I was delighted to secure a debate in Westminster Hall on 21st May to raise the challenges faced by East Cleveland secondary schools in parliament. You can watch the debate in full here, or read the transcript of my speech and the Minister's response below.

We all know the crucial importance of the British Steel Special Profiles business to the East Cleveland economy. It’s a great plant staffed by highly skilled and dedicated workers, and works hand-in-glove with the Caterpillar factory next door, which is its primary customer.

This April we mark the 50th anniversary of the Continuous At Sea Nuclear Deterrent, and it was a privilege to pay tribute to thousands of submariners on behalf of our constituency in Parliament this week.

The Government is in talks with Labour about their proposal for a Customs Union with the EU after we leave. It is still very unclear what will emerge from those talks - there is a reasonable chance nothing will - but I have warned this would be totally unsuitable for our country.

Yesterday I argued in favour of improving access to medical cannabis oils to help treat youngsters living with severe epilepsy. I’ve had some very powerful meetings with the parents of children who can fit dozens of times a day at my surgery over the last two years.

It was a privilege to join the brilliant doctors and nurses at James Cook University Hospital at work last weekend - and great to be able to thank them in the House of Commons yesterday.

Yesterday in Parliament I set out the facts about Nissan’s decision not to produce the X-Trail in Sunderland. Not one job is going to be lost at the plant, and the three core models, the Qashqai, Juke SUV and electric Leaf are all going to be made there in huge quantities.

Last night Parliament voted that the Prime Minister should return to the EU to fix the backstop. We need serious changes to the draft Withdrawal Agreement that are legally binding, and that is what she has pledged to seek.

There have been some shocking examples of fly tipping around Guisborough recently and today I raised the issue in Parliament. I highlighted Wilton Lane and the Moor Road, but there are other examples like Walton Terrace.

I campaigned and voted to leave the EU, and we must leave properly. The Prime Minister’s Brexit proposals risk leaving the U.K. trapped as a rule-taker from Brussels, needing the EU’s permission to escape the “backstop”. I believe this would be an historic mistake.