Delivering for Stockton, Billingham and Norton - July 2025
Armed Forces Day
I attended the Armed Forces Day event and service on Stockton High Street and chatted with many veterans and currently serving personnel. The event had representatives from the Yorkshire Regiment, Royal Air Force Air Cadets, and the Royal Military Police Reserves, who are based in Norton. Stockton, Billingham and Norton are home to many veterans with 1 in 20 people in Stockton North either serving in the armed forces or veterans.
This event gave people the opportunity to express their interest in joining the armed forces and to show gratitude for the service of veterans, both at home and in international war zones.
Earlier this month, I spoke about Armed Forces Day in Parliament about the the importance of showing respect and appreciation those who have served and continue to serve our country, especially recognising the service of LGBT and female veterans as courage does not know any gender or sexuality.
NHS funding
The Labour Government has announced a £2.2bn boost for the NHS, targeted directly at the areas with the greatest need - including towns like ours. After years of worsening outcomes and access gaps, this new funding will help tackle health inequalities head-on, investing in services where they’re needed most. I’ve had regular conversations with the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, about what this means for Stockton, Billingham and Norton. From the crisis in NHS dentistry to long GP and hospital waits - this funding won’t fix everything overnight, but it’s a major step toward a fairer, better-resourced health service and a healthier Teesside.
Celebrating Small Business and Big Imagination
I’ve been out visiting some brilliant independents that make Stockton special – including Who-Ray! on Silver Street, packed with Teesside art, sci-fi treasures and real community spirit. Martin, who runs it, is also behind KAPOW! Comic Con, which returned to Stockton Globe on 5th July, a brilliant free-entry event for the whole family.
I also stopped by Drake The Bookshop, which was hosting the Great North Author Tour. Twelve children’s authors met with local pupils, signing over 350 free books, all funded by the shop. It’s a perfect example of a business giving back.
Shops like these are part of Stockton’s story - full of pride, creativity and local heart. I’ll keep backing them all the way.
A Brew, a Bite, and Brilliant Community Spirit in Norton
This month I dropped into The Norton Cafe - a fantastic independent spot just off the High Street that’s become a real community anchor. Ryan now runs the café his dad started 20 years ago, and it’s clear how much pride he takes in serving the people of Norton.
Whether it’s a full English (my usual!), a lighter bite in the garden, or just catching up over a cuppa, the café is always buzzing with friendly faces. Veterans reconnect here, neighbours share stories and it’s the kind of place that reminds you how important small businesses are to our social fabric.
Hats off to Ryan and his team and to all the hardworking traders across Norton who keep our local economy and community spirit thriving. If you’re passing through, pop in - you’ll be very glad you did.
A Celebration of Community at the Eid Fusion Festival
One of Stockton’s most vibrant events returned to Ropner Park and it was fantastic to be there.
The Eid Fusion Festival is a real highlight in our calendar, bringing together families from across Teesside to celebrate community, culture and connection. With live music, delicious food, brilliant performances and a sea of smiling faces, it’s a day that truly reflects the best of our area.
A huge thank you to the organisers and the Friends of Ropner Park for making it happen again - and to all the charities, local groups and stallholders who brought their energy and spirit, including some great folks from Billingham.
If you’ve not been before, I really recommend it. The welcome is always warm and the community pride is unmistakable.
Listening to Norton and Taking Action
This month I held another of my regular constituency surgeries, this time at Norton Library. It’s always a privilege to sit down face-to-face with residents, listen to concerns, and take those voices directly to where decisions are made.
From council tax to SEND provision and immigration, I’ve already raised a number of the issues with both Stockton Borough Council and ministers in Parliament. That’s what these surgeries are all about - making sure local concerns are heard, and that your MP is fighting your corner.
If there’s something you’d like to raise, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can reach my team by phone or email, and you’re always welcome at a future surgery too.
Summer HAF is Back – Thanks to Labour Council
One of the first things I fought for as your MP was continued funding for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme and I’m thrilled to see it return this summer.
From 22 July to 29 August, our Labour-led Stockton Borough Council is delivering free fun, food and support for children and young people across our area.
