Catherine McKinnell MP

I joined Baroness Ruth Anderson to visit Sir Robert Francis and the team at the IBCA in Newcastle North.

The IBCA is responsible for paying compensation to those affected by the infected blood scandal. It was clear how committed the Newcastle based team are to fulfilling justice.

Busy time at #Lab25 conference in Liverpool, meeting with charities and organisations, which many constituents invited me to visit, to hear more about the work they do.

Devastating news on what is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar - my thoughts and prayers are with the community.

We must do all we can to root out anti-Jewish hatred in our society and ensure the security of the Jewish community.

Millions more appointments in the NHS. 30 hours free childcare. More breakfast clubs for kids.

Labour is already delivering change in our communities.

But we need to go further and faster - so people can really feel the benefits of that change, especially in their pockets.

Chatted to @sophyridge.bsky.social about how people need to know that the Government is listening to them, on their side, and ready to deliver. #lab25

Labour are expanding Youth Hubs across the UK to ensure that every young person is set up for working life.

Find out more: www.catherinemckinnellmp.co.uk/government-providing-more-support-for-young-people-in-the-north-east/

Good to meet with the team at Newcastle Carers to discuss their work to support carers in Newcastle.

Caring for others shouldn’t leave people facing poverty and crisis - Newcastle Carers ensures the support is there when needed.

Newcastle MP warns against 'revolving door' with Keir Starmer under pressure Catherine McKinnell resigned from the Government earlier this month, in the reshuffle sparked by Angela Rayner's departure

“I think people need to know we are on their side, that we are speaking for them, that we hear them and take seriously the issues they face in their everyday lives.”

Spoke to @danhollandnews.bsky.social on Government, @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social & the Deputy Leadership election👇

The North East will be the first ever AI Growth Zone!

🔨 Thousands of new local jobs

💰 £30bn investment to our region

📈 Huge boost in skills and opportunities

McKinnell: ‘I got up every day and gave it everything’ The former schools minister speaks to Schools Week after a brutal reshuffle

It has truly been an honour to be in the Department for Education fighting every day to improve outcomes for children and schools.

I leave knowing that @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social is a brilliant Education Secretary who will continue to deliver.

🚌 The Bus Services Bill will:

👩🏽‍🦱 Put power back into the hands of passengers

📄 Allow local authorities to establish their own bus companies

📣 Give locals a voice on bus routes, timetables and service standards

Find out more: www.catherinemckinnellmp.co.uk/big-boost-for-buses-in-newcastle-north/

Evidence shows that high-caffeine energy drinks negatively impact children’s physical and mental health, sleep quality, and educational outcomes.

That’s why Labour is working to ban the sale of them to under-16s.

Evidence shows that high-caffeine energy drinks negatively impact children’s physical and mental health, sleep quality, and educational outcomes.

That’s why Labour is working to ban the sale of them to under-16s.

Kickstarted my return to the DfE after the summer break by meeting with @ukmusic.bsky.social 🎼

From investing in Music Hubs to developing a National Centre for Arts and Music Education, we are opening up creative opportunities for young people - one beat at a time🥁

We’re back to Parliament after the summer recess, and it’s the first week back to school for many across the nation!

Thank you to the families, teachers and support staff who work hard to make sure children and young people are in school and get best start in life 👏

My team and I help around 1,000 people per month with local issues, problems and policy queries.

Here’s just one example👇

(P.S. if you live in Newcastle North, you can receive my support too. Simply visit: www.catherinemckinnellmp.co.uk/contact)

Through our Plan for Change, we’re committed to reforming the SEND system to drive better outcomes for all children.

I met with a cross-party group of MPs to listen to the challenges they’re facing & ensure the experiences of their local families are at the heart of our reforms.

Out on the doorstep in Sandyford with Rachel Reeves, Kim McGuinness, Susan Dungworth and Alex Hay chatting to residents about Labour’s Plan for Change 💪

Great support for Labour’s Owen Bell in the upcoming South Jesmond by-election on August 14th

How is Labour cleaning up our water?

✂️Pledged to cut sewage pollution in half by 2030

🌊Banned unfair bonuses for water companies that don’t meet high standards

🩷Reinvesting water company fines into local clean-up projects

www.catherinemckinnellmp.co.uk/cleaning-up-our-waterways/

I was pleased to host the Community Foundation North East in Parliament, celebrating the important work that they do in our region.

The North East is known for its generosity - the Foundation builds on this by bringing together local organisations & providing grants to help our communities thrive 🙌

As Minister for School Standards, I've listened to families concerned about the broken SEND system that we inherited.

From investing £1bn in the high needs budget to launching Inclusion 2028, we're working to ensure all children get the support they need to succeed at school.

So nice to visit The Owl Tree – a fantastic community facility for families of younger children in Coxlodge.

As a not-for-profit, the café focuses on supporting parenting and creating a fun and safe space for children (and their grown ups!) to play.

I responded to an important debate brought by Sam Rushworth MP on the attainment of boys.

We’re working hard to break the link between background and success.

I set out how our Curriculum and Assessment Review, RISE teams and more expert teachers will help us reach this goal.

Good to visit Cardinal Vaughan School with @joepowell.bsky.social to speak to young people on the Teaching Internship Programme.

Internships are a great way to find out if a career is for you. It was great to hear how they’re considering a career in teaching based on their positive experience!

We are opening up opportunities in music for children and young people:

🥁 Developing a National Centre for Arts and Music Education

🎷 Committing £76 million this year for Music Hubs

🎸 Investing £2 million over four years for the Music Opportunities Pilot

Lovely to join @poetrybyheart.bsky.social’s National Poetry Recitation Competition to see some of our most talented children perform their favourite poem.

As Schools Minister I’m proud to say we’re continuing to fund this programme for another year and supporting its positive outcomes.

We are rolling out Best Start Family Hubs across every local authority, giving half a million more children the very best start in life.

This will break the link between background and success. This is our Plan for Change in action.

One-stop family hubs to be opened in all English council areas Government announces £500m project to provide single-point of access for health, education and wellbeing services

Children growing up in our country deserve the best start in life.

Building on the legacy of Sure Start, we’re opening Best Start Family Hubs in every local authority.

That’s the difference Labour makes.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

I really enjoyed visiting the iconic North East institution, Greggs, in Longbenton!

Since opening their first shop in Gosforth 74 years ago, Greggs has unlocked opportunities, not only in our region, but across the country – and I’m proud to be their MP 🍩