My week didn’t have the best start when my early morning train to London was cancelled. There had been a theft of cables on the East Coast main line, so I wasn’t alone in having my train cancelled and those trains that were running were extremely busy and subject to delays. I eventually made it to Westminster at 4:40pm having missed a number of meetings during the afternoon. Business in the House on Monday was the second day of the report stage of the Online Safety Bill as it makes progress through the House.
On Tuesday I met with Rupert De Mauley to discuss getting better facilities for the Army Cadets in Blyth. My own children were Army Cadets for quite some time, and I know how hard the volunteers work to provide developmental opportunities to the children who attend. Later in the day I met with Minister Lopez, Minister of State for Media, Data and Digital Infrastructure to discuss an issue regarding fibre optic installation for DA Chemicals in Seaton Delaval and am delighted to hear that their issues have now been resolved. The National Union of Fire Fighters were conducting a day of action in Westminster, and I had been contacted by Cramlington resident John Percy to discuss the ongoing pay dispute. I enjoyed the opportunity to talk to John about his work at Tyne and Wear Fire Rescue Service and hear his views on the salary negotiations and would like to thank him for taking the time to travel to London to meet with me.
Later, Tuesday afternoon, I was able to take part in a Westminster Hall debate and spoke in favour of using dormant assets to support a Community Wealth Fund. I will continue to pursue additional support for areas such as Cowpen, Isabella and Kitty Brewster which have all been identified by Local Trust as being ‘left behind’ and was delighted to again be able to mention the good work being carried out by the ‘Forget me Nots’ in Cowpen.
Wednesday saw me attending Prime Minister’s Questions in the House and later at a Tea Room Surgery with Minister Andrew who is the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Sport, Tourism and Civil Society, and Minister for Equalities. I took this opportunity to discuss provision of a running track which is being championed by Blyth Running Club. The remainder of the afternoon was spent on the Environmental Audit Select Committee where we discussed sustainable forestry and timber supplies for the UK building trade. I asked questions on what more the government could do to help and support the forestry trade and whether land should be taken out of arable use particularly while there is a war in Ukraine affecting grain prices.
I was able to ask two questions of Cabinet Office on Thursday morning. The first was to recognise the work carried out in Blyth Valley by the Royal British Legion who have branches in both Blyth and Cramlington and also by Forward Assist in Dudley where I was invited by volunteer Jack Hearn who recently celebrated his 100th Birthday. I then asked for an assurance that the government would recognise the service of nuclear test veterans and make sure there is proper commemoration of their service.
Friday was a day of animals – I visited the Cat and Dog Shelter in Newcastle to deliver some warm blankets and to hear about the issues they face. I followed this with a visit to LK9, Doggy Day Care, where I saw the facilities on offer to those needing a little help looking after their pets whilst out at work, or if they are no longer able to provide sufficient exercise due to health reasons. There was even a visit from Santa to meet some of the pampered pooches.
I stopped off in Dearnley’s Café in Bowes Street where I purchased a delicious toastie and cup of tea. It’s great to see Bowes Street reopened following the refurbishment and I took the time to call into Northumberland Goldsmiths to chat with the owner who is delighted with the additional street parking that has been provided.
My afternoon was spent in East Cramlington doing a door-to-door survey to get feedback from residents on their priorities for the NHS and discuss any other concerns they may have. The highlight of my week was a visit to Seaton Delaval Arts Centre (oh no it wasn’t - oh yes it was!!) 😊 to see Aladdin. The cast had great energy and enthusiasm and the show was much enjoyed by everyone. This was 50 years of pantomime at this venue and I got the opportunity to meet the cast after the show. I was particularly impressed with the professionalism shown by such a young cast and look forward to seeing them perform again.
As always if I can help in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 01670 338435 or email me at [email protected]
