It was great to have the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway come to Newton Aycliffe. As part of this important anniversary, Hitachi Rail opened the doors to its Aycliffe factory to 1,500 residents and visitors from all over the world. I was really proud to open the event alongside Dame Sue Snowdon, HM Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, and help welcome people to the plant. It was good to see lots of families and local residents seeing firsthand how trains are made on our doorstep, enjoying train rides on a replica of the original 1825 train and visiting stalls from a range of local organisations.
Having worked so hard to help keep the factory open over the past three years, it was brilliant to see the plant open to the public and to showcase the world class manufacturing happening right here on our doorstep. Two hundred years after Locomotion Number 1 was put on the tracks at what’s now Heighington Station, it’s fantastic that our town is still at the forefront of rail innovation.
This is important not just to celebrate our heritage, but because my top priority is fighting for more high-tech manufacturing jobs like this for our area. This isn’t just about securing the good jobs of today, but also about creating opportunities for young people in the years ahead. I want to see local young people helping to shape the future of local industry.
It was great to hold my forty second constituency advice surgery since I was elected as your local Member of Parliament. I’ve now met with over 200 local residents at these sessions, offering advice, support and discussing the issues that matter most to you. My next surgery will take place in Newton Aycliffe on Friday 17th October followed by Fishburn on Friday 1st November. To book an appointment please email me at alan.strickland.mp@parliament.uk
Since being elected last year my team and I have resolved thousands of cases for local residents. Every day I’m contacted by people seeking help with issues such as benefits, housing and health services. Resolving these individual cases can make a real difference to people’s lives and I’m grateful to everyone who’s been in touch. I’m always here to help in any way I can.
It’s been a real privilege to visit some of our naval bases in recent weeks as part of the Royal Navy Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme. This is a cross-party programme supported by Parliament and the Ministry of Defence that’s been running for more than thirty years. It was fascinating to visit the Royal Navy Commando Training Centre where I saw new recruits being put through their paces. Their dedication and teamwork was really inspiring – everyone I met was a real credit to our country and Armed Forces.
Parliament has now returned from its conference recess and we’re entering a busy period as we vote on important new legislation. The Mental Health Bill reached its final stages, an important milestone in modernising the law, strengthening patient rights and improving support for people in crisis. I’m also pleased that the government has announced £1.5 million for the North East to provide additional mental health support and homelessness prevention. This’ll really help some of the most vulnerable people in our community.