What a week! I am still buzzing from Newcastle United’s win on Sunday! The lads smashed it. Alongside watching the football in the ecstatic Family Fanzone, I have been busy at work responding to debates in Parliament, meeting with key stakeholders, and visiting schools and organisations in Newcastle North.
Benton Dene Primary School
It was so lovely to visit Benton Dene Primary School and open their new sensory garden. The staff and students gave me such a kind welcome, and it was great to see firsthand the excellent inclusive education they provide for the children in a mainstream setting, including those with SEND. They were so excited for the game on Sunday – and rightly so it turns out!
St Mary’s Sixth Form
I also led an assembly at St Mary’s Sixth Form, talking about my work in politics and life as an MP. It was brilliant to hear from the students who asked engaging and thoughtful questions.
Great Park Transport
After receiving multiple complaints regarding the changes to bus services in Great Park, I met with the Great Park Transport Advisory Board to make the case for concerned residents.
I know that many were frustrated that the Q3 (which connected Great Park with Jesmond and the Quayside) was replaced by the X47 (to Kingston Park and the City Centre) as well as the 49 bus to the City Centre via Gosforth High Street. I am pleased that from the end of March, the X47 will be extended to cover more of Great Park. However, I appreciate that there are still no services to Gosforth High Street on evenings and Sundays.
While I share the desire to have off-peak services on this route, insufficient customer numbers and the post-Covid financial position meant that the Transport Advisory Board had to step in to ensure the future of the service. This has resulted in increased services for students and commuters at peak times, to Regent Centre and the city centre. I will continue to advocate for the services to be kept under review, and support calls for a reinstatement of evening and weekend services to Gosforth High Street when possible.
I also raised the concern that the Q3 was an electric bus and has been replaced by diesel buses. The board assured me that the new buses are the most environmentally friendly diesel buses available, however I maintain that rolling out electric buses must remain an objective for all involved. I will continue to follow any developments on this issue closely.
Dyslexia APPG
It was inspiring to speak with Jamie Oliver about his experiences with dyslexia at an important APPG event on the topic organised by Juliet Campbell MP. At the Department for Education, we are committed to breaking down the barriers to opportunity for every child, including those with dyslexia.
Meeting with the National Governing Bodies on PE and Sport
I also met with the National Sporting Bodies and Minister Peacock from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. We discussed how, together, we can improve opportunities for children to access and enjoy more sport at school.
Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
It was a pleasure to join thousands of primary school children at the London Philharmonic Orchestra to watch a live screening of Julia Donaldson’s ‘The Snail and the Whale’ with the score played live!
Young Carers Action Day
Too often, young people who care for family members fall behind at school. Last week, as part of Young Carers Action Day, I responded to a Westminster Hall debate on the issue, outlining the Government’s plans to support young carers and ensure that they can achieve and thrive at school.
