It was a pleasure to attend the Sunderland Labour campaign launch yesterday at the amazing Fire Station alongside our leader Keir Starmer.

The Conservatives are soft on crime and soft on the causes of crime, and we’re all paying the price for that.

Their neglect has created a perfect storm of failing to keep communities safe, failing to tackle violent crime and failing to provide the ambition and opportunities young people need to thrive.

It’s Labour that takes crime seriously – and it’s Labour that will work hard to make sure people feel safe, secure and happy right across Wearside.