Former Labour MP | Trade Unionist | Labour Party Activist 🌹Podcast: Next Week in Westminster: tinyurl.com/27tawaf6

Ilford, London
Whats happening in Palestine is unjust, our visit was peaceful in the hope to support Palestinian farmers and those facing illegal settler violence. From the border, this is what I had to say as it happened.
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This week I was denied entry into the West Bank as part of an international delegation led by @ProgIntl. Solidarity is not a crime. Neither is being Palestinian. I will not be intimidated into silence. My full statement ⬇️
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This week on Next Week in Westminster, Marcus puts together his fantasy Cabinet under an Andy Burnham premiership. Meanwhile I examine the Immigration Bill and what the Clacton by-election could signal for the wider political landscape. Listen now ⬇️ open.spotify.com/episode/1cj…
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Been a great few weeks up campaigning in Makerfield for @AndyBurnhamGM Seen so many Labour friends from across the country, campaigning with real hope and optimism for first time in a long time.
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Before Parliament votes, I break it down. Listen in to my new weekly podcast Next Week in Westminster 🎙️ Each week I explain what laws Parliament is about to pass and what they actually mean - before they hit the headlines. Listen in on Apple, Spotify & Substack.
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80 years on from VE Day, we remember the extraordinary courage of those who fought for freedom, justice, and peace. Their sacrifice laid the foundations of a more inclusive and welcoming Britain. Values we must continue to defend and build upon today. #VEDay80
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Wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Easter. Today we rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He has risen — a powerful reminder of hope, renewal and the boundless love of God. 🐣
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Eid Mubarak to all celebrating. This Eid, joy feels hollow as Palestine endures relentless brutality. Families are torn apart, homes are turned to rubble, and innocent lives are stolen. Sending love, prayers, and solidarity to Palestine. Your struggle is our struggle. 🍉 🌙
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Mick has been a towering figure in the trade union movement, standing unwaveringly on the side of working people. His leadership at RMT didn’t just deliver victories, it inspired a generation to believe in the power of solidarity. All the best on his well-earned retirement.
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Wishing all my friends a Merry Christmas. 🎄 This Christmas, my heart is with the children of Palestine, where joy is overshadowed by suffering and the absence of peace. May we all embrace the true spirit of Christmas—peace, compassion, and the promise of brighter days ahead.
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Devastated by the loss of John Prescott, a Labour giant and champion for working people. Honoured to have known him, from the ODPM to campaigning against the BNP in Dagenham, his no nonsense politics inspired so many. My thoughts are with Pauline, David, and his family.
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Fixing what’s broken: Bringing railways back into public ownership is crucial for delivering reliable, affordable, and efficient services. Great to see the new Labour Government prioritising passengers over profits and ensuring our transport system works for everyone.
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Nice to see @EddieNestorMBE as I went into the BBC to talk about the predicted momentous Labour landslide, and the huge opportunities for Londoners of having @SadiqKhan as our Labour Mayor working with a @UKLabour Government.
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Its a wrap! Ending the campaign on home turf out in Romford for @AndyAchilleos where we have had amazing responses on the doorstep. One seat to keep an eye on as the results roll through tonight. Incoming #LabourGain 💥
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Did a morning GOTV round in Oldham for @Debbie_abrahams this morning - great to see loads of friends on the campaign trail before heading back to the big smoke for the rest of the days campaigning. Polls close 10pm 🌹 🚨
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Joined @paulwaugh yesterday for some door knocking in Rochdale where he is putting in a sterling effort, before catching up with @AfzalKhanMCR and @GwynneMP back in Manchester Rusholme at a Hajj pilgrimage celebration after a day’s campaigning.
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Do you want five more years of Tory chaos, or change with Labour? Polls are open until 10pm. 🌹
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Join the campaign to win a Labour Government and deliver the #NewDeal for Working People ✊🌹 ➡️labourunions.org.uk/events @labourunionsuk
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I went to secondary school between Chadwell Heath and Romford, and to see Romford ho Labour for first time since ‘97 would be epic. Enjoyed being out with @AndyAchilleos and my team the other week - let’s do this 🌹 @romfordlabour
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Out in Great Yarmouth for @keircozens speaking to voters about the importance of voting Labour on Thursday. It’s only a Labour government that will revitalise seaside towns and ensure more investment to boost local economies and create employment. 🌹
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What a legend.
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Great to be out in Norwich South supporting my friend and comrade @labourlewis. Great conversations on the doors about Great British Energy and Labour’s transformative New Deal for Working people. The change our country needs begins with a Labour government on July 4th. 🌹
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Out in Norwich North yesterday with @SadiqKhan campaigning for @AliceMLabour. Lots of conversation on the doorstep in the sun with voters who are ready for change under a Labour Government.
