James Wharton MP

This morning I joined the Tees Engineering Alliance (TEA, formerly the Tees Valley Engineering Partnership) for breakfast at Wynyard Hall.  TVEP had funding withdrawn by One North East  in a prime example of the regional quangos not properly supporting sub regional organisations.  As a result TVEP has formed a closer partnership with Teesside Universtiy and is re launching as the TEA.  The meeting was well attended and a wide range of issues were discussed, I will be looking to do what I can to support this organisation which ought to play a key role in the development of our local economy over the coming years.

This lunchtime I met with the District Commander for Stockton to discuss a wide range of issues in this area.  We particularly focussed on antisocial behaviour across the constituency and I took the opportunity to raise some emails which I have received from residents.

My ongoing campaign to see regeneration of the Mandale Triangle in Thornaby continues with coverage of one of the proposed developments in today’s Evening Gazette:

 http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2008/04/29/all-change-at-the-triangle-84229-20834379/

Tonight I attened a dinner with 20 local business people to discuss issues facing the economy in the region and Conservative Policy. 

Yesterday I travelled down to London for a number of meetings and events.  I was particularly pleased to attend The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Multiple Sclerosis reception.  I met a number of key people in the MS society and heard about their work at both a national and local level.  I also met up with some friends who I had not seen for a while and had dinner that night with some colleagues, both past and present MPs and others.  It was a worthwhile visit and a good opportunity to raise some of the issues I am involved with in Stockton South with representatives at Westminster.  It was also the day of the government’s welcome u-turn regarding the 10p tax rate.  A number of the more rebellious Labour MPs were in buoyant mood at having forced dithering Gordon Brown to back down.  As one rather sinisterly put it “the government is in listening mode now.”  It will be interesting to see how the Prime Minster fairs after his authority has taken such a battering.