Phil spoke in the House of Commons on 16th May concerning local transport issues and jobs. Below is a copy of what he said:

"I want to address the transport rather than the energy aspect of today’s debate, and raise three issues that affect my constituency: the local airport, the big Hitachi investment, and the state of rural bus services not just in Sedgefield but throughout County Durham, including Darlington.

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Recent Article in The Northern Echo

HOPES are growing that the £4.5bn Intercity Express Programme(IEP) contract can be finalised within weeks.

Hitachi has revealed that it is aiming to close the train building contract with the Government before the end of June.

The company said that work on the manufacturing plant in Newton Aycliffe would begin as soon as possible after that.

The Government and Hitachi, which heads the Agility Trains consortium, were expected to sign the contract to build the country’s next generation of high-speed trains by the end of last year.

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Phil has written to Climate Change Minister Greg Barker asking him to clarify comments he made that suggested no more onshore wind farms would be allowed beyond those already in the pipeline.

Mr Wilson wants to know what impact, if any, the apparent change in Government policy would have on the proposed Isles Wind Farm, east of Newton Aycliffe.
Energy company E.ON wants to build up to 45 wind turbines on the site.

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Phil was out and about with others in Sadberge collecting names on a petition to save the number 17 and 18 bus services due to be withdrawn this year. He held a surgery in Sadberge last week and was approached by residents and asked to help with their fight to save the service Phil says " I was glad to be of help and when it was suggested a petition be taken I was glad to help. I cant guarantee the outcome but I can guarantee I will give it 100% to try and save this very important service to this beautiful village.

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Phil visited EBAC at Ketton Way on the Aycliffe Industrial Park to see the company formed into a foundation. John Elliot the founder of the business is ensuring the future of the company for its employee's and support for the community through a share of its profits going to good causes.
You can see a video of the event by going to the link below.

http://youtu.be/S2UX2JQNdos

Phil dropped into see the staff at the Tabletop Restaurant in Middleton St George last week. He delivered a prize for the restaurants raffle to raise money for charity. Phil said "It was lovely to see the staff again and they generously gave me a portion of their fine fare, it was first class. I was pleased to help out with the raffle and I wish them luck with their business in the future.

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Phil recently became President of Northern League first division side Newton Aycliffe FC and attended the game against Guisborough Town who as fate would have it have the Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, Tom Blenkinsop as their president. Both MP's are Labour Party whips. Phil said "I was honoured to become the clubs new president because I know how much the club is thought of in the local community." He went on to say “We want to see local businesses get involved in local community football because we want the club to go from strength to strength"

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Phi was at the opening of the Dalkia plant in Chilton on 7th March.

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Rob Merricks article from The Northern Echo 20th March 2012

ALMOST £30m has been spent on laying off health managers across the region, figures show – only for many to be rehired for the Government’s NHS shake-up.
A total of 478 staff were handed “exit packages” totalling £28.52m last year in the North-East and North Yorkshire, receiving an average payout of about £60,000.
Half received more than £40,000 each to quit doomed primary care trusts (PCTs) – including one manager, in Gateshead, who received £163,000.