Luke Akehurst MP

The Government has already taken positive action on the Mineworkers Pension Scheme (MWP), I have joined fellow Coalfield MPs to flag that there is more work to do to make further progress on the MWP, the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme and support for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

Bank of England poised to cut interest rates on Thursday Quarter-point reduction expected, with City investors predicting a three-way split among rate setters The Bank of England is poised to cut interest rates on Thursday despite a growing divide between its policymakers over the dangers to the economy from high inflation and rising unemployment. In a development that will ease pressure on households and businesses, City forecasters expect the central bank to announce a quarter-point cut, its fifth rate reduction in a year. Continue reading...

Bank of England poised to cut interest rates on Thursday

In September I will be holding a joint advice surgery with Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen.

To book an appointment, please email luke.akehurst.mp@parliament.uk or call 0191 371 8834.

Say no to Reform's Council Tax Rises

Durham Labour Group are calling on Reform to protect the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and dismiss any plans to scrap it. Add your voice to the campaign: survey.labour.org.uk/reformtaxrise

This afternoon I met with Stanley Police to discuss issues across the area and to express my concerns around recent local incidents.

We spoke at length about individual incidents, HMOs, off-road bikes, drug related crime, antisocial behaviour and speeding across the constituency.

Yesterday I went over to Stanley Post Office to visit the Banking Hub and discuss plans for the branch and hub. The hub was busy and it was clear that this is a much needed service for local residents.

Reform UK’s Durham County Council faces backlash over proposed Council Tax scheme reforms

www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...

2U Food have expanded their operations into the North East and last week I visited their new premises in Tanfield Lea. 2U Food offer reasonably priced food from their fleet of food trucks - serving workplaces that don't have a canteen and many others www.2ufood.co.uk

This morning I wrote to the Leader of Durham County Council to make clear my opposition to the proposed changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme in County Durham.

The proposed changes would impact 32,000 people and I will oppose it at every opportunity.

One of my first engagements in Parliament was meeting a group of pupils from St Benet’s Primary School in Ouston. Last week, I had the pleasure of seeing them again - this time at their school. It was wonderful to visit Year 6 on their last day of primary school.

No just saying be careful with language. The IHRA definition of antisemitism includes "Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination" and Zionism is literally the movement for Jewish national self-determination.

No it literally means someone who thinks Israel should exist. It's only pejorative to antisemitic racists who don't believe in Jewish self-determination.

You can't explain why it is offensive can you? Zionist is not an offensive term, means someone who thinks Israel should exist, and "shitlord" is just internet slang for someone who is proactive online.

What's offensive about it? Please explain? Because Marlon knew he was being insulted but neither he nor I know what it is supposed to mean.

I wasn't an MP or even a councillor - it was in 2017.

The t-shirt was actually making quite a serious point- was promoting Marlon Solomon's one man show about antisemitic conspiracy theories, which opens with him talking about receiving an email insulting him by calling him that.

Sorry this is nonsense, I'm an obsessive canvasser - I like all aspects of the job but the bit I like most is talking to local residents.

Whilst it's a wonderful seat to represent it isn't a safe seat at all - majority under 6000 at GE and Reform now have most of the local councillors.

I'm here now, and here all the time when parliament isn't sitting. If you want to book a slot at my next surgery just email me - luke.akehurst.mp@parliament.uk

I recently visited South Moor Golf Club to have a look around the facilities and hear about their plans to tackle ongoing flooding in the area. Nearby residential properties have also been affected. If you have been impacted and need my assistance, please contact me on luke.akehurst.mp@parliament.uk

It was fantastic to visit the North East Autism Society in Chester-le-Street last week, demonstrating how technology can personalise and significantly improve the care given to those with autism. It is a fantastic example of the innovative organisations we have on our doorstep here in County Durham

'I've never accepted that decline is Britain's inevitable path' - Rachel Reeves

One year on from the general election and this government’s task remains clear: to invest in Britain’s renewal so we can rebuild our country’s security, its health, and the economy.

No there is nothing about PIP in the final version of the bill. It isn't changing at all.

NE Roots - Episode One: The Last Miner Headliners · Episode

The first episode of the new NE Roots Podcast ‘The Last Miner’ is now available on Spotify. Made possible by @Headliners and the Heritage Lottery Fund, the episode sees young people explore the industrial heritage of Tanfield Lea and Stanley – you can listen here: open.spotify.com/episode/2h3y...

There weren't any cuts to PIP in thr final bill.

Good to meet with parents and young people from Disabled Children's Partnership today to hear about what they want changed and the rights and protections they want kept in the SEND system.

Project: Let's move together for a healthier County Durham | Durham County Council We know that moving, physical activity and sport can change lives, not only by supporting good physical health, but also by making us feel happier, helping us to be more productive in our personal and...

A recent survey by Sport England showed that, in County Durham, three in ten adults do less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week. You could help improve things by completing the following survey on the county’s leisure services: letstalkcountydurham.co.uk/en-GB/projec...

June was a busy month for casework and policy inquiries and I am happy to have been able to assist so many residents. If you live in North Durham and would like my support, please contact me on luke.akehurst.mp@parliament.uk or call 0191 371 8834.

Great to catch up with Chair of Stanley Town Council Cllr Joan Nicholson at Annfield Plain Community Centre this morning and see the beautiful Morrison Busty Lodge banner, one of the many North Durham banners ready for the Durham Miners Gala tomorrow!

In terms of progression, all of the young people I met had been with the company or a contractor for several years and the progression opportunities were impressive.