Category: Liz’s Column
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A difficult week, An uncertain time and no Tory to be seen
This has been an incredibly difficult week for some in our region, as they deal with the devastation left by Storm Arwen. In my own constituency, hundreds of homes in places like Marley Hill, Winlaton, Blaydon, Sunniside, Whickham, Chopwell, Greenside and Coalburns were left without electricity and hot water for days. At the time of…
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October Article for The Journal
Boris Johnson is right. On climate change, it really is one minute to midnight. So it beggars belief that in the run up to this month’s UN climate change summit, COP26, the Prime Minister was practically sleepwalking. He even appeared to nod off during the keynote speeches on Monday, flanked by 95-year-old Sir David Attenborough…
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Liz writes March 2021
Every day that Labour is in opposition is frustrating and until we get into Government we will not be able to deliver on many of our priorities that will make this a fairer, more prosperous country. But there are moments when we can make a difference for people and now Parliament is in recess for…
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Liz writes February 2021
Shop workers, particularly those in supermarkets and other food stores, have been on the frontline during this pandemic, supplying us with the essentials of life and keeping the nation fed. Unlike many of us, they do not have the option of working from home and play an essential role in society and the economy as…
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Liz writes January 2021
Yesterday, MPs voted through new coronavirus restrictions that effectively put our country into a third national lockdown. The new measures are a last resort; none of us want to restrict your freedoms, but with public health at the front of centre of our decision making, this really is the only option. Health experts now believe…
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Liz writes December 2020
For many of us, Advent is a time of hope, preparation and anticipation in the run up to Christmas. And this Advent has started like no other. Yesterday’s announcement that the United Kingdom is the first country in the world to approve the use of a vaccine is a welcome step in what has been…
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Liz writes November 2020
Accusations of chaos and incompetence continue to dog the Government as they stumble from failure to failure in dealing with the Coronavirus. Keir Starmer was clear on day one of his leadership of the Labour Party back in April that he would support the Government where they are getting it right, but challenge them and…
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Liz writes September 2020
Over 16 million people – around one in four – are now living under local restrictions, but infection rates are still going up and there is widespread confusion about the rules amongst the population, most of whom want to do the right thing to protect themselves and others around them. Viewers of Prime Minister’s Questions…
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Liz writes July 2020
Local lockdowns may now be part of the “new normal”, with Leicester becoming the first city to shut down. We know parts of Tyne and Wear have previously experienced high numbers of coronavirus cases, therefore it’s crucial we continue follow the guidelines as more businesses and public spaces begin to reopen. The reopening – and…
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Liz writes June 2020
I’m back in Wesminster, but contrary to the Government’s rhetoric that MPs are finally “back to work” in Westminster, I have been as busy as ever during the lockdown. My team and I have been working through a huge volume of casework, writing letters to government ministers on behalf of local business owners and working…