The big news last week was the resignation of the Secretary of State for Health after his indiscretions. There was clearly no option other than for him to resign, his role meant he had to be absolute in his adherence to the Covid rules. I have seen numerous emails asking why others should follow rules when he didn’t, but I would ask you all to do what you know is right as we hopefully approach the end of the lockdowns. Please do not use his failure as an excuse to relax. I wish his replacement Sajid Javid all the best in his new role.
We have progressed further questions regarding the proposed clinical waste incinerator following the webinars we facilitated, and we will continue to support concerned residents.
The BEIS select committee has started an inquiry into Liberty Steel and we had representatives from Liberty Steel and Tata Steel last week. The representatives from Liberty Steel were particularly disappointing, either deliberately or inadvertently they were unable to answer many of the questions and I am sure we will need more informed people to come before us. Next, we will have witnesses from Wyelands Bank and the British Business Bank as well as their auditors to discuss their financing.
I had a co-chair meeting of the Left Behind Communities APPG to plan the next session on Community Capacity. I was also able to meet virtually with Durham University to discuss the forthcoming Freedom of Speech Bill. I always enjoy engaging with the University, they are a fantastic asset for our area.
I had a number of discussions around the proposed changes to parliamentary boundaries that have now been published. The changes, if implemented, are particularly significant for Sedgefield and Newton Aycliffe. The name of the constituency would change to Newton Aycliffe & Sedgefield but locally Heighington, Redworth, and part of School Aycliffe move into the Darlington constituency and Brafferton will move into Stockton West. These are now open for consultation. It is at this stage that everyone, from political parties to individuals, have the opportunity to challenge anything they are unhappy about.
I was joined by Richard Holden, MP North West Durham, and Dehenna Davidson, MP for Bishop Auckland, as we met with Neil O’Brien who is leading the Levelling Up policy unit and we discussed the important needs of this area.
Concerns have also been raised with me about the possible closure of the CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) as their office has been advertised as To Let. I had a call with the CAB to find out what is happening and I have been assured that whilst they may leave their current facility they will definitely remain in Newton Aycliffe.
I have had a call with Joy Allen the new Police and Crime Commissioner and shared our priorities as she settles into the role. Anti-social behaviour and quad bikes being very high on the list.
Around the rest of the constituency I have been to Station Town to meet some residents, I met with Fishburn Parish Council and Durham County Council to discuss a dangerous crossroads and encourage some improvement plans.
I had a surgery at Summerhouse where the highlight was discussions with the local NFU (National Farmers Union). Further surgeries are planned on 2nd July at Trimdon Station Community Centre and 9th July at Fishburn Youth and Community Centre. On Saturday I called at Trimdon Grange Community Centre where they had an Armed Forces Day celebration.
As we hopefully head towards the end of lockdown I will again ask you to please do the right thing, even if others don’t. Those of us who follow the guidelines know that we are giving everyone the best chance of staying safe and exiting lockdown, So please, Hands Face, Space and Fresh Air – Stay Safe
Paul Howell
Member of Parliament for Sedgefield
