Last week started on Wednesday with a briefing on E scooters and their potential introduction. These are being trialled by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, initially in Middlesbrough and Darlington, and I listened to representations promoting the need for insurance cover. Later the same day I was present at the 1922 Committee where Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport, updated us on his latest plans. It is a tradition of the 1922 that these discussions are private. For those not aware, the 1922 is a Committee that consists of all of the Conservative back bench MPs.
On Thursday I attended the BEIS Select Committee where we started our discussions regarding the governments Net Zero policy and the Climate Change summits with representatives from the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) and the Climate Assembly. It was very interesting and insightful to see how the Climate Assembly and work could inform future iterations of work by the CCC.
After travelling home late on Thursday night I was happy to be Constituency based and more local from Friday through to Sunday where work included a visit to Trimdon Village regarding safety concerns at a junction, a discussion with the NFU, talks about 6th Form Education and discussions with MasterCard on their place and responsibilities in helping financial literacy. I also spent more time in my new Constituency office with my Constituency Staff, Rachel and David, who are very pleased to now have a base instead of working solidly from home. At the moment, due to work still to be carried out in the office and Covid restrictions, they are not yet there every day all day, but as restrictions lift they will be. They also had me pitch in rearranging and assembling furniture so kept me busy in many ways!
Some of the more pleasurable events of my weekend included a call in to the new Aviator Gin Bar at Hanger 18 on Northfield Way on Saturday where they have just started trading. The bar looks fabulous and it is well worth a visit to support a unique new local start-up. I then had my Saturday wander around the town centre, I like to take the opportunity to talk to a few of our traders to see how they are faring, especially during this unexpected challenging time. On Sunday I caught up with some admin and family time and later went to Bishop Middleham, with my wife Lilian, to join their Parish Council in their tribute clap for the NHS’s 72nd birthday. The village has come together and constructed a pebble NHS tribute as a solid reminder of their appreciation for our Health workers and it was an honour to join them beside it on the Green.
Monday saw me back to London, but this time I flew from Teesside supporting the inaugural flight to London City Airport. It is over a decade since there was a connection to the capital from Teesside International Airport and I commend all the hard work of our Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen’s office have done to bring this back to our region. This connection is excellent for our local business leaders to be able to commute efficiently, on a daily basis if necessary, at a cost that is almost identical to my normal super saver return train fare.
A major piece of legislation that passed early this week was the Domestic Abuse Bill which will take really important and significant steps to help and empower victims of domestic abuse and I was delighted to support this through the House.
As our bars and restaurants open, and we have more chance to enjoy ourselves, I would encourage you to support these businesses that have had a torrid time but please, can I remind you to stay safe and socially distance as much as possible. Remember, you should see the 1m plus guidelines as a minimum advisory and not necessarily the norm.
Have a great week and please remember our Key Workers, they have been the backbone of our Covid response and they continue to deserve our thanks and respect.
Stay safe and look after each other,
Paul Howell MP
