The most frequent topics of discussion were health, justice, and UK support for Ukraine, with multiple posts on each subject. The post with the highest engagement was from Angela Rayner regarding a trade unionist rally in Gorton and Denton.
Three Major Themes
- Support for Ukraine: John Healey and Yvette Cooper expressed continued support for Ukraine, with Healey stating that four years into the conflict, Putin is failing and has achieved none of his strategic aims.
- Health and Social Care: The Department of Health and Social Care announced it is investing a further £485 million in general practice under a new GP contract and extending support for people with health problems to help them work through Health and Growth Accelerators.
- Gorton & Denton By-Election: Angela Rayner and Darren Jones campaigned for Labour, with Rayner stating at a rally that Reform wants to “tear up your rights at work” and that only Labour can stop them in the constituency.
The Department of Health and Social Care announced it is extending support for people with health problems to help them thrive in their working lives through Health and Growth Accelerators. Separately, it announced an investment of a further £485 million in general practice this year. The Ministry of Justice stated it has funded the highest ever deal for our courts to deliver faster justice. The Ministry of Defence highlighted that Scottish shipbuilding for Type-31 warships supports 2,500 jobs and 400 apprenticeships. The Department for Work and Pensions promoted its funding for over 5,000 occupational health training places. On foreign policy, John Healey stated that four years on from the invasion of Ukraine, Putin is failing and promised to keep the pressure on Putin. David Lammy posted a link about tackling the justice backlog through investment, efficiency, and reform.
David Lammy stated it was an honour to join an iftar hosted by the UAE Embassy, noting the UK–UAE partnership is strengthened by its people. Bridget Phillipson marked 60 years since the ‘University of the Air’ White Paper which became the @OpenUniversity. Campaigning in Gorton and Denton, Angela Rayner attended a rally of trade unionists, and Darren Jones MP participated in a phone bank at Labour HQ. Yvette Cooper posted a message of solidarity, stating, “This is why we stand with Ukraine.” Later, David Lammy responded to death threats against a politician, stating “Violent speech has no place in our politics” and called on Nigel Farage to apologise and sack the individual involved.
Outlook / Emerging Trends
The Ministry of Justice stated it will deliver faster justice by lifting the cap on Crown Court sitting days next year. The Department of Health and Social Care stated that under the new GP contract, more GPs will be recruited. Regarding Ukraine, John Healey stated, “We will keep the pressure on Putin” and support its armed forces. The Department for Work and Pensions noted the deadline for signing up for occupational health training places is March 31. The Ministry of Defence said the new Type-31 warships will protect the UK for decades.
