It was wonderful to officially launch the Labour Rural Research Group findings last week at our party conference.

As MP for a rural constituency, I joined the group alongside 24 colleagues and friends representing similar areas. Together we’ve carried out research to help government understand the needs and priorities of our constituents.

For example, of the 1,412 rural voters polled, health was by far the most critical political priority, highlighted by six in ten respondents.

Healthcare in rural Britain is often far more challenging to access, and an older demographic means that services must stretch further, to address complex health needs and cover large geographies.

The environment, and the economy, followed closely behind healthcare as key issues.

Please do reach out to my team and I if you would like to know more about how we are serving rural communities in North Northumberland.