There’s something for everyone:
Horse riding, bushcraft and martial arts
Football, gymnastics and flight simulation
Youth clubs, SEND-specific sessions and family days
Book now: eequ.org/stocktonholidaysarefunprogramme
Check eligibility: Stockton.gov.uk HAF info
Let’s give Stockton’s children a summer to remember, full of opportunity, energy and community. My thanks again to everyone helping make this happen.
Backing Stockton’s Brilliant Schools 📚🌟
There’s no greater investment than in our children’s future and this month I’ve been proud to support two incredible schools that are making a real difference in Stockton North.
First up, Abbey Hill Academy has been nominated for a national award for their pioneering work on communication, led by speech therapist Kate. Their innovative, specialist support is changing lives every day. Please take a moment to cast your vote and help them get the national recognition they truly deserve: Click here to vote
Next, a proud visit to Oak Tree Academy with Early Years Minister Stephen Morgan to celebrate the school’s exceptional attendance record. It was a joy to meet Headteacher Mrs Pollitt and see the teamwork behind their success: dedicated staff, supportive parents and pupils showing up and giving their best. Their whole-school approach to tackling absence, down to the minute, is opening up life chances for every child.
These schools are shining examples of what we can achieve when our communities, educators and families pull together. Let’s keep backing them, and every school across Stockton, to ensure all our children get the best start in life.
Big Wins for Stockton, Billingham and Norton
It’s been a huge month for progress in our community, from green jobs to better healthcare, early years support and long-awaited road repairs. Here’s a roundup of the good news:
Offshore Wind Investment Lands in Teesside
Thanks to a £700m boost from the Government and Crown Estate, Teesside will play a key role in building the UK's offshore wind supply chains, bringing skilled, well-paid jobs and £25bn to the national economy. It’s a major vote of confidence in our region’s engineering expertise and clean energy future.
The UK’s First Industrial Strategy in Decades
Launched this week, the new strategy puts places like Stockton and Billingham back at the heart of British industry. It supports steel, chemicals, hydrogen, nuclear, renewables and energy-intensive manufacturing - securing good jobs and lower energy costs.
£2.2 Billion Extra for the NHS - Including Stockton
After years of campaigning for fairer funding, our community will now benefit from targeted NHS investment to tackle deep-rooted health inequalities. That means more frontline care, mental health and dental support where it’s needed most.
New Family Hub for Stockton
We’re one of the first areas in the country to get a Best Start Family Hub. This is a major new programme to support families from birth onwards. It builds on the proud legacy of Sure Start, helping with early years, parenting, mental health and more.
Queensgate Road Repairs - Complete at Last
After years of campaigning and a final push from residents and Chris’s team, Innovation Avenue is finally being resurfaced, with work starting this month. Queensgate’s road issues are being fixed, one step at a time.
This is what progress looks like - and it’s only just beginning.
Standing Up for Local Businesses in the Heart of Stockton
The regeneration of Stockton town centre is one of the most ambitious and exciting projects we’ve seen in years, and I fully support the vision set out by our Labour-led council to breathe new life into our High Street. But as plans for The Shambles progressed, I was approached by several concerned local traders. I’ve spoken directly with the Council Leader and Chief Executive to raise those concerns, and I’m pleased that the council has now paused its decision and committed to further engagement with businesses. This is a brilliant opportunity to regenerate our town and I’ll keep working with our Labour-led council to ensure that loyal local businesses remain a valued part of Stockton’s future.
Parliament
This month I attended the Welfare Reform and UC and PIP Bill debate. Many of my constituents have expressed their views and personal experiences with me. My principal concerns relate to the proposed four-point qualifying criteria, which risk excluding individuals with variable or fluctuating conditions; the planned reductions to the health component and carers’ allowance, which may disproportionately impact vulnerable households; and the necessity of thoroughly assessing the implications of existing and forthcoming support measures, including the Child Poverty Taskforce, the industrial strategy, and employment support programmes - before enacting additional reforms.
I spoke in the Unadopted Estates and Roads debate about the high service charges that Willow Sage Court and Wynyard are facing and the unadopted road in Queensgate.
I also spoke in other various debates this month including Nuclear Certified Aircraft Procurement, Flags - Public buildings, Armed Forces Recruitment: North East England, G7 and NATO Summits, Parental Leave Review, Government Performance Against Fiscal Rules, LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, UK-France Nuclear Partnership and Business of the House where I highlighted high vet bills and the maritime sector.