City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
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elvetwomen.bsky.social
City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
@elvetwomen.bsky.social
32 followers 43 following 63 posts
We are an active Women's Branch in the City of Durham (UK) with meetings and events throughout the year, encouraging women members to play an active role in political and community life.
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Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
There's never a quiet week in my office so here's a taster of some recent wins we've had on behalf of constituents. Sometimes the small things can make a huge difference to someone, their family or a group of residents. If you ever need support please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
CASEWORK WINS LAST WEEK! Education Nursery place secured following issue with Government Gateway Code ReclaimingCosts Supported constituent in claiming back wrongly incurred costs from the RAC Council Tax Waived Supported critically ill constituent with their claim to have Council Tax charges waived Health Hospital Trust reviewing parking arrangements following widespread complaints from patients Family Housed Expedited move for family with a disabled child following a long-running dispute with Valuation Office Agency Believe Housing Repairs carried out after constituent highlighted issues with vermin Lighting Repair Lighting column repaired for residents following their lengthy complaint with local authority DWP Intervened to get State Pension in place for constituent following delays
February 17, 2026 at 11:51 AM
elvetwomen.bsky.social
cuba-solidarity.org.uk/peace-and-so...
Defend international law - No to intervention in Cuba and Latin America
Recent US military action against Venezuela, together with open threats made against other sovereign nations including Cuba, has heightened concerns about peace, regional stability and respect for the...
cuba-solidarity.org.uk
February 17, 2026 at 11:45 AM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
Have you had issues at UHND? If so; please get in touch with me. 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
UHND Issues Over the last few months I've been receiving an increasing amount of correspondence relating to issues at University Hospital North Durham. From parking, the delayed A&E rebuild, breast surgery services issues, missed appointments, waiting lists and more - I want to reassure everyone that I am in touch with the Chief Executive of County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust and l've made representations to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, too. Watch this space. This will involve a lot of work, and likely support from my neighbouring MPs, but all of the issues must be resolved for hospital users. If you haven't contacted me about a problem yet, please don't hesitate to drop me an email. E mary.foy.mp@parliament.uk
February 16, 2026 at 6:27 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
The way in which a piece of our city’s industrial heritage was demolished last summer caused deep hurt & upset. If Durham County Council grant planning permission retrospectively, that could risk completely undermining confidence in the planning system. www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2584904...
Sixteen objections lodged over retrospective bid for demolished Durham kiln
The application, submitted on behalf of Kepier Farm, relates to the Kepier Brick Kiln, just outside Durham City, which was demolished in July 2025.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
February 16, 2026 at 7:36 AM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
🚧 DURHAM ROADWORKS ⛔️

I’ve made a number of representations to Durham County Council regarding the detrimental impact that the numerous temporary lights around the constituency are having on journey times and footfall for businesses.
Dear Mark RE: Roadworks in Durham I am getting in touch following a huge amount of correspondence I have received from residents about the amount of roadworks that are currently underway in and around Durham City, and the huge impact this is having on local residents, particularly those travelling towards the city from the south and west of the county. As you will know, there is currently work ongoing outside the Meadowfield Leisure Centre along the A690. This involves the installation of temporary traffic lights. Alongside this there is work underway at Lowes Barn Bank, to renew the footpaths. These works are set to run for some time, with Lowes Barn Bank expected to be limited to one-way traffic for approximately three months, and the A690 through Meadowfield disrupted until September 2026. This is having a huge impact on not only residents of Langley Moor, Brandon, Browney and Meadowfield, but also those further south and west of the city. As you know, the A690 western section is one of the major arteries into the city, particularly for the Wear Valley. Indeed, it is the importance of this road that has led to the current allocation from the Government's Safer Roads Fund to upgrade this stretch of road through Meadowfield. Indeed, the Department for Transport's own figures suggest that the traffic count point based on Neville's Cross Bank had an estimated daily traffic flow of 17, 347 vehicles in 2024. While this will also include traffic from along the B6302, it does give some indication of the volume of traffic moving along these stretches of road. While I would not dispute the need to ensure that our roads are safe and well managed, the impact that both sets of roadworks being carried out at the same time are having on residents is immense. I have had reports of journeys from Brandon to Durham taking nearly an hour, with traffic backed up for a significant distance. Not only this, but I am now receiving increasing correspondence from businesses in Langley Moor and beyond that this traffic is having a huge impact on them, with standing traffic meaning those who may wish to shop in the area are now simply going elsewhere. I have also started receiving some correspondence from residents in Langley Park that the temporary lights outside the new Sniperley development along the A691, with cars often backed up towards Lanchester. This road, as it passes by Langley Park at the Kaysburn Roundabout, is also the site of a significant number of collisions. Once again, I fully accept that these roadworks are required, and welcome steps to improve the safety of road users and pedestrians, as well as improving traffic flow. However, this combination of roadworks and traffic management measures does seem to have be having a particularly significant impact on traffic flows at the moment. Equally, I also understand that many of these measures are temporary, however the timescales that some of these measures will be place are not short term. For instance, the partial closure of Lowes Barn Bank is set to continue until approximately June 2026. I would therefore request that you look into this matter, and perhaps review the measures that have been implemented to manage the network at the moment. Should there be any additional measures that can be introduced to try and mitigate these delays further, I would be very grateful if they could be introduced as soon as possible. Not only are these huge delays having an impact on businesses and residents near the city, they are also putting additional strain elsewhere on the road network, as road users seek different routes to avoid these huge delays. Anything that can be done to help reduce delays, or indeed to speed up the works themselves, would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
February 13, 2026 at 3:06 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
Last night Redhills hosted fantastic musicians from Liverpool to Co Durham celebrating community & working class heritage! Check out music from Paul Nowak, Stephen Smith & The Welfare Collective, they’re brill! Take a peek at the Redhills future events calendar. 👇🏻

