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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · 4d

Just a quick note of thanks to all of the council workers, emergency services, powergrid personnel and members of local communities for the work they’re doing clearing up the mess this dreadful storm ☔️ 💨 has caused across the county so far.

More 👇🏻.

While many of us are wrapped up safe and warm, they’ve been braving the elements to keep our roads clear, check on vulnerable residents and keeping our public services moving.

You do a wonderful job! ⭐

Don’t forget, if you find yourself without power call 105 for free or visit https://www.northernpowergrid.com/power-cuts-map for the latest information about restoration times in the event of a power cut.

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · 6d

😔

I’ve been tuned into the news most of the day and was horrified by scenes as they broke from Manchester this morning. I’d like to join so many others by praising the remarkable bravery of the emergency services and first responders.

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Jewish community, I’m so truly sorry that this appalling act took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in your calendar.

My thoughts are also with anyone who has been impacted by the devastating scenes of today.

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · 7d

It was really useful to meet with @samaritans.bsky.social while I was at conference, particularly as I was keen to know more about their campaign for the Government to implement mandatory suicide prevention training for emergency responders, such as police officers, paramedics & firefighters. More ⬇️

Mary at the Samaritans stand with a poster which states I’m backing suicide prevention training for emergency services.

The stats speak for themselves, our emergency services personnel attend so many incidents related to mental health or suicide related incidents every year and they deserve to be fully equipped with the knowledge and skills to deal with such situations.

I’ll look forward to working with Samaritans and my constituents on this campaign going forward.

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · 8d

The amount of contact I receive from constituents regarding access to prostate cancer screening is ever increasing, so I was only too pleased to spend some time at the Prostate Cancer Research stand at conference this week to find out more about how I can support their campaigns.

More ⬇️!

Mary at the prostate cancer research stand holding a poster which states it’s about time we put prostate cancer in its place.

One of the key asks is for routine prostate screening to be introduced so men are not left vulnerable to a late diagnosis. This feels like such a sensible move, particularly when there is a proven link between prostate cancer mortality and socio-economic deprivation - and we know that regions like the North East suffer significantly from such deprivation.

I've been pleased to sign EDM 1603, as many constituents requested and I'll be submitting written questions to push for the Government to consider implementing a routine screening programme. I have also written to the Health Secretary about this very issue today.

With prostate cancer now being the most common cancer in England and the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the UK, my constituents can be sure that I'll be working closely with Prostate Cancer Research to support their campaigns however I can.

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · 8d

When I am at Labour Party Conference I always try to drop by the stands which constituents have contacted me about, particularly when the topic is important to them.

I caught up with @dementiauk.bsky.social yesterday…more 👇🏻.

Mary at the Dementia UK stall holding a poster which states no one should face dementia alone.

I caught up with Dementia UK yesterday as there have been strong calls from people in the City of Durham that there aren't enough dementia nurses and far too many people are left to cope alone - which simply isn't good enough!

I'll be more than pleased to support the asks of Dementia UK, particularly in working toward ensuring everyone affected by dementia has access to a specialist nurse so they are able to get the support they need and deserve.

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · 14d

This is welcome news protecting our prison officers in workplaces & huge credit should go to Claire & The POA who have pushed the govt. The work doesn’t stop here, all prison officers deserve to have adequate protective kit at work & I’ll campaign for as long as it takes to get that in place.

The headline of the story with a picture of Claire which says “it’s life saving”: ex Frankland officer who was stabbed praises body armour roll out.

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · 14d

Thank you to Believe Housing Limited Chief Executive, Alan Smith, for meeting with me yesterday. We had a useful discussion around the pressures that the social housing sector is facing and he also took time to update me on cases my office have been working on with Believe.

More 👇🏻.

Mary and Alan in her constituency office

Alan told me that now the government has a consistent policy framework, which didn’t exist previously, organisations like Believe can start to address issues in a much more strategic and proactive way.

There’s lots more to do, but we are committed to working together to improve the housing situation across the City of Durham constituency.

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · 15d

The last time I visited Notch in Durham was the day after the 2024 Miners' Gala when I refuelled myself with a fabulous Sunday lunch - so it was lovely to call in and meet Emilio and Dan earlier today and remind myself of how gorgeous the food is. The owners are canny too! 😉🍸🌮🍹

More 👇🏻.

