Good Evening john,

My newsletter includes reporting on the launch of the national ‘Pharmacy First’ scheme, Broomhaugh CofE First School Ofsted results, support of the ban on vaping, cost of living payments, Conservative success in Ponteland, and best wishes to King Charles III.

As ever, if you have an issue you would like to raise with me as your local Member of Parliament, please email: [email protected].

🩺 Launch of ‘Pharmacy First’ across Tynedale and Ponteland

 

Pharmacies in Tynedale and Ponteland have opted in to the rollout of the NHS' 'Pharmacy First' scheme, which is welcomed by all across the region. 

The Government has pumped in £645 million of funding to support Pharmacy First, and now, more people can access world-class healthcare faster and in a much more simpler way. 

I am delighted that every single pharmacy in our local community has decided to take advantage of this scheme.

We have all experienced the 8am rush to get an appointment with the GP. It can be infuriating to be stuck in a queue, or to be given an inconvenient time slot, just to access simple antibiotics to cure a common sore throat or an ear infection.

📚 Celebrating Ofsted success at Broomhaugh CofE First School


94% of Northumberland schools are now rated 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by Ofsted. 

This week I attended Broomhaugh Church of England Aided First School, which has been graded outstanding – the highest possible rating – for its early years education.

Rating the school as “good” overall, Ofsted inspectors judged the Riding Mill school to be “outstanding” in two of four key assessment areas – early years provision and personal development of pupils.

We have made incredible progress with education and opportunities for young people across Northumberland, with 94% of schools now deemed ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, up from 76% in 2017.

I want to thank Executive Headteacher Suzanne Hart for taking the time to show me around the school, and for the children for running me through some football drills in the playground - there is no doubt that St James’ Park awaits for a few of them!

🗳️ Ponteland voters reject Labour's plans to build on our greenbelt


Ponteland voted against Keir Starmer's plans to concrete our greenbelt.

Thank you for everyone in Ponteland East who voted to protect our greenbelt last week by backing our brilliant candidate, Rosie Hanlon. I know Rosie well, she will be a great hardworking Town Councillor, following in Alan's footsteps.

It couldn't be more clear - Ponteland have emphatically rejected Starmer's plan to concrete over our greenbelt. But the fight doesn't stop here!

Final result: Conservatives: 70.15% (550) Labour: 29.85% (234)

I look forward to working closely with Rosie, who will be a brilliant local representative for people in Ponteland East.  

🚫 Ban on disposable vapes

   

In a measure designed to tackle the rise in youth vaping and protect children’s health, the Prime Minister this week announced that disposable vapes will be banned in the UK.

The facts don’t lie. The number of children illegally using vapes in the past 3 years has tripled. Shockingly, 9% of 11-15 year olds now use vapes - something I have seen for myself on a recent litter pick around our local schools.

As part of the plans, new powers will be introduced to restrict flavours which are specifically marketed at children and ensure that manufacturers produce plainer, less visually appealing packaging. The powers will also allow government to change how vapes are displayed in shops, moving them out of sight of children, and away from products that appeal to them, like sweets.

After engaging with concerned parents, teachers, and environmental groups, there is a consensus that action needs to be taken and that is why I wholeheartedly support the ban on disposable vapes, which will protect children’s long-term health, and keep our natural environment tidy.

🏡 8 million households to receive cost of living payment  



Last week the Government rolled out a £2.5 billion package to 8 million households on low incomes. Payments worth £299 will be made across the UK between now and 22 February by the Department for Work and Pensions.

It is the third of up to three payments that households receive, totalling a maximum of £900 to help with the increased cost of living. Payments are maid to eligible households on means-tested benefits over 2023-24. 

It is right that the Government continues to support low-income families with cost of living as many of us still feel the pinch from Russia's illegal war in Ukraine and the knock-on effects of the Covid pandemic.
 

King Charles III illness



Almost all of us will know a family member or loved one who has suffered with a form of cancer. 

I know that people across Tynedale and Ponteland will join me in wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery.

Guy Opperman MP

Member of Parliament for Tynedale and Ponteland