I’m proud that our area makes an important contribution to the UK’s defence, through the many residents who serve our country in uniform and the world-leading businesses at NETPark in Sedgefield designing innovative technology used by our armed forces.
Defence manufacturing, including world-leading space technology is a key part of our local economy, supporting high quality, well paid jobs and driving innovation in advanced technology. By investing in our armed forces and defence industries, we can protect our nation while creating long term opportunities for local people.
As our Member of Parliament, I’m actively working to support our armed forces seriously. I am a proud member of the cross-party Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, regularly visiting military bases across our country to meet personnel and see firsthand the work of our forces.
Supporting our armed forces also means supporting the veterans who live in our community. Many families in our area have strong links to the military and I work hard to ensure they have access to the services and opportunities they deserve.
By championing defence and armed forces initiatives, we can ensure a safer, stronger nation while building a thriving local economy that offers real opportunities for our residents.