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Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor repeated calls on Tuesday for the threat to be taken seriously “at the highest levels of Government” as he released his annual report. The watchdog chief detailed how a “menu of drugs” is available in prisons where work to rehabilitate criminals is being prevented, with many inmates in their cells for…
Chris Head was falsely accused of stealing more than £80,000 from his branch in West Boldon, near Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, in 2006 before the criminal case against him was dropped. Speaking to the PA news agency ahead of the report being published, Mr Head said: “It’s a monumental day. “I do believe it will…
Patients on Teesside have been invited for tests in a lung health check programme to pick up warning signs. This has reversed trends for people receiving “curative” treatment to overcome cancer rather than palliative treatment to improve quality of life and manage symptoms. Samuel Peate, chief operating officer for the South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation…
The event, hosted by the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA), will take place on Saturday (July 12). The full line-up of platform speakers for the 2025 event has now been confirmed, after the DMA said it would welcome Dr Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the UK to speak at the event. These include Jeremy Corbyn, former…
It has been a wild 12 months, both nationally and internationally. However, my most important takeaway from the last year is probably this: I came into this job believing most people are good and want to do right by their families and their communities. Over the last year you’ve proven me right time and time…
Commonly known as ‘The Big Meeting’, it is the largest trades union rally of its kind in Europe and features parade of banners from former colliery communities across the country. It will take place in the city on Saturday, June 12 with people gathering from the morning. Brass band music fills the air before political speeches…
Analysis of the MP’s register of interests and Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) figures show how much County Durham and Teesside MPs have claimed since July 2024, when the election was held. On average, they claimed £27,189.25 in expenses. The highest amount was Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash’s £38,414.96 claim, with Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland’s Luke Myers claiming the lowest…
Cllr Terry Rooney won a by-election to represent Benfieldside in Consett on Durham County Council on Thursday (July 3). It was triggered by the resignation of Reform councillor Andrew Kilburn just nine days into his term. Mr Kilburn was found to be ineligible to stand as he already worked for the council. Cllr Rooney, who won the…
Changes to welfare payments, the removal then reinstatement of the winter fuel allowance, and the impact of the previous Conservative Government were all brought up by residents. Several people shared a sense of disappointment over Labour’s performance so far. Alastair Dunn, who lives in the town, said: “I’ve voted all my life for Labour, but last…
But opposition MPs have slammed a Government “in chaos” after a less-than-ideal week marking a year in power for Labour that saw its biggest Commons rebellion to date and the PM forced to deny Rachel Reeves’ days as Chancellor were numbered after she was seen crying at PMQs. Deals to save Hitachi, the rollout of…
