city where I've lived & worked, laughed & cried.
It's a city that I love so it's the honour of my life to be selected as the Labour candidate for Sunderland Central.
I know after 14 years of Tory govt, Sunderland needs change.
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What a couple of days! Thanks for all good wishes.
Enjoying a bit of down time at @summerstreets_ today with great music and a pint from @vauxbrewery.
PS: Sunderland is a music city.
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Made in Sunderland
The Rt Hon Jordan Pickford MP @JPickford1 has been appointed Secretary of State for Defence @DefenceHQ.
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I was proud to be sworn in as the MP for Sunderland Central today.
After a week of induction in Parliament, I’m now travelling back to the North East and am looking forward to meetings in Sunderland tomorrow.
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Proud of our city, proud to be English 🏴
What a night for #Sunderland on the world stage.
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First day back in parliament.
I wanted to reflect on the disorder we saw last month and highlight the strength in Sunderland's community response.
Here's what the Home Secretary had to say 👇
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Fantastic news for Sunderland.
183 jobs created - this Labour Government is backing our city’s car industry and our workers.
Nearly £50m of investment from the Japan Automatic Transmission Company (JATCO), Nissan and the UK government has been secured for a new manufacturing plant in Sunderland 📣
Another major vote of confidence in the UK 👉 ow.ly/a6R850UHsp4
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Wow, what a morning launching our Sunderland Central general election campaign with @SunderlandLab colleagues.
There’s a huge desire to campaign and deliver the change we need for the city on 4th July.
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I'm proud to be The Labour Party candidate for Sunderland Central.
Tweets during this General Election period are promoted by Michael Mordey on behalf of Lewis Atkinson, both at S1 Sunderland Software Centre, Sunderland, SR1 1PB.
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Great to have @RachelReevesMP in Sunderland to talk economic growth & raising living standards.
This Government and @SunderlandLab have a plan for change in our city with Riverside housing, more jobs & shorter NHS waits.
We have such a bright future: we’ll deliver that together
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Honoured to have been elected Vice-Chair of the @LabourNorth Regional Executive Committee, as part of a great team with UNISON’s @clarenorthern2 & GMB’s Keir Howe.
Our full focus now must be campaigning & winning the seats needed for a Labour government with @Keir_Starmer as PM
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Speaking for the first time in the House of Commons, I raised the broken state of NHS dentistry in Sunderland with the Health Secretary.
Urgent NHS dental care needs to be accessible to all, whether or not they get routine NHS care.
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I feel like my subtle @thefutureheads reference might have passed some fellow MPs by…
"Where passion and identity is strong, there is music. And Sunderland is a Music City."
Watch @LewisAtkinson's brilliant maiden speech in Parliament as he talks about the innovation that is Sunderland's past, present and future.
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In my new role I intend to actively support the new government to deliver the improvements that @wesstreeting has rightly set out are necessary.
I will work with our local NHS inc @NENC_NHS @STSFTrust @CNTWNHS @NEAmbulance @SunderlandGPA and any local NHS staff as part of that.
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I am pleased those involved in violence and crime in recent days are continuing to be arrested.
To be clear: raising concerns and peaceful protest is lawful.
What is unlawful and will not be tolerated is attacking police, smashing windows, arson, inciting hate, burglary.
@northumbriapol continue to have my full support as they enforce the law in Sunderland.
northumbria.police.uk/news/n…
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A treat to be at @thesheepfolds preview night. Wow.
Rick & team have done incredible work transforming the historic stables into a top-notch hospitality venue.
Sunderland is on the up. I’ll do anything I can to support investment and promote the city.
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The feedback & experience of NHS patients - especially when they didn’t receive the best care - will inform my future work.
‘The NHS belongs to the people’ - but currently it is not providing the service to the people that they deserve. That is no fault of committed staff. (2/3)
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I've been Sunderland all my life - someone asked about my history here, so here's a thread including some retro photos from over the years... unfortunately including too many of #SAFC Wembley defeats
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I’m hearing v odd things about the procedure the branch used last night which if true would seem to be outside rule book and therefore likely to be overturned.
I’m speaking as a CLP Secretary with experience of running these procedures… a quick (dull) Labour rules thread 1/
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Fantastic eve of poll doorstep session - strong response from residents determined to deliver change tomorrow with their votes.
Change will only happen if you vote for it - vote Labour 🗳️🌹
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Sunderland remembers.
An honour to take part in the Remembrance Commemoration this morning.
