Alan Strickland

North Atlantic Submarine Activity

It was a privilege recently to spend a week at Camp Viking with our Royal Marines, seeing at first hand the work they are doing to defend the High North. Does the Minister agree that it is clear strategically that the security of the High North and of the north Atlantic are intrinsically linked because of the sea lanes, the data cables and the presence of the Russian northern fleet around the Kola peninsula? Alongside the carrier group, can he set out what else we will be doing as a nation to pr

Topical Questions

T4. Having worked with the Defence Secretary to save the semiconductor plant in Newton Aycliffe in my constituency, I was proud the other week to meet Sam and Evan, two new apprentices who owe their opportunities directly to Government investment—but we want to go further. Can Ministers confirm that the MOD will continue to push hard to expand the number of jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities, so that world-class factory delivers for local growth, as well as delivering sovereign sup

Royal Mail: Universal Service Obligation

I met a resident at my surgery at the weekend who has a long-term health condition. They have been sent testing packs by the NHS, which arrive late, and appointment letters have been delayed, which is having a huge impact on their health. When the Minister meets Ofcom later, will he raise the serious impacts of unacceptable Royal Mail delays on not just our residents, but our national health service?

Engagements

Q9. It was a privilege to join fellow north-east MPs at the weekend on the destroyer HMS Duncan, to meet the crew and to be briefed on the exciting plans for the innovative future of the Royal Navy—a future that should be bright, given the £10 billion frigate deal with Norway, and a future that we absolutely want our region to be part of. Does the Prime Minister agree that, given the north-east’s strengths in AI, satellite technology and advanced manufacturing, north-east workers and businesses

Topical Questions

T3. A recent Sunday Times investigation found worrying evidence that multiple businesses run by the Reform leader of Durham county council had failed, owing hundreds of thousands of pounds in tax and national insurance and an unpaid covid loan. Does the Chancellor agree that it is just more evidence that, just like the Conservatives, Reform cannot be trusted with other people’s money?