After attending Prime Ministers questions last week I voted in some deferred divisions before attending an APPG on Pubs (unfortunately I could only attend virtually!) where I was able to raise the problems pubs etc are facing and question the appropriateness of the table service rule for all venues. I do not think it is the best solution for venues like The Big Club, where different rules could be more appropriate. I then attended the 1922 committee where the main speaker was the Secretary of State for Defence who took questions in anticipation of the Overseas Operations Bill after which I voted for the Bill to save our service personnel from vexatious claims.

Thursday, as normal, saw me virtually attend the BEIS select committee where the focus was on Industrial Strategy in the context of a recovery from Covid 19. I then went to visit a brilliant engineering company in Trimdon, but first attended a virtual briefing with Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, about her current priorities.

Friday started with a call with the Durham County Council team regarding in particular the increased Covid interventions. I understand the desire to keep clear messaging but I am not sure there is a need for all of the County to have the same imposition and believe we need to consider a more regional approach within the County.

After this I then went straight onto a call with The governments Chief Medical Officer for England, Jonathan Van-Tam, on the measures being introduced and was able to question him on both my concerns and other points raised by the DCC team. These included the availability of flu vaccine, I am assured that huge quantities of flu vaccine are being provided and any outages people may hear about, due to an initial spike in demand, but as the flu season does not really start until December there is plenty of time for those that want to be vaccinated but it is also appropriate for those most vulnerable to be prioritised.

I think it was disappointing last week to see a letter with an accusation of me ‘breaking the law’ from someone who hides behind the cloak of anonymity and won’t give their name and address. I am absolutely all for free speech but I do question the motivation of someone writing in this manner, but who is not prepared to put their name behind it. My office deal with approximately 1400 mails per week, on many different subjects that are important to our constituents, including a range of differing opinions on the Internal Markets Bill. All emails from constituents are replied to, plus, in this column last week, I gave my reasons for voting as I did in the Internal Markets Bill and I stand behind them.

This Monday I started my week with a visit to the new Darlington Farmers Auction Market at Humbleton Park, just off the A68 on the stretch between Heighington and Darlington. They opened last week after relocating from their old home near to Bank Top Railway Station in the centre of Darlington. This is a fabulous facility and the location is so much better for farmers, traders and the public, who were their neighbours in Darlington. I was joined by Heather Scott, the leader of Darlington Borough Council and Peter Gibson, MP for Darlington and we were given a really informative tour of the operations by the Chairman, Mark Dent, who also explained to us the Mart’s plans for future growth and sustainability. In the afternoon I joined a zoom call with Matt Hancock to discuss the coronavirus measures where again the consideration of interventions being more targeted was discussed.

Later, on Monday evening, I travelled to London ready for a busy Tuesday. I had several meetings including with Minister Chris Pincher on planning reforms and Esther McVey following up on the Blue Collar Conservatives visit to Sedgefield last month the output from which was broadcast on Tuesday evening. This included sessions in both Ferryhill and Newton Aycliffe, you can view on this link https://www.bluecollarconservatism.co.uk/live – If you are able to view these I would welcome your feedback as these sessions are designed to promote debate on the issues that are important to you.

Unfortunately we are now seeing rising positive test rates for Covid 19 in the North East of England and whether we agree with the increased restrictions or not it is important we follow them. It is not all about what is right for you as an individual, it is also about the risk to those around you, so please be considerate and follow the guidance.

HANDS-FACE-SPACE

Wash your Hands Regularly,

Wear a Mmask on your Face where required and,

Give People Space.

Stay safe, look after each other and have a good week.

Paul Howell, MP