As ever, the political world rushes on, jumping from one critical issue to another & journalists try to determine the agenda.
We have seen more tragic news about job losses at the steel works in Port Talbot, following on from Redcar last year. The challenges of EU energy pricing over several years, only now being addressed by the Government (this issue was one I battled on some years back when the now closed Alcan plant was being knocked by high energy costs); The challenge of China "dumping" steel into the EU at prices well below those of British production cost, for which our Government cannot so far persuade the EU to find a way to impose limits, or tarriffs, in order to protect national steel industries. This particular issue is but one, along with migration which we cannot determine, red tape & regulations which restrict British trade, the inability to make bilateral trade deals with non-EU countries, and environmental directives which have driven water management and farming practices which may be causing flooding impacts we are now seeing. The battle lines for the British people to consider the EU Referendum are being drawn.
------
So amidst all the discussions about the EU and how Britain decides to move forwards, it was a joy to visit C.E.L.L., the social enterprise based in Lynemouth which is developing two amazing businesses in Weave, and kenspeckle.co.uk. The former makes costumes for shops like Hamleys, the latter fabulous chocolate & toffee for customers from Selfridges to Fortnum & Mason. We are harbouring great talent & potential in Northumberland and I was honoured to meet some of those who have committed so much time & energy to building these businesses up and are providing skilled work for many local people.
--------
I have been meeting with many more specialists in the mental health arena, from regional clinical directors to psychiatrists specialising in military veterans care. The Motor Neurone Disease Association held a big rally at Westminster and I have been challenging Ministers to ensure that the National Director for Neurological Diseases is maintained in the new framework to ensure medical resources into early care are there for sufferers. So much of all this is about early intervention- not necessarily the best part of what our NHS does. I shall keep on at them!
-----------
On the finance side I have met with the Institute of Chartered Accountants, whom I trained with a very long time ago! They are a great sounding board for some of my financial policy ideas which I will be putting to the Chancellor in the run up to the budget. Shy bairns get nowt.
------
Localy news that the Alnwick Schools Partnership has all been approved is good news, but we are not yet fully on top of flooding support for farmers in North Northumberland affected by the build up of water from the 3 storms over Christmas. I am working with County Hall & Ministers to get the best deal for our farmers.
------
Hot off the press: In the last 48 hours farmers are telling me that their Single Farm Payments are at last coming through. If you still haven't received yours do contact me.
---------
To subscribe to My Week in Westminster, please email [email protected] with the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject box.