Good Evening john,

My newsletter includes reporting on today's budget, the success of my annual Over 50s Fair, visiting Whalton C of E Primary School, welcoming the introduction of Baby Loss Certificates, and supporting the Ukrainian community in Hexham. 

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

👉 £900 in your pocket 



Today, the Chancellor cut National Insurance by 2%, adding to the 2% cut delivered last year. 

As a result, the average worker will be £900 better off every year, reducing stress for families feeling the squeeze and pumping money into our local businesses.

There was lot's more good news: 

✅ Inflation falling to 2%, a year earlier than expected.
✅ Fuel duty frozen, saving drivers £50 every year. 
✅ £2.5 billion for the NHS to cut waiting lists and £3.4 billion to improve NHS productivity, to improve the quality of care.
✅ More money and powers for the next North East Mayor 👍
 

A personal welcome for the introduction of Baby Loss Certificates



The government have announced that bereaved parents who lose a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy in England can now receive a certificate in recognition of their loss. 

This is deeply personal to me. Many will know that Flora and I sadly lost our twin boys in 2020.

Since that devastating loss, I have been working closely with baby loss charities such as Sands and lobbying Ministers in Westminster to change the law. 

I am delighted for the thousands of bereaved parents up and down the country who will now officially be able to have their loss recognised through a Baby Loss Certificate. 

Although our twins, Teddy and Rafe, lived in this world only briefly, this change means that their lives are always remembered and forever cherished.
 

🥳 Over 50s fair success

 

Last week, we held our annual Over-50s Fair at Ponteland Memorial Hall.

Over 40 community groups were in attendance, including local charities, volunteering organisations, hobby clubs, and employers.

Local people turned out in high numbers to see the many opportunities that were on offer, and I want to thank everyone, including many volunteers, who gave up their free time to make the event so welcoming and special. 

I also want to thank Newcastle International Airport for kindly sponsoring the event. 

🇺🇦 Ukraine Tapestry at Hexham Abbey



As we mark two years since Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, it was incredibly special to join the Ukrainian community in Hexham to remember and commemorate but also celebrate the new lives they have made in Northumberland. 

I met up with hosts involved in the Homes for Ukraine scheme, as well as guests who have resettled in the local community. 

Ukrainian artist Yuliia Ackkasova has designed a ‘Tapestry of Life’, which depicts an oak and sycamore tree intertwined, surrounded by cultural artefacts from both Ukraine and Northumberland, representing the close bond between our two communities. 
 
This is a wonderful piece, and it is on display until Friday 29 March. As always, we will stand by Ukraine and support Ukrainians in our local community.

🌳 Ponteland community planting event



Last weekend, dozens of locals came together to plant 1000s of flowers, ferns & trees along side the Active Travel England cycling and walking path from Ponteland out towards the airport.

Massive thanks to Alma, Jane, John, Liz & all the helpers for a great community effort.

New cycle routes are a good thing for our physical and mental health, but must be implemented sensibly and in conjunction with the local community.

I understand local concern about greenbelt development. I will fight any proposal to develop local greenbelt to keep our green space green!

👍 Allendale Youth Club 


Last week, I popped into Allendale Youth to thank everyone and get an update on the exciting new plans for a very big investment in the Club.

Two things are clear - the Youth Club do great work and Carousel Homes have created an amazing design for the improvements.

Quality youth services are critical to tackling anti-social behaviour and providing something to do for our young people, this is great news.

Guy Opperman MP

Member of Parliament for Tynedale and Ponteland