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It’s been quite the week, but the highlight was calling the bingo at Ryhope Community Centre.
And I even got to call ‘Keir’s door - number 10’! My Gran would love it.
I’ll be spending as much time as I can with local community groups, being accessible & listening to residents.
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I’m calling this out @MayorJD, also your critical @LabourList piece just before polls.
No recognition of our Cllrs.
No recognition of progress recovering from the 2019 GE disaster.
Never-mind the ‘opposition captain’: if you’re unhappy as our left-back, then get off the pitch.
.@MayorJD channeling his inner Jonathan Van-Tam when I asked him how he sees last night's election results for Labour - “I think we are 1-0 up at half-time, but that is because the opposition captain has scored an own goal.”
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Another great night at @FireStationSun: a top gig by @maximopark .
Sunderland is a music city.
ALT Maximo Park on stage playing to crowd with their hands in the air
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Glassworks will be a new facility that continues our city’s proud history of glassmaking.
I’m delighted the Government has backed this project which I’ve been pushing for since being elected.
Huge step forward for the city and its' future by building on our proud heritage.
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I love Pop Recs - it's a special, uniquely Sunderland, hub for arts and the community.
Great to catch up with Dan about their work - and to discuss the impact development around High Street West would have.
PS: The coffee and lunch at @poprecsltd is class - get yourself in.
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Sue’s Café on Marine Walk in Roker has been in business for 20 years.
It was great to hear the way Sue has invested in the area – using local produce and suppliers, and developing her staff.
Small businesses like Sue's are a fantastic example of how to champion the city.
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Apparently proud of using taxpayer-subsidised flights to commute when there is:
- a direct high speed rail link to London 5 miles away
- a climate emergency
- huge pressure on public finances.
Tories just don’t get it.
Come fly with me! ✈️
Well, it’s an unusual commute, but I’m very excited to be on the first Teesside to London City flight. A huge congrats to @BenHouchen for securing these new routes.
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Creative industries are a crucial part of our economy - I am determined they thrive in Sunderland.
Today, the government set out how it will support the film industry - so I championed the investment in Crown Works Studio which could create thousands of good jobs.
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Proud to march today for an inclusive Sunderland where everyone can be who they are and love who they choose, where all the communities of our city feel welcome and safe.
We have such a bright future together.
This Thursday use your vote - do not let those who would rather stoke division win.
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Pleased to pop into @ALS_Fanzine today and pick up a few Christmas gifts, including the Mackem Cewkbewk.
Dare I try my hand at a pink slice that will pass @bphillipsonMP’s high standards?
An honour to write the foreword to @lightaperture & @ALS_Fanzine’s Mackem Cewkbewk.
Proceeds will support some of the most vulnerable in our area, through the valued work of the Community Soup Kitchen.
If you feel able, consider buying a copy here: a-love-supreme.com/product-p…
ALT Bridget Phillipson’s foreword to the Mackem Cewkbewk
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It was good to visit Royal Sunderland Hospital and hear first-hand about the tireless work done by our local NHS staff.
I'll continue to speak up for Sunderland in parliament to improve accessibility to good healthcare and to ensure NHS staff are treated fairly.
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1991/92 Home, or 2024/25 Away: which to wear today? #SAFC
ALT Two side by side Sunderland shirts
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From Roker to Ryhope, Pallion to Hendon, Southwick to Hill View it’s been a busy few days out across Sunderland Central working for every vote. 🗳️
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A great weekend listening to residents across Sunderland Central - we’ve been out from South Bents to Grangetown, Ford Estate to the East End.
I love Sunderland. Our city deserves the best.
If you elect me, I will keep listening & working hard as your voice in Parliament.
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Love a night game under the floodlights, especially when it’s a comfortable 2-0 #safc win.
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Huge turnout for #labourdoorstep in Cramlington, with members from across Northumberland, North Tyneside & Newcastle coming together on national campaign day to win back this seat and elect a Labour government.
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Sunderland is a music city.
Great to be at the launch and roots showcase at @FireStationSun tonight.
Let’s tell the world: musiccity.uk
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Nigel Farage says that Liz Truss’ economy-crashing budget was ‘the right idea’, wants to charge people to see a GP, dismantle the NHS as we know it and excuses Putin.
As of that wasn’t enough to show how out of touch he is with Sunderland, today he paraded the support of a Margaret Thatcher loving multi-millionaire former Newcastle United owner.
We need change not more chaos - the only way to defeat the Tories and their Reform-proxies in Sunderland is to vote Labour.
