A combination of scheduled meetings in the constituency and rail strikes meant I did not attend Westminster in person last week although I did via Teams a couple of times. The first of these was a weekly meeting with the DEFRA (Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs) team. This is the 30-minute meeting we have each Monday to make sure we understand the ministers’ priorities for the week and the support they need.
I also got news this week that I have been accepted on the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, this is a scheme where members of Parliament can visit military establishments and get a better understanding of our Armed Forces and the incredible work they do.
Later last Monday I went to Newcastle for a dinner to discuss inward investment in our region with other stakeholders. Tuesday saw me at NETPark for the first of 3 visits that week, again talking about future opportunities. This science park is a genuine hub of opportunity for our region and it’s a real pleasure to support it. Then it was off to meet headteachers at Ferryhill as they are having some ASB issues that I am trying to help them get support for.
Wednesday was a busy day where I took the opportunity to do some things normally not possible as, typically, I would be in London. I started with a Business Breakfast meeting on NETPark at 7.45am before heading to Wingate to join a community walk. It was good to listen to residents I have not seen for a while and to make some new connections. After that it was my privilege to visit Rare Rockets on Aycliffe Industrial Estate. I first met Craig and his team at the Make Your Mark Awards and arranged then to go and meet the full team. They have a business that works to both support deaf people in the community but also support hearing people understand how best to engage with deaf people. Then it was back to NETPark for a meeting to discuss the North East Space Hub before back to the office for a catch up with Nicola from Citizens Advice. Citizens Advice are one of the agencies my team engage with regularly and it is always good to meet properly instead of by Teams.
Thursday saw me at Tesco, Newton Aycliffe, to meet the local manager. We talked about everything from stock levels to the pressures on cost of living and their engagement with local charities. I’m planning to do some pop-up sessions in the store in the near future so, if you see me there, please feel free to come over for a chat. I then visited a farmer who had written on a number of subjects before catching up with the local Pigeon Federation. I now know a lot more about pigeon racing and can represent their interests better.
Friday started with the delight of visiting Fishburn Primary school to support the studies they are doing on Parliament, but, in particular, the role of the suffragettes. Elaine Peeke, Durham County Councillor for Bishop Middleham and Cornforth, came with me to the school and was able to provide a perspective about women’s engagement in politics, that I couldn’t. I also gave them a number of documents from Westminster to hopefully further enhance their studies. After this it was on to Durham University Business School and then County Hall for a series of meetings with first the Economic Partnership and then the council leadership team.
Saturday was Armed Forces Day. I was out and about across the constituency, starting with the raising of the flag with Ferryhill Town Council, then St Luke’s for a Community Fair before heading up to Station Town and later to Trimdon Grange Community Centre for their Armed Forces Day events.
It has been a real delight this week to get out and about so much and see so many people. I hope to do much more of this through the summer so, hopefully, I will see many more of you. As always, if you want to get in touch, please email at paul.howell.mp@parliament.uk or call on 01325 790580.
Paul Howell, Member of Parliament for Sedgefield