Catherine McKinnell MP

We are opening up opportunities in music for children and young people: 🥁 Developing a National Centre for Arts and Music Education 🎷 Committing £76 million this year for Music Hubs 🎸 Investing £2 million over four years for the Music Opportunities Pilot

How is Labour cleaning up our water? ✂️Pledged to cut sewage pollution in half by 2030 🌊 Banned unfair bonuses for water companies that don’t meet high standards 🩷Reinvesting water company fines into local clean-up projects catherinemckinnellmp.co.uk/cleaning-up-ou…

I was pleased to host @CFNorthEast in Parliament, celebrating the important work that they do in our region. The North East is known for its generosity - the Foundation builds on this by bringing together local organisations and providing grants to help our communities thrive 🙌

As Minister for School Standards, I've listened to families concerned about the broken SEND system that we inherited. From investing £1bn in the high needs budget to launching Inclusion 2028, we're working to ensure all children get the support they need to succeed at school.

So nice to visit The Owl Tree – a fantastic community facility for families of younger children in Coxlodge. As a not-for-profit, the café focuses on supporting parenting and creating a fun and safe space for children (and their grown ups!) to play.

A pleasure to meet @frankcottrell_b and @DianaJGerald to talk all things reading 📚 We know children who enjoy reading from a young age tend to thrive at school which is why we are launching a #NationalYearOfReading to reignite the country's passion for reading 🌟

And again, another Labour hat trick. This time on apprenticeships: 🆙 Starts up 🆙 Participation up 🆙 Achievements up Through our Plan for Change, we’re backing our young people to unlock opportunity and drive growth. x.com/bphillipsonmp/…

Great to celebrate Bastille Day with @FranceintheUK and reflect on our rich history of shared culture and values 🇫🇷🇬🇧

Rumours have circulated on social media about a crime taking place in Kingston Park. Northumbria Police have confirmed that they have received no reports of this nature. Please see their thread for further information.

I responded to an important debate brought by @SamJRushworth on the attainment of boys. We’re working hard to break the link between background and success. I set out how our Curriculum and Assessment Review, RISE teams and more expert teachers will help us reach this goal.

Good to visit @CardinalVaughan with @josephpowell to speak to young people on the Teaching Internship Programme. Internships are a great way to find out if a career is for you. It was great to hear how they’re considering a career in teaching based on their positive experience!

Wonderful support for @poetrybyheart from @CMcKinnellMP featuring Maria from Voice 21 school Westgate Hill Primary 🥰

Lovely to join @poetrybyheart’s National Poetry Recitation Competition to see some of our most talented children perform their favourite poem. As Schools Minister I’m proud to say we’re continuing to fund this programme for another year and supporting its positive outcomes.

Great to meet Umme and Mayeda from Denbigh Primary School last week and to reflect on our first year in Government🌟

We are rolling out Best Start Family Hubs across every local authority, giving half a million more children the very best start in life. This will break the link between background and success. This is our Plan for Change in action.

This was one of the first Sure Start centres — one I was very proud to be involved in before entering politics. Now, we’re making sure all families will have access to this kind of support – rolling out Best Start Family Hubs through our Plan for Change.

Today, the Government are taking action and consulting on stronger leaseholder rights. I know these are issues facing many across Newcastle North. I have long supported residents at Great Park and you can see my latest update here: catherinemckinnellmp.co.uk/greatparkjuly2…

I really enjoyed visiting the iconic North East institution, @GreggsOfficial, in Longbenton! Since opening their first shop in Gosforth 74 years ago, Greggs has unlocked opportunities, not only in our region, but across the country – and I’m proud to be their MP🍩