It’s been another busy week as your new MP for the Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor constituency.
A big priority for me has been recruiting and appointing staff members, so I’ve got the team I need to serve our community. As your new MP, I’ve been receiving a large number of letters and emails. Three members of staff started in my office this week and we’re working hard together to make sure we get back to everyone who’s been in touch.
Thank you to everyone who’s contacted me. If there’s an issue you think I can help with, you can contact me on alan.strickland.mp@parliament.uk I’m also arranging constituency surgeries and will publish the details for these shortly.
In Westminster, my top priority remains campaigning to secure the future of the Hitachi Rail plant in Newton Aycliffe. Residents who’ve been following this issue will know the factory was left with a serious gap in orders by the previous Conservative government. Following a site visit with other regional MP’s, we wrote a joint letter to the new Transport Secretary urging speedy action.
I held urgent meetings this week in Parliament with the Minister and senior leaders from Hitachi. The importance of UK-based manufacturers for this government’s ambitious industrial strategy is key and the Transport Secretary understands Hitachi’s role in this. I’m pleased to say that the Department for Transport is now in talks with Hitachi to actively explore options. I’ll be following this closely and pushing for progress to be made.
I was honoured to make my maiden speech. It was a proud moment, as I reflected on my grandparents’ move to the New Town of Aycliffe when it was first built, to build a better life for their children. The theme of my speech was the motto of our town – ‘not the least, but the greatest we seek’. This original vision of our town – that we should strive for the very best, is something that still inspires me and will drive my work as your MP.
This is evident in my support for the industries of the future at NET Park in Sedgefield and the Hitachi Rail plant in Aycliffe. Just as Durham coal powered our economy in the past, I told Parliament that our area can power our modern economy with high-tech green manufacturing. I’ll be pushing the new government to give us the investment and support to make this happen.
I also highlighted the great work of many of our community organisations such as Ladder Centre and the Cornforth Partnership who help residents across our area, including Aycliffe. Finally, being a real ale fan, I had to mention our many great pubs, especially the award winning pub and micro-brewery, the Surtees Arms in Ferryhill.
On my return home to Aycliffe, I enjoyed some down time at Ayclive Festival on the OakLeaf sports field. The music was great and the atmosphere was brilliant. A massive thank you to Paul Howarth, Stuart McLean and their army of volunteers, as well as the sponsors including Andrea and her team from Husqvarna. It was really good to see so many local families having such a great time.
Over August Parliament will be in recess, allowing me to properly set up my office and visit local organisations. If you’re involved in a community group, local business or other organisation that you’d like me to visit, drop me an email. I’m keen to meet as many residents and organisations as I can.