This week was unusual for me, in that I wasn’t on the train on Monday morning. There was a one-line whip on Monday, which means I am not required in Westminster to vote, so I was able to have an additional day in the constituency. I spent the day catching up with the team in my Blyth office and dealing with issues around the constituency.
Tuesday saw me on the early train so I could arrive in Westminster early in the afternoon. I spent the rest of the day in the House or in meetings. Wednesday was another round of meetings starting with a catch-up with the Managing Director of the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive to discuss any ongoing public transport issues around Blyth Valley including the unreliability of some bus routes and the progress towards the return of passenger trains on the Northumberland Line. As a follow on from this I wrote to the Minister of State for Transport, Huw Merriman, regarding the Northumberland Line. This is a project I am delighted is now being delivered after many years of empty promises. The afternoon was spent in the Environmental Audit Select Committee, where this week we were continuing the net zero review and the public call for evidence.
On Thursday, I travelled back to Blyth Valley and spent the remainder of the week in the constituency. On Saturday morning, I called in to the consultation regarding the plans for culture hub in Blyth marketplace. There was a video tour of the internal layout of the building on display, as well as a town layout showing where it would sit in the marketplace. I also had the opportunity to speak to some residents while I was there. I am told that the most frequently asked question is ‘will it really happen?’ Again, this reflects the promises that have been made to Blyth residents for many years which have not, until now, come to fruition.
On Saturday afternoon, I called to Seghill with our great County Councillor Eve Chicken. We attended a fundraising event for the Seghill Gala which takes place in the summer. It was great to see people supporting this event, and I am always thrilled to see the great community spirit in places like Seghill.
On Saturday evening, I attended Newcastle Conservatives Winter Reception and was delighted to be part of a panel event with five other MPs. We had some really good questions from members of the audience with topics around the fiscal position, levelling up, Scottish independence and most things in between. It was great to see so many young people attending the event and to see their enthusiasm for working together to improve our area.
If I can help with anything, please do get in touch with me by email to [email protected] or calling my office on 01670 338 435
Best wishes,
Ian
