This is the last week for us in Westminster before the summer recess; as you are aware, whilst there has been some critical legislation like the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, the media's focus has been on the election of the new leader of the Conservative party.
At the time of writing, this had reached the stage of the last four candidates. Considering these, I believe that the best of these for the northeast is my neighbour Rishi Sunak. I want to hear your views, though, so I have posted a survey on my Facebook page and would welcome your thoughts.
Over the last week, I had meetings with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, where I also engaged in the problems the semiconductor industry is facing. This I was able to do because of the work I am doing in the BEIS select committee to investigate this sector. I also joined the Baker Dearing Educational Trust to celebrate the success of University Technical Colleges like our own based in Newton Aycliffe, and it was a pleasure to catch up with the Principal, Tom Dower. I also went to the Great Yorkshire Show to meet members of the NFU and some of our local farmers.
Seeing the number of fetes and events taking place as we come out of Covid and enter summer is fantastic. I had the pleasure of opening one in Piercebridge last week, and this allowed me to talk to many residents, and I hope that this week at the Blue Light event in Newton Aycliffe, I will get a similar opportunity with Aycliffe residents.
On Sunday, I was on BBC Politics North. I was discussing the leadership contest and the announcement by Rolls Royce of the shortlist of potential venues for the construction of the heavy vessels for the SMR program they are developing. One of these is our very own Forest Park and is another vote of confidence in our town.
On Monday of this week, I was pleased to have a question for the Secretary of State for Defence. As a result, I could promote the need for the initiatives of companies like Kromek in Sedgefield, who are leading the way in developing defence capabilities against potential biological warfare aggressions. As we see the ever-increasing atrocities in Ukraine, it is fantastic to see businesses developing science-led defences. I am incredibly proud that companies are leading this in my constituency.
Businesses like Kromek and others at NETPark and Newton Aycliffe are leading the way in creating jobs and careers that can provide incredible opportunities for our young people without them leaving the area. I hope that I can, in some small way, support these businesses through discussions with all departments of Government.
