City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
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elvetwomen.bsky.social
City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
@elvetwomen.bsky.social
29 followers 43 following 58 posts
We are an active Women's Branch in the City of Durham (UK) with meetings and events throughout the year, encouraging women members to play an active role in political and community life.
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elvetwomen.bsky.social
I just signed a @theactionnetwork.bsky.social petition: Stop the water stitch-up!. Sign here: actionnetwork.org/petitions/st...
Stop the water stitch-up!
Stop the stitch-up! The Government wants to push through water legislation, locking in a failed privatised system for decades without giving the public a say. I’ve signed the petition to stop this wa...
actionnetwork.org
January 23, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
A fantastic event yesterday evening as educators, parents, social workers, local authority representatives, trade union officials, nhs staff and young people came together to contribute to the Government’s national conversation on SEND reform.

More 👇🏻
A photo of the room at the venue with Mary addressing attendees at the tables A photo of the event agenda and stationery on the table Mary and Mrs Grimwood I’d like to thank all attendees for their valuable contributions, particularly as so many of them were very personal. You have been heard! Today, my team and I will begin pulling together a submission with all of the information gathered. Huge thanks to Mrs Grimwood and the Durham Trinity School & Sports College team for hosting us in their wonderful school. If you weren’t able to attend, don’t worry, email me your input by close of play on Monday 26th January and I’ll make sure your points are raised. 📧 Mary.Foy.mp@parliament.uk
January 23, 2026 at 8:39 AM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
🙌🏻 DEBATE TODAY ‼️

Thrilled to secure a Westminster Hall Debate to focus on Cultural Opportunities in Co Durham.

Tune in at 4, find the link below - parliamentlive.tv/Guide

We’re so lucky that Co Durham is steeped in culture and heritage, but we must ensure it thrives, rather than decline.
Pictures of Mary at various cultural events and meetings with groups in the city
January 20, 2026 at 12:48 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
CITY OF DURHAM SEND ROUNDTABLE. More info👇🏻

Calling teachers, services and families of SEND children and young people in the City of Durham constituency.

Next Thurs 22 January at 18:15, I’m holding a roundtable meeting to hear direct from families and teachers who have to navigate the SEND system.
These discussions will inform a submission to the Department for Education ahead of the release of the SEND White Paper. I felt it was incredibly important to include the lived experiences of people in my constituency, so please get in touch if you’re interested in attending and contributing to the conversation. The venue and full agenda will be released next week to everyone who has confirmed their attendance. Please note, spaces are limited so I can only admit people based in my constituency. Contact Mary.Foy.mp@parliament.uk with your name, full address and whether you’re a family member, education provider or other organisation to express interest in attending.
January 18, 2026 at 12:39 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
My parli Q this week on Stack & Milburngate caused a bit of a stir - just looky here. It’s got Stack bosses talking & also Milburngate back on the tips of tongues at DCC.

Never underestimate the power of a mention in the House of Commons!

www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2577342...
Stack reaffirms commitment to Durham site after MP says plans seem permanently paused
Stack has reaffirmed its commitment to its Durham site after the city's MP hit out at delays and branded it a "white elephant".
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 10:55 AM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
Absolutely amazing news! The Government has today confirmed that a business case will be taken forward to reopen the Leamside Line all the way from Tursdale to meet up with the Metro loop being delivered into Washington.

More 👇🏻
An image of the current rail tracks from Newcastle, South Shields and Pelaw down to Ferryhill This delivery of new rail services though County Durham is a once in a generation opportunity to transform our transport network in the North East and finally link up communities across the county. This announcement is a testament to all those inside and outside of Parliament who have campaigned for this new line for years, I've been pleased to work with many of them to help push for this. I can't wait to work with them, colleagues in Westminster and our North East Mayor Kim to finally make this a reality.
January 14, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
It’s the first constituency day of 2026 and it’s jam packed, so exciting!

I’m off to a primary school 🏫 to meet the School Council first thing, then whizzing to my office for phone calls ☎️ with constituents about breast cancer care and fleecehold, followed by a catch up with local POA reps .
A picture of redhills where Mary’s office is based I’ll then have an update meeting with my team to plan for potentially 4 departmental questions next week, a debate on the statutory duties of universities, the main constituency issues being reported and fire off some emails to folk (thanks for your patience). Finally I’ll be calling to a local pub 🍻 to discuss hospitality related issues and also their ideas to improve the local area for punters. I’ve been doing a lot of work behind the scenes on behalf of hospitality businesses for months, so it’ll be great to chat about that. If you’d like to arrange a meeting or visit with me for a future constituency day, just drop me a line. 📧 mary.foy.mp@parliament.uk But for now - Let’s get this day started! ❤️
January 9, 2026 at 8:54 AM
elvetwomen.bsky.social
youtube.com/shorts/HFTw_...
Reform UK council leader’s businesses go bust owing £1.5m
YouTube video by HOPE not hate
youtube.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:49 PM
elvetwomen.bsky.social
www.map.org.uk/news/archive...
Despite Israel’s deregistration of humanitarian organisations, MAP vows to continue serving Palestinians - Latest News & Developments - Medical Aid for Palestinians
MAP is resolutely determined to continue our lifesaving humanitarian and medical assistance across the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), despite Israel’s decision to deregister humanitarian organi...
www.map.org.uk
December 31, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
4refugeewomen.bsky.social
🚨 The Government's long-awaited Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy was released today.

Here's the good, the bad, and the ugly. 👇

www.refugeewomen.co.uk/vawg-strategy/ 1/🧵
Women for Refugee Women - Women for Refugee Women’s Statement on the Government’s VAWG Strategy: Leaving Refugee Women Behind
The Government's VAWG strategy leaves refugee women behind. Until the Government acknowledges that its own hostile asylum policies perpetuate and exacerbate violence against refugee and asylum-seeking...
www.refugeewomen.co.uk
December 18, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
Finally, after a huge game of ping pong with the Lords, the biggest generational upgrade in employment rights gained Royal Assent this week.