redhillsdurham.org/events/
Performers at the event Performers on stage at the event Mary with performers and the DMA
February 7, 2026 at 6:46 PM
elvetwomen.bsky.social
www.nts.live/shows/radio-...
Radio Alhara: Wonder Cabinet Artists Conversations 8th February 2026
Palestinian station Radio alHara takes over NTS for a monthly residency, featuring highlights from their expansive 5-year archive as well as live broadcasts from their Bethlehem studio.
www.nts.live
February 8, 2026 at 12:18 PM
elvetwomen.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
So the Epstein scandal is about politics? Silly me for thinking it’s about the mass abuse of women and girls | Marina Hyde
Obsessing over individual players and political chaos leaves less time to focus on the misogyny. And that’s for the best, isn’t it guys, says Guardian columnist Marina Hyde
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:42 PM
elvetwomen.bsky.social
I just signed a petition calling for an urgent investigation into Peter Mandelson's dealings with Palantir. Did he use his position as UK Ambassador to benefit the US spy tech firm? Sign now: www.foxglove.org.uk/campaigns/ma...
The Government must reveal all details of Peter Mandelson’s links to Palantir - Foxglove
Sign the petition for an urgent investigation into Peter Mandelson's dealings with Palantir. Did he use his position as UK Ambassador to benefit the US spy tech firm?
www.foxglove.org.uk
February 6, 2026 at 4:57 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
lonelytower.bsky.social
Workers... nothing is given without a fight!
From 'DEFIANT - County Durham, The Miners' Strike and its Legacy' coming soon www.imdb.com/title/tt3936...
February 4, 2026 at 4:47 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
Mayor’s Opportunity Fund Round 3

A great opportunity for groups in Co Durham to support older people by reducing isolation & disadvantage. I’ve attended classes for older residents & they’re a fab way to keep people active while promoting health & well-being.

pointnorth.org.uk/grants/mayor...
Mayor’s Opportunity Fund Round 3 | Point North
Mayor’s Opportunity Fund Round 3 enriches lives of people aged 65 and over.
pointnorth.org.uk
February 3, 2026 at 8:22 AM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
I’ve seen some incredibly decent people suffer through the Labour Party's disciplinary processes over the last few years - the fact that Mandelson has simply been allowed to resign, deeply concerns me.

More 👇🏻
Out of respect for those who suffered at the hands of Epstein and his associates, Mandelson should now relinquish his place in the Lords. However, let's not miss another very important point here - there are prominent and powerful individuals named in the Epstein files, some of whom class themselves as defenders of our women and girls. If you are silent about their potential involvement, ask yourself why.
February 2, 2026 at 12:47 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
“If we’re truly going to break down the barriers to opportunity, every family deserves to be supported. And every child, regardless of their needs, deserves to be in a setting that can meet them.”

Me, in The Northern Echo, on SEND.

