Last Week’s Round-Up

It’s been a full-on week in Westminster and back home – and I’m proud to be using every minute to stand up for Redcar & Cleveland.

🧑‍⚖️ In Parliament, I met with Michael Shanks MP, the Minister for Energy, to push for action on skills, energy and investment in our region.

I met with officials in No. 10 to fight for the investment in Redcar & Cleveland – making sure our local concerns are heard loud and clear in government. And I joined a late-night call with Minister Jones for a crucial update on the steel industry – an issue at the very heart of our local economy and for which I am fighting hard for.

It was also a pleasure to welcome the Rubies Group – a brilliant local charity supporting young women – to Parliament. Rubies received a tour and I was so inspired by the work they do from the ground up in our community.

Delivering for Redcar & Cleveland

🚧 Fixing Our Roads

After years of Tory cuts leaving our roads full of potholes, I’m proud Labour is stepping in with serious investment. From next month, councils will get a share of £1.6 billion to finally fix our roads – and I’ll be working closely with Redcar & Cleveland Council to make sure we get our fair share and that it delivers real improvements.

🏗️ Building Skills, Creating Jobs

Our Labour Government’s £600 million construction skills package is a huge win for Teesside – training 60,000 workers and tackling the skills shortages holding us back. Redcar and Cleveland College is already doing fantastic work, and this funding will help them go even further.

💷 A Long-Overdue Pay Rise

I am proud to say that from today, the National Living Wage will rise to £12.21 for workers aged 21 and over. It’s about time – and I’ll always fight for fair pay and decent conditions for working people in our community.

🚫 Serious Action on Borders

After years of gimmicks and failure, Labour is taking real steps to fix our immigration system – enforcing the rules, ending hotel dependency, and scrapping costly distractions like the Rwanda scheme. I’ll keep fighting for a fair and workable system that restores public trust.

🚘 Driving Test Reforms

I know how frustrating it’s been to wait for driving tests – especially for young people eager to work or study. New rules from 8 April will cut down on no-shows and help reduce waiting times.

📣 Spring Statement: Real Progress

In just nine months, Labour has delivered:

• Lower interest rates, easing pressure on mortgages

• Rising wages and more NHS appointments

• Free breakfast clubs for primary schools

• A boost in defence spending and local job creation

• Billions invested in public services and infrastructure

But I know we’ve got much further to go – and I’m determined to make sure Redcar & Cleveland doesn’t just see the change, but feels it.

📚 Investing in Every Child’s Future

I’m delighted that Labour is investing £3.8 billion into schools – including £740 million for SEND provision. This means more local places, better facilities, and fairer support for every child.

🌱✈️ Green Industry, Teesside Jobs

Fantastic news this week – Willis Sustainable Fuels is building a brand new Sustainable Aviation Fuel plant right here in Teesside. It’ll create well-paid, skilled jobs and cut emissions – making Redcar & Cleveland a leader in clean, green industry.

💐 Mother’s Day

And finally – a big shoutout to all the amazing mums in our community. Whether you're looking after little ones, grown-ups, or just giving your love and care to others – thank you for everything you do. 💝