Emilio had reached out to me to discuss issues facing hospitality businesses so I jumped at the opportunity to visit and hear direct from them. I'm a firm believer that the people who should be influencing policies and the upcoming Budget, are the people who are impacted by them the most - so I'm looking forward to working with them to draft correspondence to the Treasury which includes their key asks.

If you're in Durham and need to pick a place for a bite to eat make sure you give Notch a try, the service is great and the food is delicious - sadly it was too early in the day for cocktails, but there's always next time!

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · 16d

Fab to see Fraser & Chris to officially open their new venture. You may know their popular indoor market store Bear Bottom, but after they spied a vacant unit on the Riverwalk they decided to expand their offering across the city. Next time you’re in their neck of the woods make sure you stop by! ☕️🍰

Mary with Fraser and Chris behind the counter

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · 20d

It was great to meet with TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak and Durham Unison members at Redhills today to discuss jobs, pay and protecting public services! It’s always my pleasure to stand alongside hardworking reps who support local workers and their communities.

Mary with Paul Nowak, Ian Lavery MP and UNISON members outside Redhills

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Reposted by Mary Kelly Foy MP

Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 24d

The APPG on Smoking & Health’s Co-Chair @marykfoymp.bsky.social wrote to the Guardian 📰 making the case for a polluter pays levy on tobacco companies 🚭.

£700m per year direct from industry (not taxpayers!) to fund smoking cessation services.

What’s not to like! 🙌

🔗 Read here: shorturl.at/O8bBv

Get tough on tobacco and alcohol firms to improve public health | Letters

Letters: Hazel Cheeseman, Prof Sir Ian Gilmore and Katharine Jenner call for minimum unit pricing, a levy on profits, and policies to improve food and drink. Plus a letter from Mary Foy

www.theguardian.com

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · 26d

I've seen horrific footage of murder of Charlie Kirk many times, as well as surveillance footage showing the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska. This is a clear failure of online platforms to prevent the spread of such harmful content as mandated by the Online Safety Act 2023.

I am writing to express my utmost concern over widespread circulation of a graphic video depicting the murder of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley Uni. This disturbing footage, showing explicit violence, has proliferated across social media & video platforms, such as X, YouTube, TikTok & Instagram, and is undoubtedly being watched by a significant number of people in the UK. Alarmingly, this incident follows closely behind another horrific case: the circulation of the surveillance footage showing the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a North Carolina train. Several constituents have contacted me regarding this video that they or their children have encountered, either directly or unintentionally. My main concerns lie with the psychological impact watching this may have on young people, and the apparent failure of online platforms to prevent the spread of such harmful content, as mandated by the Online Safety Act 2023.
The Act imposes clear duties on service providers to protect users, especially children, from inappropriate content & material likely to cause significant harm. Yet, the rapid dissemination of this video suggests a significant lapse in compliance by most major platforms. This incident unarguably raises serious questions about the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms under Ofcom's oversight & the ability of already existing regulations to address challenges posed by viral, real-time violent content that often appears in algorithmic feeds and trending sections without content or age warnings, or individuals searching for it. The Online Safety Act represents a cornerstone of our commitment to protecting young people online, but its effectiveness depends on rigorous enforcement and the ability to immediately adapt to new challenges. The recurrence of such incidents in such a short period of time demands urgent action to restore confidence in this framework. I’d appreciate a response outlining your plans to address these pressing concerns.

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · 26d

A major issue facing bus operators is lack of engineers available locally to support the maintenance of their fleets, but we have fab colleges in Durham with budding apprentices. I also can’t get my head round fact NW drivers are paid more than NE drivers, despite working for same company!

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · 27d

I know a reliable rail service is important to my constituents, not just for work and education but also for those who may be elderly or disabled - why should they not be able to get direct services from Durham? Particularly since Durham station is the second most used in the North East!

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · 27d

This afternoon I took part in the rearranged General Debate on Public Transport Inequality.

I'll share a few clips from my contribution over the next day or so, but I thought I'd start with a section on buses 🚌 as I know many people got in touch regarding the same services.

Take a look 👀.

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · 28d

I GOT IN!!! 🎉

It was a slog but I squeezed into Transport Qs.