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Just finished hitting the streets of Rochester & Strood in the blazing afternoon and evening sun. @LaurenREdwards is a super candidate and with @vincemaple and his team having won the Council in ‘23 I’m feeling optimistic at seeing Kent turn red on July 4th 🌹
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Fantastic campaigning for @_OliviaBlake in Sheffield Hallam today. Lots of voters being won over on her local track record, and standing up for what matters to them in Parliament. And the sunshine was glorious ☀️ 🌹
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Sun shine filled campaigning for @Margaret4DR in Dagenham & Rainham for @UKLabour with my squad today 🌹
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Wishing the Muslim community in Ilford South and across the country a blessed Eid Ul Adha. This Eid reminds us of the profound teachings of Qurbani - the spirit of sacrifice and devotion. As we celebrate our thoughts and prayers are with those in Palestine 🇵🇸. Eid Mubarak! ☪️
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Seven years since the tragic Grenfell Fire claimed 72 lives, yet victims families are still denied justice. In Ilford, many continue to live in unsafe conditions with unresolved cladding issues. The continued failure to address these risks and deliver justice is unacceptable.
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Thank you to Ilford, my hometown of forty years, the place that made me who I am. Thank you to my staff and all my supporters in Ilford and across East London. My work for the people who need a transformative Labour Government is not done. Now to win a Labour Government. 🌹
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Today, on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Labour Party honours those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country’s safety and security. We will remember them.
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Parliament is now dissolved ahead of the General Election on 4th July, there is no MP’s for this period. For urgent casework matters, please contact my office; however, we will not be able to take on new non-urgent casework during this period. Sam. (Imprint in Bio)
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The Tories have completely failed some of our most vulnerable. With foodbank use in pensioners skyrocketing during the cost of living crisis, the Tories have no answers on how they will protect pensioners from their reckless plan to axe National Insurance at a cost of £46bn...
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Last week in Parliament I implored the Tories to do something about 'fire and rehire' - an exploitative practice that's gone unregulated for too long. I am proud the Labour Party will end fire and rehire in our New Deal for Working People🌹
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Today, the Tamil community in the UK and across the world remember the genocide against Tamils in 2009. 15 years on, Sri Lanka still has not been held accountable for these atrocities. I stand in solidarity with the Tamil people.
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Delighted to join @wesstreeting and @Jacqui_Smith1 at @BHRUT_NHS for the opening two new theatres at King George Hospital in my constituency, a £14m extension to the elective surgery hub This investment will allow for 100 additional operations each week and benefit thousands 🏥
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In Washington I attended meeting at the White House with the US National Security Council. We discussed Ukraine, China, and Gaza - another truly fascinating dive into defence and diplomacy, and exploration of the impact of the Gaza conflict on our domestic political landscapes.
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Last week in Washington, I had an insightful meeting with @AFLCIO, the largest federation of trade unions in the country. It was fascinating to learn more about Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and how it will create unionised, high-quality jobs... 👇
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Today I am proud to celebrate Vyshyvanka Day with @londonmaidan 🇺🇦 As Putin's brutal war wages on, I am proud to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.
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I also had met with Robert Zoellick, former Deputy Secretary of State, to discuss his work on frozen Russian assets and the possibility of using these to fund Ukraine’s war effort, and how to bring international leaders to a place of agreement on this - this demands our attention
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Yesterday I was proud to attend an event commemorating 76 years since the Nakba, attended by the Palestinian Ambassador. This event was about recognising resilience and strength in the face of adversity, and the remarkable perseverance of the human spirit through hardship.
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I had the honour of meeting with Ambassador Oksana Markarova at the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington last week, to discuss vital US/UK support for Ukraine as the war against Russian expansion wages brutally onwards on European soil. @UKRintheUSA @OMarkarova
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In Washington last week I met with the @AspenInstitute on convening leaders on development and defence, the @WorldBank on migration policy and better understanding their work, and with @USCIB to discuss opportunities for boosting the trade relationship between the UK and the USA.
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Today I attended a drop in event with @TrussellTrust in Parliament Ilford South has seen a 10% increase in food bank use (JUST Trussell Trust) in the last five years - more than double the national average. It’s time everyone is able to afford the essentials #ToriesOut
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In Washington DC last week I met with the @EleanorCrookFdn & @USAID to hear about work both organisations are doing on development and humanitarian aid. We discussed the art of targeted interventions on malnutrition whilst campaigning at home to maintain aid budgets.
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Britain was proud to act swiftly in creating a visa scheme for Ukrainians in need - Palestinians in the UK are simply asking for the same protection for their families
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Today in Parliament I called for the creation of a Palestinian family visa scheme. This should bring Palestinian refugees to safety in the UK through a new safe and legal route, and reunite families desperate for their loved ones to reach safety.
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On #InternationalNursesDay, a big thank you to the brilliant nurses at King George Hospital in Ilford for their unwavering commitment to patient care despite challenges and cuts by this Govt. Your remarkable impact on countless lives is truly inspiring. Thanks for all you do!
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@POFerries boss Peter Hebblethwaite earned more than £500k last year, including an £183k bonus. Do you think he deserves a salary like that after unlawfully sacking hundreds of UK seafarers to slash costs, and paying his crew as little as £4.87 an hour? I don't. @RMTunion
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Less than an hour to go, finishing the day in Newham on the doorstep in both East Ham and West Ham. Every single vote matters right up until 10pm. Lets make London the greatest city in the world and re-elect @SadiqKhan
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