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I normally keep work tweets to @LewisNHS, but am dead chuffed to have been awarded the NHS Leadership Academy Award in Executive Healthcare Leadership after a year on the Nye Bevan Programme.
I’ve learned much more about myself: it’s impact will go way beyond my NHS work.
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NHS dentistry in Sunderland Central is broken.
I am pleased @wesstreeting has wasted no time getting started with reforming the national NHS dental contract.
I have today written to the CEO of @NENC_NHS to raise my concerns and to ask to meet about immediate local action.
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I’m recruiting the key role of Office Manager to lead my staff team.
The role is FT, based in Sunderland, paying £38-52k depending on experience. Experience working for an MP/in politics is NOT required.
w4mpjobs.org/JobDetails.aspx…
What am I looking for? 🧵
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Made my debut on BBC Politics North today, talking about how the measures in the King’s Speech will help deliver growth, improved living standards and services.
It’s available to watch on iPlayer:
bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0…
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25.
What a summer.
What a time to be alive in Sunderland.
And… breathe! 😅
An absolutely crazy summer, capped off with a last-minute deadline day!
Rate this window out of 10 for #SAFC
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Great to see such a buzz in the city centre today for the food & drink festival.
Labour wants thriving high streets - we’ll replace business rates to level the playing field between high street shops and online giants, and tackle anti-social behaviour and shoplifting.
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Good to meet @RhonddaBryant, Minister for Creative Industries today to discuss many cultural developments in Sunderland:
- Continuing 1,350 years of glass-making
- Sunderland @UKMusicCity
- Film & media skills and jobs
- @SundCulture’s work to allow every child access to culture
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Scenes. Premier League scenes! 🔴⚪️🔴⚪️🤩 #SAFC
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Good to meet with Sharon, CEO of Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID) today.
I want to see businesses across Sunderland Central succeed and grow.
I’m committed to working in partnership with business to build a more prosperous city including a thriving city centre.
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Put this in the National Portrait Gallery.
Out for a double date with @northumbriana - who managed to lose the Geordie pub quiz
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Delighted to be at #LabourConference. I’m speaking:
Sun 1pm @hopenothate tackling the far right, inc reflections on the riots
Mon 1pm: care closer to home & tackling health inequalities w/ @NVTweeting & @PatientsAssoc
Tue 12:30 @SME4LABOUR contribution of @UKHofficial SMEs
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Really positive session in Barnes, listening to residents and talking about Labour’s plan for change.
Lack of NHS Dentists a huge issue on the doors - the local practice has just let patients know they’ll be private only in the future.
Our plan:
labour.org.uk/updates/storie…
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So in the #SAFC x #labourdoorstep crossover that no one saw coming, I’ve challenged myself and the @SunderlandLab team to find/snap as many SAFC history blue plaques as possible while we’re out listening to residents.
Tonight we got our second, the site of the 1886-1898 ground just off Newcastle Road, Monkwearmouth.
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Post-canvassing cooler 🍦☀️
ALT Lewis with ice cream in front of a ‘Proud to serve Sunderland’ sign
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Bit rich talking about ‘tackling crime’ @N_TynesideTory when locally you’re being investigated for Covid furlough fraud and nationally your PM and Chancellor broke the law with lockdown breaches 🧐
Great to be out with @GuyOpperman and Ian Levy MP this morning in Monkseaton - a massive show of support for our plan to tackle crime & anti-social behaviour.
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I managed NHS Drug Treatment services in parts of Tyne & Wear 2007-10.
Under a Labour government, we had mandatory drug testing on arrest in police cells - and a fast track into effective, evidence-based treatment.
Conservative policy & funding decisions since weakened that 👇
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Local shopping streets like Pallion’s are crucial to the life and economy of our neighbourhoods.
Good to visit local businesses and chat to owners and residents about how we can support them.
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In his first speech as PM, Boris Johnson promises patients won’t have to wait more than 3 weeks for a GP appointment.
Under the last Labour government, 80% of patients got a GP appointment within 48 hours.
Boris doesn’t ‘believe in Britain’ - he accepts 9 years of Tory failure.
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I'm visiting Halifax and absolutely blown away by @ThePieceHall. Currently sat having an ale: as good as in any Spanish grand square!
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This my gran celebrating in Mowbray Park Sunderland 75 years ago.
Today, I’ll be remembering the losses of all in WW2 and I’ll also be celebrating the essential victory over fascism and tyranny as she did, which gave us the opportunity to build a better country & world #VEDay75
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Sunderland… we need help to celebrate our proud history:
We have fewer blue plaques marking the inspirational figures of our city’s past than elsewhere.
