News and comment

Hexham Constituency Labour Party
28 May, 2022Notice to members Chi Onwurah, MP will be speaking from 7.00pm to 7.30pm at our next Constituency meeting at the Beaumont Hotel, Hexham on 9th June. All Hexham Constituency Labour Party members welcome

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular updates
15 November, 2021THE BOILING FROG OF CLIMATE CHANGE If you put a frog into boiling water, it’ll jump straight out. Whereas if you put it into tepid water and heat it up, the frog will not notice, and passively be boiled to death. Firstly, don’t try this at home. Secondly, it’s not true. It comes from an … Read More

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular updates
8 November, 2021ABOUT TIME WE CLEANED UP POLITICS Owen Paterson, MP In George Orwell’s “1984” Winston Smith is tortured until he agrees that two plus two equals five. The point is to make him see that there is no objective truth other than what Big Brother says is true; to give up on truth altogether. Good citizens … Read More

COP26 – Councillor Holly Waddell, September 2021
10 October, 2021On 18 September Councillor Holly Waddell was one of the speakers at the.COP26 Coalition Newcastle March and Rally. By agreement with Scott Dickinson, Holly represented Northumberland Labour and himself as Leader in emphasing Northumberland Labour’s commitment to action on climate change. She spoke about the huge potential of Northumberland in helping meet COP goals and … Read More
September 2021
12 September, 2021Hexham Climate Emergency
11 September, 2021Reports to/from CLP September 2021 October 2021 November 2021 December 2021

The Annual Walk the Tyne for Palestine event – 29 August 2021
12 August, 2021This year’s walk was in support of Laylac, who work with children in Dheisheh refugee camp As planned, we met at 1100hrs at The Keelman pub (also known as the Big Lamp Brewery), Grange Rd, Newburn NE15 8NL The walk covers seven miles along the banks of the beautiful River Tyne, and we stopped for refreshments as usual half way. We … Read More

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular updates
12 August, 2021Allan Wells. Anthony Joshua. Linford Christie. Chris Boardman. Nicola Adams. Pythagoras. Eliud Kipchoge. Haile Gebrselassie. Nadia Comaneci. All Olympic champions. No, that’s not a mistake, although it’s true that you’re more likely to associate Pythagoras with triangles, rather than the Olympics. Pythagoras didn’t win an Olympic crown for doing difficult sums. He won for boxing. … Read More
Are you having issues receiving Hexham CLP emails?
27 July, 2021We are sorry if you have been experiencing issues with receiving emails from Hexham CLP. This could be due to several reasons, ranging from your email preferences to problems with the Labour Party email system. If you are not receiving our emails, please try all the following steps to resolve the issue: Check your Junk email … Read More

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular updates
27 June, 2021Cooperation is what makes humans special. Just look at the vaccine roll out. The way we went from research and development, into production, into the public sector organisation getting jabs into people’s arms. It also shows how vulnerable our economy is – our very lives are – when nature is disrupted and our environment becomes … Read More

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular updates
22 June, 2021Talent was in the North East last week, along with Hollywood fever. The latest Indiana Jones film is being shot at stunning Bamburgh Castle. It struck me that Raiders of the Lost Ark was released in 1981. I was 11. How time flies. I expect Harrison Ford is thinking that, though anyone who saw him … Read More

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular updates
7 June, 2021When we talk about transport there are two questions. First, what transport system do we want? And second, how are we going to pay for it? It’s the second one that causes all the problems. Transport is a fundamental part of everything we do. It’s a mistake to let the market dictate its direction. It … Read More

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular updates
23 May, 2021From B&Bs in Berwick to micro pubs in Newcastle, small businesses across our region are opening up. They’ve had a hell of a year. No trading for six months has taken its toll on hospitality and cultural businesses. The self-employed have been hit hardest, with only a fraction of the support of other companies. Over … Read More

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular updates
17 May, 2021Town planning is as old as cities. The Romans did it. In fact, the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro in the Indus Valley had a planned water and sanitation system 2,600 years before Hadrian’s Wall was built. As Britain moved out of the medieval era, towns grew. People lived closer together, and governments needed to minimise … Read More

MASCHOMWatch, Israel
10 May, 2021HEXHAM LABOUR FRIENDS OF PALESTINE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEWCASTLE LABOUR FRIENDS OF PALESTINE, AND NEWCASTLE PALESTINE SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN INVITE YOU TO AN EVENT featuring a short film ‘The Present’: an interview with the Director of the award-winning film. and a talk by MachsomWatch, ISRAEL with our guest speaker: Ronny Perlman. INTRODUCED BY ANN SCHOFIELD, NEWCASTLE CITY COUNCILLOR … Read More

