🔁 THE WEEK IN REVIEW 🔄
Last week started with a session on questions around RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete). I am glad to see the Government is taking decisive action to make sure children in schools are safe.
We then had amendments to the Economic Crime Bill before Treasury Questions on Tuesday. Treasury Questions are a bit like PMQs except it's the Chancellor and his ministers as well as members of the Shadow Cabinet and ministers that are leading the session.
As a Treasury Parliamentary Private Secretary, I was there supporting our Ministers. Then it was the regular Tuesday agenda with a Private session of the Transport Select Committee and a number of drop-ins.
The drop-in sessions included an All-Party Parliamentary Group for Coalfield communities and the British Horseracing Authority. I supported the Economic Secretary for the Adjournment Debate which was on bank closures. An Adjournment Debate takes place every day when the House adjourns, and MPs may apply to hold them. They can be on any subject the MP wants to bring to the attention of Ministers.
Wednesday started with a round table on Net Zero and the North before heading to the Transport Select Committee at 9.30am. This session we had Trans Pennine Express, the leaders of the Operator of Last Resort and the Rail Minister in front of us. We discussed the processes being followed and what next steps were planned or considered. This gave me another opportunity to raise again with the Minister the capacity frustrations on East Coast Main Line that could be helped by reopening the Leamside line. This session was followed by PMQs and more drop-in sessions
- including Dementia and the Brain Charity.
The Brain Charity encourage early referral of people with neurological issues as the earlier they are diagnosed the better chance of a positive outcome. I attended a round table on Welfare Reform, held in No 10, before meeting Octopus to talk about business investment and our weekly meeting of the Northern Research Group - where the Group's current focus is the issues to raise at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester next month.
On Thursday I was back in the Constituency and called in at Aycliffe Care Home to wish Frankie a happy birthday, he was 100 and it was an opportunity for family and residents to celebrate. It was nice to see Carl and Carol, the Mayor and Mayoress, there too.
I also took the opportunity to deliver some surveys that we are putting out. If you see me walking the streets, please say hello, I am always available to chat.
Friday I was in the office before heading to Durham for our regular meeting between MPs and the Leaders of the County Council.
I also took the opportunity for a separate
catch up with the Fire Chief who was there to brief us. I should also have had a catch up with County Durham and Darlington Police and Crime Commissioner last week, but she cancelled it, so I unfortunately have no further information as regards to what is happening to our Police Station. The lack of clarity on the Police estates plans and strategy is now very concerning, and I continue to push for answers.
Later that night my wife and I went to the Phoenix Club for the Mayor's Charity Night where he was supporting All Disabilities Matter and my thanks go to all the organisers and performers for their contributions. Macadam School of Dance were fabulous as was local singer Millie Bradley and everyone had a great night.
Saturday was a special day for me personally, as it saw the reopening of Crown Street Library in Darlington after a refurbishment. The library was threatened with closure several years ago and in my first campaign - even before I was elected to Parliament or the Council - was to prevent this and I am so glad this has happened. Later I called at Parish Youth for their Family Fun Night at St Clare's.
It's a long time since I have played Beetle!
Another very enjoyable evening where funds were raised for some of their members looking to go on leadership courses or adventures.
Sunday was of course the Great North Run and it was a real pleasure to be there at the start supporting the amazing Bill Cooksey as he set off. It was fun encouraging some of the media over to him. I never cease to be amazed by Bill and his efforts, thanks of course also to Gavin and Sue for walking with him and the rest of his team for their efforts.
The following Monday afternoon, during Topical Defence Questions in the House of Commons, I had the opportunity to say to the Minister, Andrew Murrison, about our veterans making some of the best role models in society and asked him to applaud Bill who, at the age of 102, completed the Great North Run on behalf of NHS charities.
I'm delighted to say that everyone across the House spontaneously cheered Bill's amazing achievement.
As always, if you want to get in touch, you can reach my office by phone on Aycliffe 01325 790580 or by sending an email to paul.howell. mp @parliament.uk
