It has been another busy week both in Parliament and across our local communities.
One of the highlights was visiting Vane Road Primary School in Newton Aycliffe and Aycliffe Village Primary and Nursery School. It was a pleasure to speak with pupils about my role as a Member of Parliament and explain how Parliament works. The children asked some excellent questions and shared thoughtful suggestions about how we can continue improving our town.
It was also fantastic to welcome pupils from Elemore Hall School to Parliament last week as part of their educational visit. I had the opportunity to join them for an informative Q&A session where we discussed Parliament, democracy and the work MPs do to represent their communities. Visits like these are a brilliant way for young people to see first-hand how our democracy works.
I was also proud to speak at the Friends of the Stockton & Darlington Railway event at Heighington Church, celebrating the incredible success of the festival marking 200 years since the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway. It was wonderful to see such a strong turnout to recognise the historic role our region played in the birth of modern passenger railways back in 1825. My thanks go to the Friends group, local councils, Hitachi and the many volunteers and organisations who worked so hard to organise such a fantastic celebration that brought thousands of visitors to our area.
Supporting jobs and opportunities locally continues to be a key priority. Last week I visited Octric Semiconductors in Newton Aycliffe to meet with their new CEO, Chet Babla, and to see first-hand the progress being made at the site. In 2024 I worked with Defence Secretary John Healey to help save the plant and protect around 100 jobs when the Ministry of Defence stepped in to secure the UK’s supply of critical semiconductor chips. We also discussed exciting plans for the future of the facility, which has the potential to create world-class job opportunities for local people. I also raised the future of the site in Parliament this week with the Secretary of State for Defence.
I’m delighted that progress is already being made with investment from the government creating a new apprenticeship programme. It was great to meet new apprentices Sam and Evan and hear about their experiences so far.
In Parliament, I also raised concerns that many residents have contacted me about regarding delays to Royal Mail deliveries. Reliable postal services are vital for households and businesses and I will continue pressing for improvements so residents receive the service they expect and deserve.
There has also been encouraging news from the NHS this week, with the latest figures showing clear signs of improvement. Waiting lists have fallen again, ambulance response times are now the fastest they have been for half a decade and A&E waiting times are the shortest in four years despite the significant pressures the NHS faced over the winter period. While there is still much more to do, this progress is welcome and reflects the continued efforts of NHS staff working tirelessly to care for patients.
As always, if you have an issue you would like to raise, or need assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch with my office.
alan.strickland.mp@parliament.uk