The most frequent topic across the observed posts was Defence and Foreign Policy, with a focus on support for Ukraine, NATO partnerships, and the UK Armed Forces.
The post with the highest engagement was from the Home Office, which stated it had removed almost 50,000 people with no right to be in the UK since July 2024, attracting over 450,000 views.
Three Major Themes
- SEND Education: Bridget Phillipson and Emma Reynolds for Wycombe announced Labour is creating tens of thousands of specialist SEND places and launching a landmark £200m SEND training programme for school staff.
- Defence and International Relations: Yvette Cooper signed an agreement with Norway on tackling the Russian Shadow Fleet, while David Lammy met with Polish and Ukrainian officials to discuss partnerships and support. Separately, the Ministry of Defence announced a £279m contract for a new cyber facility and provided details on the Armed Forces Bill.
- Health Initiatives: The Department of Health and Social Care announced that posters for ‘Jess’s Rule’ are being rolled out to GP surgeries to help patients get the right care sooner. The department also stated that ambulances on New Year’s Day arrived 15 minutes faster than the previous year.
Yvette Cooper reported from Camp Viking, where she signed a new agreement with Norway on tackling the Russian Shadow Fleet. The Ministry of Defence provided its latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine and separately announced a £279m contract for a new home for the British Army’s cyber specialists. The Home Office stated it has removed almost 50,000 people with no right to be in the UK since July 2024. David Lammy stated it was an honour to see Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. The Department for Work and Pensions announced that convicted killers detained in hospitals are set to lose access to benefits. On policing, Shabana Mahmood MP stated that by stepping down, West Midlands Police Chief Craig Guildford had done the right thing. In education, Bridget Phillipson stated Labour is creating tens of thousands of specialist SEND places, and Emma Reynolds for Wycombe announced the launch of a landmark £200m SEND training programme.
The Department of Health and Social Care stated it is making the NHS fit for the future through Community Diagnostic Centres. David Lammy reported catching up with Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski to discuss shared priorities. The DHSC also reported that on New Year’s Day, ambulances still arrived 15 minutes faster than the same time last year, despite it being the busiest day for 999 calls in NHS history. Steve Reed hosted Pongal celebrations in Downing Street, noting the British Tamil community’s contribution to the country. Several MPs, including Jo Stevens and Douglas Alexander, posted about being out on the doorstep and making the case for a new direction for Scotland.
The Department of Health and Social Care announced that posters for Jess’s Rule are now being rolled out to GP surgeries, inspired by the legacy of Jess Brady. The Ministry of Defence provided information on what the Armed Forces Bill means for family housing. Bridget Phillipson posted a reminder stating that Only Labour will improve SEND support and will build a system where every child can achieve and thrive.
Outlook / Emerging Trends
The Department for Work and Pensions stated that convicted killers detained in hospitals are set to lose access to benefits. Separately, Bridget Phillipson stated that Labour will build a system where every child can achieve and thrive.
