Democracy is a powerful idea. Everyone gets an equal say, no matter your background or your wealth. It took a lot of fighting for – the landed nobility did not roll over willingly. Many campaigners were hanged, transported or killed in battle. The events in Washington DC this week show we can’t take it for … Read More
January, it’s said, is named after the Roman god Janus. He’s depicted having two faces, one looking into the past and the other the future. He’s the overseer of transition and change. Then the first lockdown in March happened, and none of us knew what that would mean for the region’s economy. Or the country’s. … Read More
Northumberland County Council Tory leadership recently launched a consultation on a new budget. They say they are looking to make ‘around £8m in savings’, and that they’re having to make the cuts ‘because of COVID’. Is that the extent of the cuts they want to make? No. Read on. And anyway: didn’t government ministers say … Read More
Real wellbeing requires abundant green and blue spaces The places where we live and the stresses we face constantly change, but the importance of our friendships remain. Living in safe, attractive communities is essential for our wellbeing. Connection to others defines our sense of belonging, our place in the world. It’s not surprising that research … Read More
Bywell Ward has selected Holly Waddell to be their candidate in the Northumberland County Council elections in May 2021 Holly has grown up in the Bywell Ward, worked in local businesses and attended the local schools. She has campaigned on issues affecting the local community and is actively involved in it.
Angie Scott is the local council candidate for Prudhoe North. Says Angie: “I am delighted to have been selected to be the Labour candidate for Prudhoe North in the Northumberland County Council elections in May 2021. I am totally passionate about Prudhoe North, and so proud of Prudhoe, as I was brought up in Halfway, … Read More
21 December 2020 2020 has definitely been a challenge and made us all see life in a new way. There’s nothing like a global pandemic to make us realise that simply spending time with our family is the most important thing. I know many people will find it tough not seeing their families this Christmas. … Read More
It’s said that the distance between the Government and Opposition benches in the House of Commons is two swords lengths, to stop them stabbing each other. If you watch some of the debates, it’s probably just as well. Prime Minister’s Question time is meant to be the opportunity for MPs to question the Prime Minister, … Read More
Are metro mayors properly scrutinised? That’s a question I was asked at last week’s Parliamentary Select Committee on devolution. Steve Rotheram, my counterpart in Liverpool City Region, says that we are the most scrutinised politicians anywhere. To get something done as Mayor, I have to persuade the 6 council leaders and deputies in my cabinet. … Read More
Released: 03 Dec 2020 Building solidarity and workers’ power 1. Throughout history trade unions have been at the forefront of the struggle against the far right and its attempts to divide working people using narratives of hate and blame. Drawing on our core values of unity, equality and solidarity, we will strengthen existing links and build … Read More
Issue date: 24 Nov 2020 TUC calls on government to urgently rethink proposal to axe Union Learning Fund Scrapping the scheme will undermine the government’s “levelling up” agenda, warns new report The funding should be reinstated at the Spending Review, says TUC The TUC has today (Tuesday) called on the government to urgently rethink its decision to axe the Union Learning Fund (ULF). … Read More
Issue date: 30 Nov 2020 1 in 7 say that monitoring and surveillance at work has increased since Covid-19 crisis began Tech must be used to improve working lives not to “rob workers of their dignity”, says union body TUC launches taskforce of unions and legal experts to look at protections for workers The TUC … Read More
Local news from around Prudhoe – Christmas has come early this year, thanks to Angie Scott.
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Carry on Conservatives – caper in County Council Hall
latest 1-minute update video
The new series of The Crown has started on Netflix, covering the 1980s – the Thatcher Years. Gillian Anderson’s performance is superb, portraying Mrs Thatcher’s views on Life, the Universe and Everything. People should help themselves, women are too emotional to be trusted, and people should stop waiting for the Nanny State (or anyone else) … Read More
Issue date 20 Nov 2020 Young people have been the hardest hit by Covid-19 economic crisis, TUC analysis shows Number of 16 to 24-year-olds in work lower than at any point during 2008 financial crisis Union body calls for government to invest in creating good new jobs to prevent a generation from being scarred by mass unemployment More young workers were made redundant during summer 2020 than in all of 2019, according to new TUC … Read More