Link👇🏻(screenshots with alt text too)
share.google/xHpsPFBXSANb...
AS the MP for the City of Durham, there are few subjects that fill my inbox quite as consistently as the struggle to access Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support. Week after week, I hear from exhausted parents, frustrated teachers, and young people who feel the system has let them down. And I'm sure this would be echoed by colleagues from across the country. The reality for many families is a relentless battle for the basics. Whether it's waiting years for an Education, Health and Care Plan, fighting for a place in a specialist school, or struggling to get a simple diagnosis, the current system feels to many like it is bureaucracy rather than care. The Government knows the system isn't working, and that's why it recently held a 'national conversation' to seek the views of those who encounter the system every day, or work within it. To ensure that the voices of Durham are included in this conversation, I recently held a SEND roundtable at the amazing Trinity School and Sport College, bringing together parents and carers, teachers, professionals and young people to share their views. The testimony I heard was both heartbreaking and illuminating. The common thread was clear: the system is not just "under pressure" - it is at crisis point. Participants at the roundtable highlighted several critical issues that must be addressed if we are to achieve meaningful reform. One of the most pressing concerns is the lack of space. Our specialist schools are full, and our mainstream schools are being asked to do more with less. We discussed the worrying push to move children with complex additional needs into large mainstream environments that are often ill-equipped to meet them. When a child who needs a quiet, structured environment is placed in a crowded, noisy corridor, we aren't "including" them - we are setting them up to fail. Furthermore, the inequality of access is staggering. Support should be based on a child's needs, not on a parent's ability to navigate a complex web of different services, or pay for private assessments. At the roundtable, we heard how the delay in services leads to a "cliff edge" where children can fall out of education entirely or are only offered help when they themselves reach crisis point. The impact this can have on their mental health and future prospects is profound. So, we can't settle for tweaks around the edges. Significant reform is needed to ensure that the "inclusive" education we talk about is backed by adequate funding, specialist staff, and proper infrastructure. The government's national conversation is a vital first step, but it must lead to a system where early intervention is the norm, not the exception; mainstream schools are properly resourced to be truly inclusive and specialist provision is expanded so no child is left without a suitable placement, near to where they live. If we're truly going to break down the barriers to opportunity, every family deserves to be supported. And every child - regardless of their needs - deserves to be in a setting that can meet them. I will continue to take the stories and the solutions from our Durham roundtable to the Department for Education to help build a system that puts children first.
February 1, 2026 at 10:38 AM
elvetwomen.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
Taliban birth control ban: women ‘broken’ by lethal pregnancies and untreated miscarriages
Women across Afghanistan describe the traumatic impact of disappearing clinics and contraception
www.theguardian.com
January 31, 2026 at 2:50 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
My initial thoughts on the WASPI announcement. 🐝💜
I am devastated for the WASPI women today. They felt hope, as did I, when the Government revisited the previous decision as new evidence came to light. Now, the WASPIs are faced with further pain as they are yet again denied compensation. For the Government to still not accept the fundamental point that the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman found that maladministration and injustice had occurred, and then recommended compensation, is just astonishing. It also completely undermines the authority of the Ombudsman. I know many of the WASPIs and their families, personally. I also know they will need time to reflect on what has happened today before they decide on their next steps. My message to our WASPI women is that I continue to stand alongside them - and when they are ready to reach out to me, I'll be there.
January 29, 2026 at 3:47 PM
elvetwomen.bsky.social
I just signed a @theactionnetwork.bsky.social petition: Stop the water stitch-up!. Sign here: actionnetwork.org/petitions/st...
Stop the water stitch-up!
Stop the stitch-up! The Government wants to push through water legislation, locking in a failed privatised system for decades without giving the public a say. I’ve signed the petition to stop this wa...
actionnetwork.org
January 23, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
A fantastic event yesterday evening as educators, parents, social workers, local authority representatives, trade union officials, nhs staff and young people came together to contribute to the Government’s national conversation on SEND reform.

More 👇🏻
A photo of the room at the venue with Mary addressing attendees at the tables A photo of the event agenda and stationery on the table Mary and Mrs Grimwood I’d like to thank all attendees for their valuable contributions, particularly as so many of them were very personal. You have been heard! Today, my team and I will begin pulling together a submission with all of the information gathered. Huge thanks to Mrs Grimwood and the Durham Trinity School & Sports College team for hosting us in their wonderful school. If you weren’t able to attend, don’t worry, email me your input by close of play on Monday 26th January and I’ll make sure your points are raised. 📧 Mary.Foy.mp@parliament.uk
January 23, 2026 at 8:39 AM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
🙌🏻 DEBATE TODAY ‼️

Thrilled to secure a Westminster Hall Debate to focus on Cultural Opportunities in Co Durham.

