We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to show the country what Ipswich is made of. I am proud of Ipswich, and that is why I am firing the starting gun on our City of Culture bid. Join me and help build a new future for our town!

Nine years on from the Grenfell tragedy, we remember the 72 people who lost their lives and hold their families, loved ones and the entire community in our thoughts. We stand with you and are committed to ensuring this never happens again and that those responsible are held to account.

🚨 Dodgy High Street Traders Beware! 🚨 The days of criminals hiding behind a shop front are over. You will be caught. ❌ We’re cracking down on criminal activity on our high streets, including: ✅ The launch of a new 350-strong unit to tackle tax evasion among small businesses, including on the high street. ✅ Making more than 30,000 high street interventions this tax year. ✅ Carrying out UK-wide investigations targeting those behind high street harm. To report tax fraud to us, click the link below. ⬇️ gov.uk/report-tax-fraud?&utm… @metpoliceuk

In the early hours of this morning, I directed our Armed Forces to intercept a shadow fleet oil tanker attempting to pass through the English Channel. This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin's war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide. I want to thank those involved, including our Armed Forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

A lovely to visit Springfield Junior School. We chatted about what they loved most about Ipswich and about what they'd improve (a lot of conversation about bins too - don't ask!). With work now underway, I also had a look at the Government-funded upgrade to the heating system.

I'm inviting Ipswich to come together for a community picnic next Friday. It's taking place in Christchurch Park, 3.30pm-6.30pm, as part of the Great Get Together's 10th anniversary. ‘We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us' - Jo Cox MP

The World Cup starts tonight! ⚽️ But by the end of the first match, we’ll be one man down. Someone dies by suicide in our country every 90 minutes. Three-quarters of these are men. I spoke with Luke the co-founder of @andysmanclubuk about male suicide, mental health and the help that is out there. 👇 Andy's Man Club is an incredible organisation that helps men across Britain open up, talk about what is going on in their lives, and help one another. I have been to sessions in my constituency and was overwhelmed by the support they can offer men dealing with all sorts of problems in their lives - small or large. In each session, a football is passed around the group to share thoughts, challenges, and successes. Simple, but effective and liberating! As a government, we take mental heath - and men's mental health - seriously. We published England’s first Men's Health Strategy last year, which committed further funding for suicide prevention programmes, recognising that suicide is one of the biggest killer of men under 50. We are investing £3.6 million in community based suicide prevention projects - and supporting the @premierleague Together Against Suicide initiative with @samaritans. And this is a challenge for all of us, not just government. As a society we can do more to encourage men to open up, get the weight off their shoulders. That is a key part of our Men and Boys work led by @DavidLammy - amplifying the issues, assuring folk there is help out there. Enjoy the football, look out for one another, and know there is support out there!

Unified by the game. Our shared national moments represent the very best of who we are through passion, courage, pride, friendship and teamwork. Thank you Lemn for uniquely capturing this spirit and good luck to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 and 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 in #WorldCup

For too long, Ipswich has put up with boarded-up shops and empty units dragging down our town. Our Government is taking action to turn that around. Ipswich Borough Council will be backed with stronger powers to bring vacant properties back into use. ipswichstar.co.uk/news/26183…

Kieran McKenna is an exceptional manager who led @IpswichTown to incredible success. But his legacy goes beyond the club. He got how central ITFC is to our town. His values and leadership brought people together with such hope and joy. On behalf of our town, thank you, Kieran.

You voted against scrapping zero hour contracts. You voted against banning fire and rehire. You voted against day one sick pay for workers. You said the minimum wage was too high for young people. Reform politicians openly say they don't like trade unions. You will always put the interests of your offshore crypto billionaire donors ahead of workers.

'Ipswich is the underappreciated town ideal for a cultural summer staycation' A lovely piece by @claireboobbyer in the @Independent, shining a light on our Waterfront, our parks, our venues, our architecture, our events, our food and drink and much more. independent.co.uk/travel/uk/…

Reform's political stunt is based in ideology, rather than reality. As well as being one of the UK's fastest sectors, the net zero economy is critically important in the East. Nearly 100,000 jobs are supported by the sector, which also generates over £8bn for our region.

Suffolk has not only produced a global megastar, but we consistently punch above our weight, with world-class music, theatre and dance, and exciting events happening every weekend. Ed's latest gig highlights our limitless talent, creativity and potential. eadt.co.uk/news/26170557.ips…

For a long time, the East was overlooked when it came to major infrastructure and investment decisions. With Sizewell C, Universal UK, East West Rail, Lower Thames Crossing and airport expansion, that's now changing. There's more to do, but we're heading in the right direction.

Last month, I was at @UKREiiF, the UK's leading investment and infrastructure conference, flying the flag for Ipswich, Suffolk and the East of England. This included championing Invest East's Investment Prospectus, a £5.5bn package of regeneration projects across our region.

Reform scrapping their climate commitments and getting rid of net zero is more than an ideological choice. Do they not care about our environment, or about local jobs and investment? Or do they not understand that amateurish political stunts have consequences?

Lance Corporal James Freeman served our country with dedication, professionalism and pride. He was a greatly valued member of his regiment who will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with his family, loved ones and colleagues at this devastating time.

I'm really pleased to see the Arras Square project move forward. These upgrades will provide a real uplift, with improved paving, disabled access, better lighting and CCTV, and new seating. Work starts in a few weeks' time and will finish by Christmas. ipswichstar.co.uk/news/26161…

'My question for Nigel Farage is - why does the family of Henry Nowak mean nothing to you?' @Peston addresses Farage directly over his claims of 'two-tier' policing. The Reform leader called for people to respond with ‘pure, cold rage’, despite the family's appeal for calm.

No, this wasn't a 'localised' incident as Reform-led Suffolk County Council said. I have received reports of flooding from right across Ipswich. It had a massive impact - that is why I have written to both SCC and Anglian Water to make sure their drainage is up to scratch.