I'm pleased the Minister will meet with me to ensure when reassurances are given for ‘equivalent’ services to be put in place by transport operators - they actually follow through and make it happen!

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · Sep 9

Urgh; 20th out of 24 in Treasury questions this morning.

I dont know why I get excited when I’m drawn! 😫😣

Hopefully I’ll get in on behalf of businesses in Durham. 🙏🏼

The order paper with Mary’s question listed at 20!

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · Sep 9

The Employment Rights Bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation in a generation. It must be delivered in full, with a minister dedicated to the brief.

Dear Keir,
I'm writing to you following the recent cabinet reshuffle and subsequent ministerial appointments.
I was deeply concerned to see that there is no minister, or junior minister, to oversee the employment rights brief.
As you know, the Employment Rights Bill, and the policies within it, impressed many working class people ahead of the General Election in July 2024. It was one of the key manifesto commitments that I was most excited to talk about on the doorstep. Now, with no dedicated minister appointed to continue with the delivery and implementation of the legislation, I am left with grave concerns about what that means for the future of the bill.
I know these concerns are shared by many in the trade union movement.
The Employment Rights Bill is the vital first step in tipping the balance back to workers.
When colleagues around us in the Commons and Lords desperately try to water the bill down, we must stand firmly with working people and deliver the bill in full — with a minister at the helm working with trade unions, working people and employers.
I would implore you to appoint a Minister for Employment Rights who will continue with the excellent work colleagues who left their posts at the weekend, began.

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · Sep 7

Good luck to everyone taking part in the Great North Run today. Whether you’re running for charity or for a personal challenge - I hope you have the best day. Like most years, me and my family will be at the bottom of the John Reid Road with supplies for runners as they pass. 🏃🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · Sep 7

Ice pops, jellies & a cheer for all the #GNR runners today.
You’ll find us just before the John Reid Road 🏃🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏅🥇

Mary and family cheering runners at the Great North Run

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · Sep 7

Lovely to call at The Station House after my market stall yday & raise a glass to their recent success being named CAMRA NE Pub of the Year. In Oct they hear if they’re in final 4 pubs in the running for the overall title - they get a great big YES from me!Good luck Chris, Susie & the whole team. ❤️🍻

Mary with Chris and Susie outside the pub

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · Sep 6

A brilliant market stall today. My team & I had so many chats on topics from private parking companies, council services, policing, anti-social behaviour, student loans, digital skills, flags, opportunities for young market traders, support for local businesses 💷, students - & Asian hornets 😱!

Mary with Jasmine at her award winning stall

Mary with 2 of the Durham Pointer volunteers

Mary with 2 officers from Durham City Police

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · Sep 6

Fab time last night at Redhills for special screening of the movie Pride, organised by the DMA and TUC NEYH to fundraise for Durham Pride. Lush to be surrounded by likeminded comrades to celebrate the friendship & solidarity forged between mining & LGBT+ communities which grows as the years pass!

Mary outside Redhills by the rainbow we are still here banner

Mary with supporters and organisers at the event

Mary speaking with panellists after the event

Mary sitting with Durham Pride Chair, Mel Metcalf, following the event

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · Sep 3

Excited for my market stall on Sat. I am running a survey at the moment on private parking company practices, do stop by & complete one if you’ve fallen foul to one of the companies that operate our car parks.

Even if you simply want to swing past for a chat I’d be thrilled to speak to you.

A graphic of Mary behind a market stall with the date 6th September and time 10am til 2pm noted.

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Mary Kelly Foy MP @marykfoymp.bsky.social · Sep 2

Of course I added my name to this👇🏻

The Guardian @theguardian.com · Sep 2

Prominent UK women tell rightwingers: stop linking immigration to sexual abuse

Exclusive: Open letter says politicians are exploiting violence against women ‘to fuel hate and division’ Prominent women including cultural figures, politicians and campaigners have signed a letter criticising rightwing attempts to link sexual violence in Britain to asylum seekers. Signatories include the musicians Paloma Faith, Charlotte Church and Anoushka Shankar as well as Labour, Green and independent MPs including Kim Johnson, Ellie Chowns, Diane Abbott and Zarah Sultana. Continue reading...

www.theguardian.com

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