❌ Ending exploitative zero hours contracts

1️⃣ Introducing day one rights to sick pay, bereavement and parental leave

🤝 Establishing the Fair Work Agency
Mary and the minister holding sign saying I voted for Labour’s Employment Rights Bill to make work pay
December 20, 2025 at 11:40 AM
elvetwomen.bsky.social
Domestic abuse Is not inevitable: what the North East can do to make violence unacceptable northeastbylines.co.uk/news/communi...
Domestic abuse Is not inevitable: what the North East can do to make violence unacceptable
Every woman deserves to live free from fear - in the North East, across the UK, and around the world. Every girl deserves a future where her safety is never in doubt
northeastbylines.co.uk
December 20, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
gftu.org.uk
80+ organisations are backing @togetheralliance.bsky.social because #Unity is our strength.

We’re mobilising for a major national demo in London next March.
Join us at this powerful display of #Solidarity 👇

✊ Add your name to the statement - https://www.togetheralliance.org.uk/statement

#GFTU
Promotional graphic for a march titled 'March Together Against the Far Right' organized by the Together Alliance scheduled for March 28, 2026. The graphic features bold text on a gold and green background.
December 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM
elvetwomen.bsky.social
County Hotel, Durham: a place in labour history sslh.org.uk/2025/12/01/c...
County Hotel, Durham: a place in labour history
In the first of a series of articles on places of significance in labour history, Duncan Hamilton tells the story of the Durham Miners’ Gala’s long association with the County Hotel. On…
sslh.org.uk
December 6, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
🥁 SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2025 - WINNER 🏆

I’m thrilled to announce the winner of this year’s Small Business of the Year award is -The Weigh to Shop in Framwellgate Moor!
👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

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Mary with Sarah and James Some of the goods in jars available to be bought More of the lovely items to be bought The Weigh to Shop is a waste free shop, full of alternatives to plastic, the products are absolutely top quality, and there is an amazing coffee shop as well. James, Sarah and the team are so welcoming and passionate about making shopping more sustainable, it’s very clear to see how they had huge support in this competition. Next time you are in Framwellgate Moor (or even if you have to make a special trip) get yourself along! A wonderful business and worthy winners of this award. Congratulations to every single business that was nominated, I’ll be doing shout outs for each one in the run up to Christmas so we can all enjoy shopping small and shopping local! 🛍️🎄 #smallbusinesssaturday #smallbusinesssaturdayuk #shopsmallshoplocal
December 6, 2025 at 12:26 PM
elvetwomen.bsky.social
3 in 5 women have experienced sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse in the workplace. 3 in 5 have experienced 3 or more incidents of bullying at work.

(Trades Union Congress, 2023)
November 25, 2025 at 5:09 PM
elvetwomen.bsky.social
www.whiteribbon.org.uk/wespeakup
White Ribbon Day 2025 — White Ribbon UK
www.whiteribbon.org.uk
November 25, 2025 at 5:08 PM
elvetwomen.bsky.social
1 in 4 women will be a victim to sexual assault or attempted assault in their lifetimes.

(National Audit Office, 2025)
November 25, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
mrcwarwick.bsky.social
We're proud to be a member of the #GeneralStrike100 national partnership

Explore our interactive map & sign up to visit your nearest partner & #GeneralStrike100 history sites at actionnetwork.org/forms/visit-...

Looking forward to sharing our collections through onsite events & digitised sources!
Image including a photograph of a public meeting in 1926, showing speakers and crowd. Two logos are visible - the logo for the General Strike 100 national partnership and the Modern Records Centre's own logo.
November 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
elvetwomen.bsky.social
www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/news/equal-p...
Fawcett's press release for Equal Pay Day 2025
Equal Pay Day falls on the 22nd November 2025: Fawcett calls on government to take more urgent and ambitious action to close gender pay gap to fuel economic growth and recovery.
www.fawcettsociety.org.uk
November 22, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
womensbudgetgrp.bsky.social
Today is Equal Pay Day — the point in the year when women effectively start working for free. As the Chancellor prepares the Autumn Budget, Equal Pay Day should serve as a clear reminder: fair pay for women is not just a matter of equality — it’s vital for economic growth.
November 22, 2025 at 9:40 AM
elvetwomen.bsky.social
socialistworker.co.uk/in-depth/how...
How can we stop violence against women?
Domestic violence workers, researchers and campaigners speak out about violence against women and girls and what’s driving it.
socialistworker.co.uk
November 16, 2025 at 1:03 PM
elvetwomen.bsky.social
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/co...
WASPI scandal: Pay out compensation to the women affected
The Government has announced it will reconsider whether to compensate the WASPI women, following growing pressure and undisclosed "evidence" Last December, the Government announced women born in the ...
you.38degrees.org.uk
November 16, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
womensbudgetgrp.bsky.social
The two-child limit is the main driver of child poverty across the UK. We urge the Chancellor to act in the Budget and in the upcoming child poverty strategy.

The autumn Budget is the moment to act – for every child, in every nation.
Child poverty rates across the UK. 31% in England and Wales, 23% in Scotland and 24% in Northern Ireland.
November 11, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Reposted by City of Durham Labour Women's Branch (UK)
marykfoymp.bsky.social
At Justice Qs I again advocated for prison officers in Durham & across the country when it comes to their pension age being too high. The 68 Is Too Late report from The POA further emphasises the need for this injustice to be addressed. Glad to hear the Minister is meeting with The POA very soon.
November 11, 2025 at 6:28 PM