WESTMINSTER UPDATE
No sooner had we submitted last week’s update than the announcement came that President Zelensky was to address Parliament. For those of you that witnessed this you will understand how emotional it was for me to be in the chamber whilst it was happening.
The courage of President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people is an inspiration to us all. As a government we clearly need to do all we can to help. This must take many complementary forms ranging from financially supporting the intense pressures on countries like Poland who, as neighbours to Ukraine, are taking massive numbers of people, through to enabling passage for those that we can help come to the UK.
After the President’s address I went for a meeting with George Freeman,
the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, where I briefed him on the Space Conference held in Durham the previous week. This was a tremendous success and could be a platform for some serious businesses to invest around the space eco structure we have in the north centred around NETPark at Sedgefield.
Later, I attended a reception where the Prime Minister was present, and I was able to remind him again of the importance of dealing with anti-social behaviour; the levelling up bid for Newton Aycliffe and investment in a train station at Ferryhill. Along with a number of other MPs from across the House, I had the privilege of being invited to a reception hosted by Prince Charles and Camilla at Clarence House. It was a pleasure to meet them both and have the opportunity to talk to them.

As a further follow up to the Space conference I was able to host a meeting with people from the Space Catapult and NETPark to see how we can take the opportunities that are arising and link them into a jigsaw of strategy arising across the UK.

Back in Sedgefield I was able to visit a couple of businesses at Teesside Airport, including the International Fire Training Centre, who were trying some French firefighters at the time. They were extremely complementary about the facilities and service. Later in the day I called in at Greenfield Arts Centre and met the ladies from Floral Art who enjoy a get together and chat whilst they are developing their flower arranging skills. Whilst at the Arts Centre, I also had the opportunity to talk to teenagers about the value of the art classes provided at Greenfield.

I then had the pleasure of going to the Aycliffe Mayors Ball at Woodham Golf Club, unfortunately our Mayor, Cllr Sandra Haig, tested positive so couldn’t attend but it was great to see her family and charity well represented and the Deputy Mayor was able to practice for next year!
It’s always good to see local organisations doing well and I was delighted to see what a successful season Sedgefield Water Polo Club have had. In their first season their men’s team have achieved promotion. They train four times a week at Newton Aycliffe Leisure centre and are always looking for new members. You can contact them at [email protected] if you want a taster session. Continuing with local sports, I heard the brilliant news that Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club have secured funding to progress with their new changing rooms. I also want to applaud County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service team who received the award for Fire & Rescue Service of the year at the recent IESE Public Sector Transformation Awards ceremony held in London.
I am seeing many groups raising funds for the people in Ukraine and I called in
at St Mary’s Church in Piercebridge where they managed to raise £460 for the DEC appeal from a coffee morning.
Well done to them and everyone else supporting the people of Ukraine. With regards to the information from the Polish embassy included in last week’s column. For the avoidance of doubt, I was trying to emphasise that we can be effective with financial as well as practical aid and I am sure that the people of Ukraine, Poland and everyone else in the front line appreciate all sources of help. Constituents have rallied round to organise the collection of items approved by the Ukrainan Embassy. Sugar Hill Primary School, Acle Scouts, Boyes, Wilkinsons, Savers, Lifeline Community Action and others have all worked incredibly hard. When the world is facing dark times this kindness, compassion and solidarity for those in need is a shining light of hope. I am humbled by the generosity and genuinely warm-hearted endeavours of all involved.
