On Wednesday I went to the Department for Education to meet Schools Minister Theo Agnew (pictured), who is responsible for the "Opportunity North East" programme for our local schools.
I give a warm welcome to today’s legislation and to the Minister, who has taken this brief by the scruff of the neck since he was appointed, for which we are all grateful.
There’s great news today that PD Ports (Teesport) have opened a new rail freight link into and out of our region to cope with growing demand at our port. The twice-daily service to Doncaster will remove 120 road movements every day.
Representing the people of Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland is a huge privilege and as part of my role I spend a big chunk of my week working in the incredible surroundings of the Palace of Westminster.
I really welcome the way that local people used May’s local elections to vote for positive change. I will be meeting new Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston soon, and sat down last week with the new Leader of Redcar and Cleveland, Councillor Mary Lanigan.
I'm looking forward to joining Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, tomorrow at a public meeting to update everyone regarding the situation at British Steel.
Today is a moment to pause and reflect on the courage and sacrifice of all the men who fought on D-Day and on through the liberation of Europe. It was an incredible military undertaking, the like of which will probably never be witnessed again.
