Mark Ferguson MP

The sun is shining in Dunston today - and I’m out with local councillors and volunteers to deliver my Parliamentary report. If you live in Gateshead Central & Whickham and haven’t had the report through your door yet, you can read more about my work for and with our community at mark-ferguson.co.uk

Today my friend Bridget Phillipson the Education Secretary joined me and Council Leader Martin Gannon in Gateshead to meet with representatives of the local Jewish community. I am proud to be a friend to this special community - together we will stand with them, locally and nationally

Antisemitism is a scourge that must be tackled head on.

Over the weeks & months ahead I'll be sharing more information and listening to your views and priorities for the area. But this really is excellent news - its real, new money for the area - and I've spoken to a number of people over the last few days who are excited about the changes it will bring.

Last week Labour secured £20 million for Beacon Lough and Wrekenton. The 'Pride in Place' funding can be spent on a whole range of improvements, from local park improvements to fixing up empty buildings and shop fronts.

Most importantly - it's up to you - the residents - to decide how its spent.

Kingsmeadow choir will provide the entertainment at this lovely community celebration.

Thanks, Ann, Derek and Frank for your hospitality today!

⛪ This afternoon I visited St Nicholas Church in Dunston. This weekend they mark their 60th anniversary. You can pop in for the church open day tomorrow from 10am-4pm, with refreshments and an exhibition on display.

🥐Do you prefer an almond croissant, a pain au chocolat, a pizza or or a donut? Share your favourite bakery treat below.

👉 LIKE. COMMENT. SHARE.

New Lidl coming soon

💥 YES! A brand new Lidl is coming to Gateshead!

👷 Construction is well underway, so shoppers will soon be able to enjoy a wider range of food options in Bensham.

🍩A new store means more local jobs and cheaper shopping right here in Gateshead.

😍 And yes, the bakery section!

youtu.be/VyhWUcKyIGQ

It's amazing how many people haven't visited this local hidden treasure 🤯

Do you know where it is? Comment below.

🍋 This looks amazing and its FREE! 🥦

This Labour government will improve your rights at work:

o End exploitative zero hours contracts and fire & rehire
o Establish day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave for millions of workers
o Strengthen your statutory sick pay

Labour will improve your rights at work - Employment Rights Bill result

Last night Labour voted down every attempt by Reform and the Tories to water down our Employment Rights Bill.

Gills in Dunston serves up some of the tastiest fish and chips in Gateshead. The perfect Friday pitstop in the heart of my constituency.

WHICH CHIPPY DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST IN GATESHEAD?

After a busy week in Westminster I’m heading back to Gateshead with Annie. As well as keeping me company on the train, she took part in the Westminster dog of the year show. Well done to all the winners and everyone else who took part

Great North Run complete.
Thanks to everyone who sponsored me, doubling my initial target.
You can still give to this worthy cause at: ajbellgreatnorthrun2025.enthuse.com/pf/mark-ferg...

It’s Great North Run Day

Best Start In Life The Best Start in Life parent hub

Visit www.beststartinlife.gov.uk to check your eligibility.

This Labour government is investing to give our children the best start in life.

This week we've rolled out 30 hours of government-funded childcare, saving up to £7,500 and supporting more parents back into work.

Flag update - I thought it needed a better home than in my drawer though so I’ve brought it into Parliament with me on my first day back in Westminster. What do you think?

Beautiful building, even better good - breakfast for lunch at the Cafe Under The Spire in Bensham

Labour's 30 hours of government-funded childcare kicks in on 1st September. Visit https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk to see what you are entitled to. Our Plan for Change is putting more money into… Two days to save £7,500 on childcare

You have 2 days left to save £7,500 on childcare.

Labour's 30 hours of government-funded childcare kicks in on 1st September. Visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk to see what you are entitled to.

Our Plan for Change is putting more money into parents' pockets & giving children the best start in life

This is my flag.

Thank you to IKEA for hosting us, we got around without having any rows, we even had meatballs at the end. I think I’ll be back this weekend to pick up a few bits 👀

📍Gateshead is open for Business 📈

Yesterday I welcomed my friend the Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds to Gateshead to discuss how we drive more investment into our area and build on the successes we already have.

Contacting your pharmacy first can help free up more GP appointments and gives you quicker and more convenient access to safe and high quality healthcare.

Thanks to staff at Boots in the town centre for sharing your expertise and experience with me.

- Ear infection
- Impetigo
- Infected insect bites
- Shingles
- Sinusitis
- Sore throat
- UTI

Labour is cutting waiting lists and the 8am scramble for a GP appointment.

The Pharmacy First scheme allows trained pharmacists to dispense prescription-only medication, without the need to see a GP, for the following conditions:

Labour is breaking down the barriers to opportunity for young people. This government is delivering:

- ✅More youth services
- ✅More after-school activities
- ✅Building essential skills for life and work

👉 Read more: www.itv.com/news/2025-08...