Category: Politics

The vote on this matter in Parliament was a ‘vote of conscience’. That means as national lawmakers, Members of Parliament were free to come to our own decision, with no official stance from the political parties. I’ve been pleased that MPs from across the spectrum, many of us new to Parliament, have treated the issue…

I voted against the Bill. It was not a decision I took lightly. On most issues, my heart beats liberal. The power of Parliament to deny people a freedom should only be used when there is a strong justification in the public interest. However, it is also the responsibility of Parliament to defend the common…

Health Secretary Wes Streeting is expected to provide an update on the New Hospitals Programme this week, as concerns over the future of the proposed facility in County Durham continue.  The Government pledge launched by Boris Johnson’s Conservative government in 2019 has been branded unachievable by advisers. The warning from the Infrastructure and Projects Authority…

It was a fascinating, moving debate, with the old-fashioned red versus blue tribal allegiances put to one side. MPs were given a free vote, which meant they escaped the powers of the whips and thought for themselves. If only they could be so respectful and thoughtful every day. It is an incredibly difficult issue, and…

Cross-party councillors on Durham County Council have written to the Labour government, urging it to reverse its decision. The controversial government move means millions of pensioners across the UK will not receive the payments – worth up to £300 – this winter. People not in receipt of Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits will lose…

EDF Energy has announced that the site will continue to produce power until March 2027, having previously been expected to close in 2026.  The news comes just months after Ed Miliband said Labour would look at extending the life of Hartlepool power station if elected. The power station has already had two life extensions from…

Holly, 15, was killed in a “vicious and brutal” attack by her ex-boyfriend Logan MacPhail in January 2023, who was jailed for life with a minimum term of 17 years last month.  Since then, Holly’s mother Micala Trussler has been teaching “life-saving lessons” in the school her daughter attended as she continues to campaign for…

The payment follows the Labour Government’s reversal of a historic injustice, leading to £1.5 billion being transferred to their pension scheme last month. Former mineworkers have received the money in their pockets, ensuring former pit workers who powered the country for decades finally get the just rewards from their work. The uplift represents an average…

Increasing costs and greater demand for social care means the local authority’s financial position has worsened and now faces a £69.7 million deficit over the next four years, including £25.6 million in 2025.  Council officials say the £3.8 million increase since its last forecast has been caused by changes to wages and national insurance,  which…

Bishop Auckland MP Sam Rushworth says he is “sympathetic” towards Forestry England plans worth £32.6 million to transform Hamsterley Forest in a letter to Durham County Council. Writing to the Head of Planning, Michael Kelleher, Dr Rushworth added he is also “in support” of his residents raising concerns about traffic and other matters just weeks after plans…