Another full week started with me catching up with Chris Heaton Harris, the Rail Minister, as I wanted updates on progress for some of our local projects. The Ferryhill Station project continues, and we saw this week the formal confirmation of the funds to Durham County Council for the feasibility study that has been commissioned. I also wanted updates on the Leamside line and Bishop line, we should hear more about these in the next month or so.
I was drawn to ask an OQ (Oral Question) in Health OQs where I encouraged the minister to ensure that GPs were given full support to help the recovery of backlogs, particularly as regards cancer patients and I was able to give a shout out to the Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group.
As I have told you before, I am part of the NRG (Northern Research Group) which is focused on making representations to ensure Government policy is fully cognisant of the needs of the north. The Prime Minister joined our meeting last week and took representations from our members.
I had a catch-up chairs briefing for the Left Behind Communities APPG, primarily looking at our future agenda, which is finally starting to include some visits where we will see some incredibly successful community initiatives. I also went for a meeting at the Department for International Trade and met with Secretary of State Liz Truss and some of her team. Whilst there I was able to visit the Churchill Room which overlooks Horse Guards Parade and has in it a map from the time of Churchill.
I was in the Chamber for Prime Minister’s Questions before then travelling back north later on Wednesday. Thursday started with a meeting with Simon from Crafter’s Companion, we discussed their investment in studios to promote their products online, amongst other things, and I look forward to calling in to see them soon. I then spent a lot of the day working to arrange the sessions we were planning as regards the proposed incinerator. As I have already said, I have no more influence in the planning decisions than any other member of the public. Decisions are made by local councils. I have therefore been trying hard to make sure residents are as informed as possible on what is being proposed and I was pleased that we were able to facilitate these sessions. The sessions saw questions being answered about the proposed operations and I hope they were useful, as well as members of the public several local Councillors joined us. It is important to restate that these were just to inform, they play no part in the formal planning process, my hope is that any objections that need to be made are now done on a basis of more knowledge. Whilst investments like this need to be made somewhere, if we are to make the necessary reductions in carbon, they can only be considered if they are safe.
On Friday I was out and about, starting at a business on NetPark in Sedgefield, another particularly innovative business that I am going back to next week as we identified some areas where I could possibly help them because of my work in BEIS. After this I was off to Wellfield School in Wingate, they really are an inspirational school with an interesting history. I then came back to Newton Aycliffe to see the Livin investment in Travellers Green, and in particular to take a look at the pilot properties they have built with air source heat pumps and solar panels. It was then off to Chilton for my final visit of the day where I joined some of the leaders of Durham County Council in welcoming Lord Callanan who had come to take a look at the external wall insulation being applied free to houses in West Chilton Terrace and Dean Bridge Row. His knowledge of the project and detailed understanding of other potential funding streams was impressive. We spoke to several residents who were delighted by both the thermal and aesthetic improvements to their homes.
Over the weekend I called in to see the Northern Bygones Society Car Show next to the Scout Hall on Bluebell Way. This gave me the opportunity to have a nose around some vehicles that are given an incredible amount of TLC. I also popped my head into the Scout Hall, as a scout at the time, I remember it being built in the mid-1970s and, if I recall, Lord Barnard came to officially open it.
16 June 2016 is a day we all remember Jo Cox, the MP who was murdered. In her maiden speech she said: “We have far more in common than that which divides us.” There are a number of events around the UK to show that politicians can work together regardless of political party. On Friday 18th June I have invited the Newton Aycliffe Councillors, of all colours and none, to join me on a short walk along the Burn to reflect that we are all first and foremost interested in Aycliffe before politics.
Monday saw the Prime Minister update us on the release of lockdown, which I am sure you all know has seen a decision to hold off step 4 openings until July 19th, except for weddings that can still go ahead with more than 30 guests provided social distancing remains in place and the same will apply to wakes. Pilot events – such as Euro2020 and some theatrical performances will also be continued. The position will be monitored every day and if, after 2 weeks, it can be concluded that the risk has diminished then there is a possibility of proceeding to Step 4 and full opening sooner. It is therefore important we all continue to do the right thing, apply common sense in all you do and get tested regularly. The more negative tests that are submitted, the better confidence we all can have in the safety of releasing lockdown and the more chance of the decision happening sooner.
Remember: Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air – Stay Safe
Paul Howell MP
Member of Parliament for Sedgefield
