This Labour government is serious about protecting and improving your rights at work.
This month we have launched the Fair Work Agency - the new single point of contact for workers who believe their rights have not been upheld.
Backed by the trade unions. Put into law by a Labour government.
This inquiry must be serious, credible and thorough, and it must give mining communities the truth and accountability they have waited far too long to see.
I have long supported the Orgreave Justice Campaign, and I am genuinely delighted to see something I worked towards as a trade unionist now coming to pass with Labour in government.
The legacy of the strike has lived on throughout my life in the stories people tell, in the memory carried by families, and in the sense that justice was never done.
On 18 June 1984, violent clashes between police and striking miners at the Orgreave Coking Plant led to 95 arrests and countless injuries at the hands of police. Now, with full statutory powers, the inquiry will uncover what really happened and why.
ORGREAVE INQUIRY LAUNCHED TODAY 26.03.2026
Today marks a historic moment: this Labour government has launched the Orgreave Inquiry, opening the door to truth after more than 40 years.
🌟 5 bits of GOOD NEWS for Gateshead you might have missed this week... 👇
making it more accessible and more beautiful.
On Friday I visited the centre at the Staiths to meet the team delivering this wonderful project and I joined in the volunteer work of meadow-making on Colliery Road. What a delight it will be later this spring.
Visit www.tynederwentway.co.uk
A journey along the Tyne Derwent Way celebrates both our industrial heritage and our stunning local landscapes and nature. From Gateshead to Gibside, this nine mile passage along two beautiful stretches of water is now being upgraded through UK government funding
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Happy Eid 🌙
I was having too much fun with this guy and his mam yesterday to post this, but a belated and very happy Mother’s Day to my mam, his mam and all mams across Gateshead and Whickham
I was back at UNISON Northern’s Labour Link regional forum today.
I’m proud to be a trade unionist, proud of my roots in UNISON and proud to stand with working people in Gateshead and in government. We are delivering the Employment Rights Act and much more to benefit working people
Community Diagnostic Centres like ours are the future of the NHS under Labour - less time in hospitals, more time in the community, faster diagnoses and world leading technology.
As MP I meet with Gateshead NHS trust regularly, and this morning we met at Gateshead CDC to discuss what services are available here and how people in Gateshead are finding the new centre.
Community Diagnostic Centres like ours at Gateshead Metrocentre mean that thousands more checks, tests and scans are available out of hours and in the community - meaning shorter waiting lists in Gateshead.
Pick up a book or visit one of Gateshead brilliant libraries!
Happy #WorldBookDay!
STOP SCROLLING!
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Flooding in Sunniside has been a problem for years, with some residents knowing every storm could put their homes at risk. I’m proud to have secured part of the funding for the Hole Lane Flood Alleviation Scheme. Thank you to the brilliant team delivering that who showed me sround last week
❤️ Do you want to help shape the future of our area? It's vital that the Neighbourhood Board represents every part of our community if we're to make the right decisions.
👇️ Interested in getting involved? Visit www.ourgateshead.org/ways-to-help...
💥 The Government is investing £20million in Beacon Lough & Wrekenton to deliver real, visible change in our community. And residents will decide how that money is spent through a new Neighbourhood Board. youtube.com/shorts/HsLU5...
There is so much to see and do with activities perfect for families, bookworms and keen local historians alike.
For the full list of events and to book, see here for more: www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/3541...
[photo credit: Gateshead Libraries Local Studies Collection]
🎨 Creative activities for all ages including collage-making and skateboard illustrating with artist Sally Anderson,
🔎 Guided tours exploring the landmark's architecture, heritage and extensive archives,
🎵 A spectacular musical performance by The Gateshead Community Choir from Side by Side Arts,
🎤 'Meet the Author' talk with one of the UK's most-loved novelists Peter James. He'll be joined by actor Richie Campbell who stars in the hit ITV series Grace, based on James' books,
📖 One Hundred Years of Stories: with Storyteller-in-Residence Chris Adriaanse perfect for families,
*100 Years of Gateshead Central Library*
On Saturday 7th March 2026 Gateshead Central Library are having a big day of birthday celebrations including:
As Christians across Gateshead Central & Whickham begin Lent, may I wish you a peaceful season of reflection, fasting and prayer.
Pleased to unveil the plaque at the new homes on Dryan Square earlier this week as the first families move in and make these new houses their homes.
Congratulations to the Jewish Community Council of Gateshead, AIHA, Adler Housing and Vistry on this exciting development, many years in the making
As your MP I run regular surgeries across our local area.
I’m trying to get to every community in Gateshead and Whickham, and last week the surgery was in Teams. Thanks to everyone who came along.
If you have an issue you need help with, get in touch: mark.ferguson.mp@parliament.uk
Thank you to the brilliant team at Haskel in Bensham for showing me around today. Not only do they provide an excellent education for all of their students but they have exciting plans for the future. I look forward to working with them more in the years to come
Local residents are welcome to join this evening of celebration as we kick off ten years of transformation for Beacon Lough and Wrekenton.
Sign up here: forms.gle/pVNjGH5G6MbU... or just pop along
🚨 PRIDE IN PLACE LAUNCH THURSDAY 12.02.2026 🚨
Our £20million Pride in Place Programme launches THURSDAY at Cardinal Hume Catholic School, 7pm - 8:30pm.
Join us to learn more about what the Pride in Place Programme means for our community and how you can get involved.
