Email: alan.strickland.mp@parliament.uk
It has been an important week for our area, as the government made major announcements on transport that will have a real impact locally.
The reopening of the Leamside Line has taken a significant step forward, with the Labour Government committing funding to the project. Reopening the line will bring major benefits to our area, particularly for residents and local businesses. Communities such as Ferryhill and Bowburn will see new stations and surrounding areas will benefit from the jobs, opportunities, growth and regeneration that will follow.
I want to pay tribute to everyone who has campaigned so hard for this project over many years, particularly Sharon Hodgson MP for Washington and Gateshead South, who has worked tirelessly for more than 20 years to make this happen. I look forward to working closely with the government and our Regional Mayor, Kim McGuiness, to ensure the line is delivered in full.
On the wider theme of transport, the government has also announced a new road safety strategy. These proposals have been developed with the support of road safety campaigners from across the country and I am proud that local campaigner, Shalorna Warner, has played a role in shaping them. The proposals include reducing the alcohol limit, which is currently the highest in Europe, introducing a minimum learning period for all new drivers and bringing in mandatory eye tests for people over 70. I would encourage residents to take part in the public consultation and share their views on how we can make our local roads safer. You can have your say here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/road-safety-strategy
I am also supporting efforts to expand the space and satellite industry in our region. We are already a key contributor to this growing sector, with companies working with major space agencies around the world. I recently met with UK Space to discuss how we can build on the strong cluster of businesses already operating in Sedgefield and Newton Aycliffe. We talked about how to attract further investment, create skilled jobs and position the constituency as a leading player in the UK’s rapidly expanding space sector and I look forward to continuing this work.
I also had the privilege of visiting HMS Raleigh, as part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, which gave me the opportunity to see Royal Navy training up close. I met trainees preparing for life at sea and learned more about the demanding programme that shapes new recruits.
The Passing Out Parade was a real highlight, and I felt immense pride in the young men and women beginning their naval careers. It was a powerful reminder of the dedication, discipline and teamwork that underpin the Royal Navy’s work.
Finally, I have launched my online newsletter. If you would like to stay up to date with local issues, community events and national developments, you can sign up at:
https://alanstricklandmp.eo.page/h2n1w