Last week our office had important visitors, my Westminster staff, Jonathan and Megs came up to work from our new office for two days to meet our new member of staff in the Constituency office, Joe Hannan. Joe completes our Newton Aycliffe office team, along with Rachel and David.
Perhaps even more importantly we were visited by Amanda Milling MP who is the Co-Chair of the Conservative Party and Cabinet Minister. I was able to take Amanda to visit Cleveland Bridge Group and show her some of the amazing engineering projects that they are responsible for. As a global leader in steel manufacturing, companies like Cleveland Bridge are a key player in the government’s plans to level up and invest in our infrastructure so it was great to see the keen interest that Amanda took in their expertise.
We then had a short break before meeting with Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, at Teesside International Airport where we discussed his amazing work in securing the airport, the exciting plans for the airport’s future and opportunities to level up the Tees Valley region and surrounding areas that the airport is integral to.
On Saturday morning Amanda joined us again to meet local residents, in a socially distanced manner, at our new office. Amanda spoke with representatives from Play Café and Junction 7 about the vital community work that they do within Newton Aycliffe and how important their role has been throughout this pandemic.
I also managed to squeeze in an important visit with Amanda to Ferryhill Station where we discussed our proposals to reinstate the Station here and how much positive change this would bring to our Constituency.
Later on Saturday I paid a quick visit to ROF59 and said a quick ‘hello’ to everyone setting up the stage for that evening’s Drive In concert. I think that the ingenuity shown by our community to carry on providing opportunities in entertainment and sensible social gatherings is wonderful and this is just one example that shows the strength of resolve we have to get through this pandemic, as positively as we can.
On Monday I was back in Westminster where we voted on the Trade Bill, which I supported. I also had a question to Simon Clarke MP, Minister for Housing Communities and Local Government submitted, where I asked about the support he is providing to help local authorities experiencing a reduction in income during this Covid-19 outbreak.
On Tuesday I was in the House to ask a question of the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Alok Sharma MP. My question was in support of local renewable energy businesses like Tekmar and connected companies, within the Tees Valley.
I also had a one to one meeting with Amanda Solloway MP, Minister for Science, Research & Innovation, where our discussion focused on the importance of Industry links with education.
This week we head into recess which means I will be able to spend more time within the Constituency. I am looking forward to being out and about and using this time productively to meet more residents. We have been hampered somewhat by Coronavirus but I hope that with the help of my office team we can progress with catching up with you all in your neighbourhoods over the summer period.
Please continue to be mindful of social distancing and remember that from 24th July we are now generally required, (with some exceptions), to wear masks in retail premises. Whilst the regulations may have eased somewhat please respect that this does not mean we are yet free from Covid-19.
Remember that testing is now available to everyone.
If you feel you have symptoms and need a test please do so as the more we test, the more effective the NHS Test and Trace programme will be.
Stay Safe and look after each other,
Best Wishes,
Paul Howell MP
