It’s been another busy week both in Parliament and Newcastle North!

Remember, you can also follow me on social media for updates on my work – you can find all the details at: www.catherinemckinnellmp.co.uk/contact-me/

Government sets out blueprint to turbocharge AI 

It was great to visit Charter School Bermondsey with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, to demonstrate how AI can positively impact learning. I am pleased that the Government has announced a further £1m in funding to develop 16 tools for teachers.

The Government is determined that the UK isn’t left behind in the global race for AI, and the AI Opportunities Action Plan will ensure that the benefits are spread throughout the UK.

Labour secures £50 million investment for the North East 

I am thrilled that Nissan and the Japan Automatic Transmission Company (JATCO) have secured a £50m investment deal in partnership with the Labour government to create a new manufacturing plant in Sunderland. The site will be JACTO’s first UK and European plant and will create and support hundreds of jobs in the North East.

Creative Industries Growth Summit

It was great to be at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Creative Industries Growth Summit at the Glasshouse, discussing how the Department for Education and Skills England will drive growth by fixing our broken skills system.

I am delighted that the North East was named a priority region for the new £60m funding boost to creative industries, supporting businesses and projects across the UK.

Standing with the RAF Association in Parliament  

It is a privilege to be Co-Chair of the RAFA Commons and Lords Branch, championing the RAF Association who have worked tirelessly to support our RAF community for over 90 years. This week I joined Parliamentarians to support RAFA’s important work.

Renters’ Rights Bill 

Last week, the Government announced several amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill at the Report Stage, further strengthening protections and rights for more than 11 million private renters. The amendments include putting an end to renters being ripped off by outrageous upfront costs, a condition to stop students feeling pressured into signing a new tenancy so early into the academic year and measures to protect bereaved families.

Arts in Schools roundtable

It was also inspiring to see so many passionate voices at the Arts in Schools roundtable – which I attended this week – all working to ensure every child can experience the transformative power of creativity. The Department for Education is working with key stakeholders to ensure that the arts are no longer the preserve of a privileged few.

UK and Ukraine landmark 100 Year Partnership  

I am pleased that the Prime Minister travelled to Ukraine to meet President Zelensky to formalise the unbreakable bond between the UK and Ukraine through the 100 Year Partnership, deepening our relationship across defence and non-military areas. I welcome this Treaty, which will break down barriers to trade and growth, nurture cultural links and see the UK and Ukraine advocate for each other to renew, rebuild and reform. The day also saw the introduction of the UK-Ukraine schools partnerships programme focussed on reading for pleasure and sharing stories cross-culturally.

New measures to protect fans 

This week, the Government launched a public consultation that aims to better protect fans and put them back at the heart of live events. The consultations will cover a range of measures, such as introducing a cap on the price of ticket resales, increasing the accountability of ticket resale websites and stronger enforcement of customer protections. The consultation is open until 4 April and can be found at: https://ditresearch.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9NCx3f0NtzdSZVQ