I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my predecessor as Blyth Valley MP, Ronnie Campbell. Ronnie was a good man who I know loved Blyth and all the people who lived and worked here. He was an engaging, lively, straight talking, decent man and although our political views differed, he was always very friendly, generous with his advice and up for a cup of tea and a chat. My thoughts are with Deirdre and the rest of his family at this sad time.
I attended his funeral service this morning at St. Wildfred's Church in Blyth. As you would expect the church was packed with Blyth people wishing to support his family and pay their respects.
I visited Northumbria University recently. Around 50% of their students are from the North East and they are very excited about the opportunities that the Northumberland Line will bring. Students along the line, from Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth, the Seaton Valley and around Northumberland Park will all have easy access to this excellent University on their doorstep without having to rack up debt paying for accommodation in Newcastle. Potential students will also have easier access to Kirkley Hall.
Ahead of next week’s budget the Chancellor has been speaking to the One Nation group of Conservative MPs in Westminster and highlighted that the IMF expect UK inflation to be lower than EU and US inflation by the end of the year, that people on lower wages are 25% better off than in 2010 and that many pensioners have had a £900 triple lock rise this year. When I met with the Chancellor, I highlighted the need for work to Moor Farm roundabout, further funding for the Northumberland line and more money for potholes. There is still much to do on the economy after the twin shocks of Covid and the war in Ukraine but the Chancellor and the Prime Minister are relentless in push forward as quickly as possible.
There has been much in the national press recently about MPs being able to go about their business with fear of intimidation or harassment. It’s important for all elected officials at every level and of every party and for our democracy. I have experienced a situation where libellous accusations have been made against me in a sustained campaign of harassment and despite one individual having to pay a substantial five figure sum for the harm to me, my family and my staff there are others who continue to do that. I will always robustly defend myself just as the Government will defend the rights of MP’s to operate freely.
