Louise Sandher-Jones MP
@louisesandherjones
Member of Parliament for North East Derbyshire & Minister for the Armed Forces.
Fantastic news to see the wonderful Bev Craig elected so emphatically in Greater Manchester! Bev has such a strong track record in public service and I know she'll do a great job. Thank you to the wonderful people of Manchester for putting their faith in Labour once more!
Pop-up surgeries are such a great way to meet people who might not normally reach out to their MP. This weeks supermarket surgery was in Sainsbury's at Dronfield🛒
As a veteran coming into Parliament, I was determined to make a difference to the lives of those who serve our country. I am grateful to have been asked to continue my work as Minister for the Armed Forces.
I'm delighted that Andy Burnham is now confirmed as Leader of the Labour Party and our next Prime Minister.
I was honoured to visit Kyiv last week, where I met Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defence Mstyslav Banik and paid my respects to the fallen at the Wall of Remembrance. Their sacrifice is a powerful reminder of the courage, resilience and determination the Ukrainian people continue to show every day.
Great discussion with Yemeni Vice President Al-Alimi Bawazir on UK/Yemeni security interests. I reaffirmed our support for Yemen’s sovereignty, and our solidarity with Yemen and Saudi Arabia in the face of Houthi attacks. We urge renewed efforts towards a lasting political settlement for Yemen.
Today we celebrate every member of the Armed Forces community who turns up, day after day, to defend our way of life - whether on operations, on exercise or working quietly behind the scenes. To you and your families this #ArmedForcesDay: thank you.
Like many, I was horrified to see the dreadful effects of the devastating earthquake in Venezuela. Today, I'm so pleased that the RAF is supporting the UK's humanitarian response by transporting specialist search and rescue teams and vital equipment to assist life-saving efforts on the ground.
Kemi not missing an opportunity to show her real colours as someone without any kind of grace. The Speaker is right: we must lead by example and show our constituents we are serious and not playground bullies. I doubt she'll listen!
So proud to update the House yesterday: RFA Lyme Bay and HMS Dragon are now in the Middle East. Over 270 personnel; Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Royal Marines, British Army and French sailors, have come together for a mission that matters to families here at home and to the global economy.
Delighted to attend the flag raising ceremony for the start of Armed Forces Week in Westminster. A huge thank you to Elliott for reading a beautiful poem about his dad's service and to the Military Kids Choir. This week is so important for us to recognise our service personnel and their families.
I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his service to our country, please see my statement below.
Wonderful news to see Andy power to victory in Makerfield for Labour! 🌹 Yesterday, the people of Makerfield chose hope over the politics of division. This victory was down to the sheer hard work of Andy, his team & the thousands of Labour activists. When we come together, we win ✊🌹
Honoured to have been appointed the Armed Forces Minister, so how does that fit into the other things you should know about me? 🐾☕️🚶🏼♀️
Today marks 10 years since the tragic murder of Jo Cox. We remember Jo’s courage, determination and optimism and we carry these values with us as we honour her memory. We must reflect on the words Jo said her maiden speech: ‘We are far more united and have far more in common than what divides us’.
Incredibly proud of our Royal Marines & National Crime Agency officers who carried out this morning's operation to seize a shadow fleet oil tanker with professionalism & bravery. This is what our Armed Forces do: day & night, keeping Britain safe & standing up to those who threaten our security.
I am honoured to have been appointed as Minister for the Armed Forces. My full statement is below.
It was very moving to be at Brookwood Cemetery for the inauguration of the new 1914-1918 memorial for those fallen who have no known grave. I first visited the military cemetery here when I was an Officer Cadet at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and it remains a hugely impactful visit for me.
We’ve just announced the first ever Cadets Week!🎉 Cadets are such a valuable part of my portfolio as Minister for Veterans and People, and I know just how much they mean in communities across the UK.
So wonderful to attend the annual Army v Navy rugby match at Twickenham today! Always a fab event & huge congratulations to the Army for triumphing in the Women's match and to the Navy for winning in the Men's. All teams played with huge heart - so proud of them and of our wonderful Armed Forces! 🇬🇧
Today is International Workers' Memorial Day, a day where we remember those who have sadly died at work. Thousands of people are injured or killed at work every year in the UK. This needs to change - that's why we're reviewing health and safety guidance to reflect modern workplaces.
Yesterday I was at the Tower for the Ceremony of the Dues!🏰 This tradition dates all the way back to 1381. It was extra special as a cadet unit presented the roundlet for the first time. Cadets are a key part of my role as Minister for Veterans and People, and they did an excellent job.
Took a walk through Victoria Embankment Gardens on my way into Parliament this morning🌷 This afternoon we're debating amendments on the Crime and Policing Bill, as well as the Victims and Court Bills - two pieces of legislation that will make a real difference in how we tackle crime.
Back in Westminster after recess and ready to get to work! Lots of important bills are underway and we have launched two new free breakfast clubs in our constituency. Now 756 kids in North East Derbyshire will benefit. I'm incredibly proud of this scheme to support families in our community 🫶
It was great to be at Southwick Park with my colleagues Jess Phillips and Alex Davies Jones to see the incredible work that the Defence Serious Crime Command and Victim Witness Care Unit do. These are vital areas of the wider Service Justice System and offer victim-centred and trauma-informed work.
Yesterday, UNISON Derbyshire and the care team from The Grange in Eckington came to Westminster. Thank you to the Minister for Care, Stephen Kinnock, for meeting us to discuss the closure of this beloved care home. I appreciate him taking the time to speak to the staff and express his support.
Thank you to everyone who came to the Save The Grange Rally. If DCC pushes ahead, the impact on residents and our community will be severe. We will not let this vital service be lost. Also disappointing that the Reform Cllr for Eckington failed to attend - vulnerable people deserve better.