Kate Osborne MP: 2026 will see the 90th anniversary of the Jarrow Crusade in the national spotlight
For my first column of 2026, I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year, especially people across our Jarrow and Gateshead East constituency. The turning of the year gives us a chance to reflect on what we’ve achieved together, to recognise the challenges we’ve faced, and of course to look ahead with hope and determination.
The turning of the year gives us a chance to reflect on what we’ve achieved together, to recognise the challenges we’ve faced, and of course to look ahead with hope and determination.
2026 is when people will really start to feel the benefits of our Labour Government, the past 18 months have been a good start taking the first steps to deliver real change. After years of uncertainty, a Labour government is now delivering on the promise of stability and fairness for our country. We can already see the impact of decisions taken to put working people, families and communities back at the heart of government and 2026 will see us deliver much more on a national scale.
Locally too we can already see the difference a national Labour Government is making, with investment of £20 million for Jarrow and £10million for Hebburn and much more to come.
As your Member of Parliament, I will continue to represent your needs nationally and champion our local area.
2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the Jarrow Crusade – I will be organising and attending many events in the borough and nationally to commemorate this important milestone and bring national attention to our historic constituency – and I need your help to make it a huge celebration.
The crusade is a powerful symbol of dignity, solidarity and the fight for justice, a message that still resonates today.
On October 5, 1936, 200 proud and dignified men set out from Jarrow to walk nearly 300 miles to London. They marched peacefully and with determination, carrying a petition that spoke of the desperate need for jobs, industry and hope. Though their demands were not immediately met, their courage left a lasting legacy that still resonates to this day.
The story of the Jarrow Crusade is not just history, it is part of who we are. It reminds us that when communities come together, when ordinary people stand up for fairness, change is possible.
As a proud Trade Unionist, even before I moved to Tyneside (which was more than 30 years ago now!) I had heard of the Jarrow Marchers – and the aim this year is to ensure that everyone knows their legacy and the many stories of the individuals that took part and those who helped them on the way, to ensure that younger generations know our history, and of course to honour those who marched and those who supported them.
These commemorations will be shaped by our community, I will be organising debates in Parliament, a display of archive footage in Parliament, there will be media articles and TV and many local events that will be taking place – if you or your family have connections to the Crusade – perhaps a relative who took part, or stories passed down through generations, I would love to hear from you.
Equally, if you or your organisation would like to be involved in planning events, exhibitions or educational activities to mark the 90th anniversary, please do get in touch. This is a chance for us all to come together and ensure this remarkable chapter of our history is remembered with the respect it deserves.
Of course there will be much more going on as usual, my office is one of the busiest locally and nationally, I will continue to work closely with businesses, trade unions, voluntary organisations and residents to ensure our area gets the investment, attention and respect it deserves.
My priority as always will be helping my constituents with the issues that matter to them.
The number one concern people get in touch with is housing, closely followed by the cost of living crisis, but every day my office deals with a wide range of cases – from benefits to employment and healthcare. No two cases are the same, but each one represents a real person, a real family and a real concern. As we move into 2026, my commitment remains the same – to listen, to act, and to stand up for you.
As we enter the New Year, I remain optimistic. Our community has faced hardship before, and each time we have shown resilience, solidarity and strength. With a Labour government committed to rebuilding Britain and a proud local tradition of standing up for what’s right, I believe the best days are still ahead.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me, contacted me and worked alongside me over the past year. I look forward to continuing our work in 2026.
If there is anything you need help with, or an idea you want to share, my door is always open. Let’s make this a year of progress, purpose and pride in our community.