Tune in at 4, find the link below - parliamentlive.tv/Guide

We’re so lucky that Co Durham is steeped in culture and heritage, but we must ensure it thrives, rather than decline.
Pictures of Mary at various cultural events and meetings with groups in the city
January 20, 2026 at 12:48 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
CITY OF DURHAM SEND ROUNDTABLE. More info👇🏻

Calling teachers, services and families of SEND children and young people in the City of Durham constituency.

Next Thurs 22 January at 18:15, I’m holding a roundtable meeting to hear direct from families and teachers who have to navigate the SEND system.
These discussions will inform a submission to the Department for Education ahead of the release of the SEND White Paper. I felt it was incredibly important to include the lived experiences of people in my constituency, so please get in touch if you’re interested in attending and contributing to the conversation. The venue and full agenda will be released next week to everyone who has confirmed their attendance. Please note, spaces are limited so I can only admit people based in my constituency. Contact Mary.Foy.mp@parliament.uk with your name, full address and whether you’re a family member, education provider or other organisation to express interest in attending.
January 18, 2026 at 12:39 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
My parli Q this week on Stack & Milburngate caused a bit of a stir - just looky here. It’s got Stack bosses talking & also Milburngate back on the tips of tongues at DCC.

Never underestimate the power of a mention in the House of Commons!

www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2577342...
Stack reaffirms commitment to Durham site after MP says plans seem permanently paused
Stack has reaffirmed its commitment to its Durham site after the city's MP hit out at delays and branded it a "white elephant".
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 10:55 AM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
Absolutely amazing news! The Government has today confirmed that a business case will be taken forward to reopen the Leamside Line all the way from Tursdale to meet up with the Metro loop being delivered into Washington.

More 👇🏻
An image of the current rail tracks from Newcastle, South Shields and Pelaw down to Ferryhill This delivery of new rail services though County Durham is a once in a generation opportunity to transform our transport network in the North East and finally link up communities across the county. This announcement is a testament to all those inside and outside of Parliament who have campaigned for this new line for years, I've been pleased to work with many of them to help push for this. I can't wait to work with them, colleagues in Westminster and our North East Mayor Kim to finally make this a reality.
January 14, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
It’s the first constituency day of 2026 and it’s jam packed, so exciting!

I’m off to a primary school 🏫 to meet the School Council first thing, then whizzing to my office for phone calls ☎️ with constituents about breast cancer care and fleecehold, followed by a catch up with local POA reps .
A picture of redhills where Mary’s office is based I’ll then have an update meeting with my team to plan for potentially 4 departmental questions next week, a debate on the statutory duties of universities, the main constituency issues being reported and fire off some emails to folk (thanks for your patience). Finally I’ll be calling to a local pub 🍻 to discuss hospitality related issues and also their ideas to improve the local area for punters. I’ve been doing a lot of work behind the scenes on behalf of hospitality businesses for months, so it’ll be great to chat about that. If you’d like to arrange a meeting or visit with me for a future constituency day, just drop me a line. 📧 mary.foy.mp@parliament.uk But for now - Let’s get this day started! ❤️
January 9, 2026 at 8:54 AM
elvetwomen.bsky.social
youtube.com/shorts/HFTw_...
Reform UK council leader’s businesses go bust owing £1.5m
YouTube video by HOPE not hate
youtube.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:49 PM
elvetwomen.bsky.social
www.map.org.uk/news/archive...
Despite Israel’s deregistration of humanitarian organisations, MAP vows to continue serving Palestinians - Latest News & Developments - Medical Aid for Palestinians
MAP is resolutely determined to continue our lifesaving humanitarian and medical assistance across the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), despite Israel’s decision to deregister humanitarian organi...
www.map.org.uk
December 31, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
4refugeewomen.bsky.social
🚨 The Government's long-awaited Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy was released today.

Here's the good, the bad, and the ugly. 👇

www.refugeewomen.co.uk/vawg-strategy/ 1/🧵
Women for Refugee Women - Women for Refugee Women’s Statement on the Government’s VAWG Strategy: Leaving Refugee Women Behind
The Government's VAWG strategy leaves refugee women behind. Until the Government acknowledges that its own hostile asylum policies perpetuate and exacerbate violence against refugee and asylum-seeking...
www.refugeewomen.co.uk
December 18, 2025 at 5:53 PM