The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, last Thursday, made some difficult choices. I was pleased he was able to continue his emphasis on creating a stable environment that gives us the best chance of minimising any recession and providing a platform for future growth. I think his focus on stability, growth and public services was correct and we need that stability to deliver growth.
First thing on Thursday, I went to the offices of Aviva in London for a seminar being held to attract investment from the City into the North. I was delighted to make a brief attendance and shout up for the incredible businesses we have in our constituency. I could happily have stayed for the full session but as a Treasury PPS I needed to be back in Westminster to support the Chancellor in his Autumn Statement.
After the Statement I was able to join the Chancellor at a special meeting of the 1922 committee where he took feedback. I have to say this was particularly positive, especially as some of my colleagues are concerned about the need to increase taxes. His assurance that this is his medium-term focus too was important.
Friday, I was back in the office at Aycliffe before driving to Newcastle to record Sunday Politics for the BBC. The show is recorded ‘live’ on Friday and is broadcast on Sunday morning. Then it was back to Newton Aycliffe and off to The Big Club to support the Mayor in his fundraising, well done Ken, another £500 in the kitty. It was a real pleasure to be there and meet some people I used to work with at Perstorp, back in the day. Great to have a catch up and chat with Alan and Eric.
I also met with the Mayor of Spennymoor and his wife who were kind enough to attend to support our Mayor. These two Mayors are of course very happy with the changes to the Parliamentary Constituency, putting Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor in the same constituency makes a lot of sense, and the name change to Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor lifts both towns’ profiles. Clearly, I do not expect the Mayor of Sedgefield to be as happy, though they will remain in the seat.
A relatively quiet weekend, visiting my Mum and sorting out the garden for winter, before heading back to London on Monday morning. I am on the Bill Committee for the UK Infrastructure Bank Bill which will occupy time over Monday and Tuesday. At the same time there is a full debate on the Autumn Statement taking place in the main Chamber. This means that myself and the other Treasury PPS’s will be balancing our time to deliver the Ministerial support required. After the changes introduced by the Bill, the Bank is expected to deliver more than £40 Billion of infrastructure investment.
As I said a few weeks ago, I stood down from the BEIS Select Committee in order to apply myself elsewhere and I have now been appointed to the Transport Select Committee. This will help me to challenge the Government priorities on everything from Roads to Buses and Trains to Airports and I am really looking forward to this opportunity.
This weekend I will be visiting Durham University’s Politics and International Relations Society as well as conducting surgeries in Ferryhill and going out with the Police’s Rural Crime Team. I will tell you how they went next week.
As always, whether it is in my capacity as a Treasury PPS, a member of the Transport Select Committee or just as your constituency MP, if there is anything we can do, please get in touch. Just give me a call on 01325 790580 or email at:
Paul.Howell.MP@Parliament.uk
Paul Howell, MP for Sedgefield