Delivering for Stockton, Billingham and Norton - March 2025

Supporting Education & Young People

The first Labour government funded breakfast clubs will launch in April, and two Stockton North schools are part of the early adoption phase. Prior’s Mill and Ashtrees Primary Schools are the first in the borough, and their feedback will help improve the scheme even further before the full rollout in September.

With a soft start to the school day and a full tummy, the children will get the absolute best out of their school time. I am looking forward to visiting the breakfast club at Ashtrees Primary School in May to see this in action.

It was a pleasure to welcome St Joseph’s Primary School to the Houses of Parliament during their recent school trip to London and to attend the ADS Annual Apprentice Reception in parliament.

Working Hard to Deliver for our Constituency

I held a constituency surgery in Billingham, where I met with constituents and discussed issues around crime, education and health. Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey attended and heard about ASB and crime in the area.

I met with the Teesside Environmental Trust who spoke about the challenges they face and am exploring possible solutions to support their important work for the environment and the community. I also met with Cowpen Bewley residents to discuss concerns regarding the Saltholme Power Plants and am actively looking into ways to assist them in addressing these issues.

Queensgate estate and Newtown are making positive developments, with completion at Queensgate imminent. I am starting communications on the Billingham Redevelopment to raise the profile of the £20m investment for the area.

Norton Sports Charity

I visited Norton Sports Charity to meet with David and Peter, seeing the incredible work they do. Their dedication is evident across the charity’s 55-acre site, which offers everything from football and squash to archery and community gardens, and is even home to Billingham Silver Band.

The charity plays a vital role in the community, hosting school visits, forest schools and a wide range of sports activities. We discussed the challenges they face.  I’ll be staying in touch with this fantastic organisation as they continue their great work.

It was great to talk to Kendra and learn about her and her team bringing improvements to the clubhouse, and to learn about their successes and challenges.

International Women’s Day

It was a great to mark International Women's Day with the children at Bewley Primary School in Billingham.

As part of the #LetGirlsPlay campaign, the school took part in a full day of football training and tournaments led by Hartlepool FC. It was positive to hear how far women’s football has come.

Bewley Primary School already champions girls’ football with over 30 girls playing in football teams. 

Teesside Defence and Innovation Cluster

Teesside has immense potential to play a key role in the UK's growing defence supply chain, which is why I established the Teesside Defence and Innovation Cluster.  Stakeholders in Teesside met with the Minister for Defence Procurement on Monday 17th March.  Companies representing thousands of jobs talked about how the government’s announcement of increasing the defence budget to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 will mean opportunity for Teesside. The minister heard first hand the skills and capacity Teesside has.

Westminster Update

In Westminster Hall, I spoke about crime, antisocial behaviour and off road bikes, all of which are issues affecting Stockton North. I contributed to the Rare Cancers Bill debate, where I was deeply moved by the powerful stories I heard. Additionally, I took part in discussions on the Crime and Policing Bill, spoke on International Women’s Day, and addressed issues related to Ukraine, defence and security, and high street businesses. 

In addition to debates, I attended a meeting at No. 10 on welfare and held discussions with the DWP regarding the transition from DLA to PIP. I make it a priority to attend as many parliamentary drop-in events as possible, and I appreciate constituents letting me know which ones matter most to them.

Campaigning and Union Engagement

I am working with HOPE Not Hate, all the unions in our area and the TUC on creating a strategy and cooperation to oppose far right extremism. I am continuing to campaign in our twin seat in Easington.

Standing up for Stockton

• 3972 Dental appointments have been commissioned for 2024/25

• 40 new officers soon to be on our streets

• 360 bikes seized since January

• Statistics are showing a reduction in crime.

If you have any issues or questions you’d like to ask, please feel free to contact me and my team by my email chris.mcdonald.mp@parliament.uk