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular updates
10 May, 2021Most political leaders get to choose their cabinets – local authority leaders, Scottish or Welsh first minister, the Prime Minister. Combined Authority Mayors are the exception. Our cabinets comprise the leaders and deputies from each constituent council. I’m looking forward to welcoming the new North of Tyne Cabinet Members, regardless of party. Despite the narrative … Read More

Local Elections 2021: winning Hexham Constituency candidates
9 May, 2021We now have two Labour Councillors in Hexham Constituency, with gains from the Conservatives in Bywell and Prudhoe North Wards. Angie Scott beat Prudhoe Mayor Tracy Gilmore to the Prudhoe North Seat by 67 votes. Angie has worked hard in the community for years as a Town Councillor and is involved in multiple projects in … Read More
Hexham Labour Friends of Palestine: Upcoming events
5 May, 20211830hrs (GMT), 17 May 2021, MachsomWatch, ISRAEL feat. Ronny Perlman Zoom link here Download flyer here We are very pleased to invite you to our next online event, featuring the Israeli women who form the collective, MachsomWatch, Israel. MACHSOM WATCH, ISRAEL began in 2001 when three Jewish women first saw a military checkpoint in the West … Read More

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular updates
2 May, 2021There’s something rotten in the state of Britain. In 1963, Cabinet Minister John Profumo resigned after lying about an extra-marital affair with Christine Keeler. That was sleaze. I agree with former Tory Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude, who said about Coalition minister Chris Huhne’s affair, “What goes on in people’s private lives is a subject … Read More

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular updates
25 April, 2021Stewart Lee was once given some advice on how to earn a living in the transient world of stand-up comedy. “You get 5000 people to like you, and they all give you £10 a year. That’s a living. ”It’s a risk, pursuing your passion. And it’s not an easy option, as any established musician or … Read More

Prudhoe candidates campaigning for Kim
21 April, 2021Kim McGuiness, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner candidate, Angie Scott, Northumberland County Council candidate for Prudhoe North, Jonathan Wheeler, Northumberland County Council candidate for Prudhoe South, and a Prudhoe branch member, canvassing for Kim McGuiness in Prudhoe last Sunday morning (18 April), in the sunshine. Vote Labour on 6 May (Promoted by Grant Davey on behalf of … Read More

Humshaugh Candidate – Milo Barnett
17 April, 2021Why I am standing for Humshaugh … Hello, I’m Milo Barnett and I am running for Labour in Humshaugh because I believe that only Labour can deliver the investment Humshaugh, as well as the whole of Northumberland, needs. I grew up in this village which made me the person I am today and I understand … Read More

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular updates
11 April, 2021The notion of a job for life is fast receding. Not so long ago, a job at “The Ministry” in Longbenton, or maybe with the local council, meant financial security. Not in any sense of luxury, but the stability to raise a family, followed by a decent pension after you’d put in your decades of … Read More

Ponteland & Heddon Candidate – Michael Clarke
10 April, 2021Why I am standing for Ponteland & Heddon … I have lived in Ponteland for 30 years. I worked as a doctor at the RVI before retiring last year. The events of the last 12 months have brought home the need for change both locally and nationally. Post pandemic in Northumberland, we need to create … Read More

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular updates
6 April, 2021I just about remember the TV show ‘When the Boat Comes In’. It was set in the fictional town of Gallowshields in the North East. If you’ve seen it even once, you’ll remember the theme tune, “Thou shalt have a fishy, on a little dishy, thou shalt have a fishy when the boat comes in.” … Read More

Haltwhistle Candidate – John Temple
6 April, 2021Why I am standing for Haltwhistle … I was born and brought up in the North East, and for the last 16 years West Northumberland has been my home. I am now retired, having latterly worked locally in the social housing sector. I have previously served as a councillor on Tyneside. During this time, I … Read More

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular updates
29 March, 2021The death of Nigel Todd I have a packet of Northumberland Wildflower Seeds given to me by Nigel Todd. The mix contains flowers that will thrive in harmony with our local ecosystem. It speaks to his ecological sensitivity and profound sense of place. High on the wall of Newcastle’s Stowell Street is a stone carving … Read More

Prudhoe North Candidate – Angie Scott
25 March, 2021“Our high street is the heart of the community” says Angie Scott, Labour Candidate for Prudhoe North It’s been a tough year for Prudhoe Front Street but the traders have tried their hardest to weather the storm and support our community. They have provided an invaluable service to many of us during lockdown, and have … Read More

Prudhoe South candidate – Jonathan Wheeler
24 March, 2021Why I am standing for Prudhoe South … “I am proud to be doing my bit to fight the spread of the virus” says Jonathan Wheeler, Labour Candidate for Prudhoe South Jonathan is certainly doing his bit to fight Covid-19 by volunteering to administer the vaccine. He has completed specialist training and is ready to … Read More

Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria candidate, Kim McGuinness
23 March, 2021Kim’s campaign launch on Saturday, 20 March 2021 Since you elected me as Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria in 2019, I have worked tirelessly alongside our MPs, councillors and local residents, to ensure that Northumbria Police continues to fight crime and prevent crime, on behalf of local residents. I’m standing for re-election on Thursday … Read More

Corbridge candidate – Annette McGlade
20 March, 2021Why I am standing for Corbridge … I am so proud to stand for Corbridge in the forthcoming County Council Elections. It will be a privilege to give something back to this town and surrounding parish, where I was raised, learnt to read, write, play, fish, swim and worship. As my younger self, it was … Read More

Bellingham candidate – Anne Palmer
20 March, 2021Why I am standing for Bellingham … I have lived in Kirkwhelpington, in the Bellingham Ward, for twenty six years. I have two children who grew up here and went to local schools. I am a retired solicitor, having worked for Newcastle City Council for nearly twenty years, and for CQC (Care Quality Commission, formerly … Read More

Hexham East candidate – Guy Hinton
20 March, 2021Why I am standing for Hexham East … Both the past and future have inspired me to stand for Hexham East ward. I’m a historian and have spent (too) much of the last four years looking at the civic culture of the North East in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The extraordinary dynamism of councils, … Read More

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular updates
16 March, 2021In 1929 the Roaring Twenties plummeted to earth with the Wall Street Crash. Its global aftermath caused mass unemployment and eventually a collapse of democracy across Europe, the rise of the Nazis, and genocide. The response to the Wall Street crash in both the US and Britain was to cut public spending. Austerity didn’t work … Read More

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular updates
7 March, 2021As a political insider, not much in politics shocks me. But I was astounded to hear the Chancellor say, the “Budget is not the time to set detailed fiscal rules, with precise targets and dates to achieve them by.” WTF? That’s exactly what a budget’s for. My first priority is to deliver for the people … Read More

Hexham Labour Friends of Palestine: Upcoming events
6 March, 2021WE ARE NOT NUMBERS We are very pleased to invite you to our next online event, featuring two young women speaking on the uneven roll out of COVID-19 vaccine among Israel, Gaza and the Occupaied Palestinian Territories. Should be really fascinating to hear about the contrast in the daily lived experiences of Salma in Haifa, … Read More

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular updates
2 March, 2021BUILD BACK FAIRER Sunday February 28, 2021 “Build Back Better” has become the mantra. Good as far as it goes, but unless we build back fairer we’re back to the status quo. High levels of economic inequality and deprivation are damaging to health and wellbeing. The core objective must be providing good jobs. Ken Loach’s … Read More

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular update
21 February, 2021“Shall we meet online or in real life?” This increasingly common question speaks volumes. No matter how good your internet connection or webcam is, it’s still not the same. Maybe The Matrix has raised our expectations. Workers in the cultural sector have again shown their creativity and resilience. Online shows, workshops, musical performances from bedrooms. … Read More

Keir Starmer was mistaken yesterday
19 February, 2021The North of Tyne was given the target of creating 10,000 jobs over 30 years, and commensurate funding. So 21 months into my term, I should be on target to create 583 jobs. In fact, we’re on target to create 3,194 jobs. With another 2,114 jobs safeguarded through the pandemic. So in less than two … Read More

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular update
31 January, 2021Did you know the 2nd February is Groundhog Day? At this very moment houses are being built which will need to be retrofitted. Retrofitting means installing something later which would have been easier and cheaper to include it when it was built. This will cost about £20,000 per house. Who will pay? Probably the homeowner. … Read More

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular update
24 January, 2021Is 24-hour rolling news really unprecedented? Do you remember when you were a kid, and you’d ask your Mam or Dad for something, and they’d say, “We’ll see” – which is parent speak for “No chance.” Or they’d say “We’ll see what Santa brings” which is code for “Hopefully you’ll have forgotten by then”. As … Read More

Palestinian Ambassador and Louise Haigh, MP video
22 January, 2021Dr Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian Ambassador to the United Kingdom speaking with Louise Haigh, MP, Labour Friends of Palestine (& Middle East) Vice-Chair, and the current Shadow Minister for Northern Ireland.

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular update
3 January, 2021January, 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

The ‘What Budget?’ campaign
31 December, 2020Northumberland 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

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular update
28 December, 2020Real 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 Candidate – Holly Waddell
24 December, 2020Why I am standing for Bywell Vote Labour on 6 May

Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor’s regular update
21 December, 202021 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