David Smith MP 🌹

Leaked docs show that DfT staff were ordered to stop working on dualling the A1 through Nthumberland in 2021. Despite Tory posturing at NCC and in Ldn, the funding was withdrawn 4 years ago. My focus remains on getting sensible safety improvements from Morpeth to Berwick.

The horror in Gaza must end. We're stepping up our humanitarian efforts with new healthcare, food and water for Gazans. We need an immediate ceasefire now, the release of all hostages and a surge in aid.

"We did not need to be in this position. These strikes were unnecessary." @WesStreeting explains why 👇 Watch his message to NHS staff continuing to work during strikes.

GOOD NEWS 🌞🌞🌞

I welcome the Prime Minister’s statement this evening on the situation in Gaza. The humanitarian situation there is completely intolerable and the impact on the Gazan population indefensible. It is high time that the Israeli government changed course. The world is watching.

We promised 1,000 more GPs this year. We've delivered double that. 2,000 new GPs hired — delivering millions more appointments and making sure the NHS is there for everyone, whenever they need it. Our Plan for Change in action.

What I take from this is a clear message that there will be accountability for all crimes, including those currently being perpetrated in the south. All Syrians must be protected and all Syrians must be held accountable for their actions.

The Independent Football Regulator should be a game changer: - Tough financial regulation - Stronger tests to stop rogue owners - New standards for fan engagement in club decision-making - Ban on clubs joining closed-shop competitions and breakaway leagues bbc.co.uk/sport/football…

Pleased to see our friends @LabourGrowth starting a conversation about the future direction of the country. We agree that Britain stands at a crossroads, and their essay is worth a read. newstatesman.com/politics/uk-po…

The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths. Alongside 25 other partners, the UK message is clear: the war in Gaza must end now. We need an immediate ceasefire, release of all hostages and a full resumption of aid. gov.uk/government/new…

Horrified by the violence in Southern Syria. A sustainable ceasefire is vital. I spoke to Syrian Foreign Minister @AsaadHshaibani yesterday as part of UK efforts to urge a peaceful resolution. We want to see the fighting ended, civilians protected and humanitarian access…

This is great, long overdue news. Miners have been waiting for far too long for justice and for a light to be shone on the events of #Orgreave. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

With C2C coming into public ownership today, 28% of train journeys are now run by the public operator. Here's my explanation of what this actually means - in 28 seconds ⬇️

Deeply concerned by the Israeli Civil Administration’s plan to revive the E1 settlement programme. If implemented, this would critically undermine a future Palestinian state and the path to a two-state solution - crushing the hopes of millions who wish for peace.

Water company sewage pollution to halve by 2030, minister pledges - BBC News bbc.com/news/articles/…

Russian spies are trying to destabilise Europe, undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and threaten the safety of British citizens. Today we are exposing this activity and sanctioning those responsible. Protecting the UK from harm is fundamental to this government’s Plan for Change.

An apparent Israeli strike has hit Gaza’s only Catholic Church. Among the killed: a 60 year old janitor, an 84 year old woman. Among the injured, a disabled child. I await the military justification for this. Another mistake? Or perhaps a Hamas tunnel under the font.

This is an excellent piece on immigration from my colleague @Jonathan_Hinder. Essential reading in fact.

Alarmed by escalating scenes in Syria. We want to see civilians protected and the ceasefire upheld, with those responsible for violence in Suwayda held to account. Israel's attacks in Damascus risks destabilising the country. Syria's sovereignty must be respected.