@HistoricEngland want to help us fix this - we have until Sunday to submit nominations to them here:
historicengland.org.uk/listi…
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I’ve written to every school in Sunderland Central to express my thanks to all teachers and staff for their work this academic year and my respect for what they do.
@bphillipsonMP is resetting the whole relationship between Government and those who work in education 👇
As schools across England break up for the summer holiday, there is no better time to say THANK YOU to all the incredible teachers who've supported our children throughout this academic year.
Watch Education Secretary @bphillipsonmp's end of year message for teachers ⬇️
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Remember the Durham miners,
who have given their lives in the pits of this county,
And all those who work in darkness and danger today.
#DurhamMinersGala
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Thanks to @JulieElliottMP for all she's done to champion & represent Sunderland during some tough times. She has been a great support to so many in the city & across the Labour movement.
With @SunderlandLab colleagues, I will work inclusively across the city to continue her work
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So the issue is not that challenge was made, but whether it was done within rules. Seems pretty doubtful to me because the branch did shortlisting and selection in same night.
So I don’t expect we’ve heard the last of this.
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The Conservatives have been in government for 11 years, but they think the North East should suddenly be grateful for small favours being shown to the region now they are politically convenient.
What is being offered doesn’t begin to make up for what has been cut in that time
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Uplifting afternoon on the Sunderland Inter-Faith walk of friendship: from @SlandMinster to Gurdwara to St Anthony’s Convent to Mosque.
‘Peace happens when we walk together’ - thanks to the inter-faith forum for what they do in the city.
And @Tweed_Barnesy joined us too!
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Fundamentals remain as #AssistedDying clocks up 100 hours Parliamentary consideration:
- MPs know status quo is cruel & untenable
- All passed amendments further tighten Bill (eg advertising ban)
On analysis of votes today, I’m v confident it will pass at 3rd reading next Fri
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Pat told us this afternoon about what his dying father experienced.
We can do better than this - with safe and tightly-controlled Assisted Dying provision.
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Productive meeting with my neighbour the Secretary of State for Education today - in just over three months she has made impressive progress resetting relationships and the approach across education.
Today I opened the doors of @educationgovuk to North East MPs to update them on our mission to break down barriers to opportunity.
In a region where children's horizons became ever more narrow under the Tories, I'll work with MPs to break the link between background & success.
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Absolutely barnstorming speech by @clarenorthern2 at #DurhamMinersGala, highlighting the extraordinary contributions of @NorthernUNISON members and all workers over the last 2 years
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I’m on a #labourdoorstep trip around Teesside today: great sunny start with @RCLabour colleagues campaigning for @annaturley in Kirkleatham.
Had ex-steelworkers on the doorstep remembering how Anna stood with them when the Tories abandoned the industry here.
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A very strange Easter weekend at work, ending with a work tweet about Barbour gowns going viral & being picked up by the Chronicle.
I, like all staff, am hugely appreciative of the support the NHS is getting from local citizens & businesses.
chroniclelive.co.uk/news/nor…
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Out listening all year round - not just at election time.
Good to be out with Cllr @david_newey and the @SunderlandLab team today talking with residents in Roker.
Important issues raised on bike anti-social behaviour, NHS dentistry and support for local schools.
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Delighted to have been re-elected unopposed as Secretary of Tynemouth Constituency Labour Party.
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Top day campaignining for my GMB friend @Lola__McEvoy
Lola is local to Darlington AND has fab national experience: winning Living Wage & working conditions campaigns. She’d be a great Labour candidate & MP
(We were so busy campaigning we forgot a photo, here’s one from summer)
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A real treat to be at @Beamish_Museum with Mam for the opening of 50s council & police houses, the bowling green/pavilion.
They tell stories of family lives transformed by public housing, of post-war Polish immigrants, the local bobby.
Stories of NE community & solidarity.
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You don’t level up the country by tearing down environmental standards.
An honour to speak to Conference about how the next Labour government will protect the environment of the North East and celebrate it as part of our region’s regeneration.
#lab22
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3pm KO now confirmed - it shouldn’t have taken this long.
Now to sort travel.
See you in Trafalgar Square & at Wembley #SAFC
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‘Sunderland, football, the riots and the battle for the shirt’
Thanks @jonawils for his excellent piece in the Observer today.
theguardian.com/football/art…
#SAFC
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