This afternoon, I spent time with local residents at Great Broughton Village Hall. As well as the engaging conversation, I enjoyed some delicious orange and cinnamon scones and was impressed to see such a well-maintained and well-equipped Hall.
Over a couple of hours we covered a host of issues. The state of our public finances and immigration loomed large, as did fixing our relationship with Europe. People were also keen to see a solution to the English question (redressing the inequitable situation of Scottish MPs having sway over English-only matters, of which there will be even more given further devolution to Scotland).
On a more local level, many people expressed a desire to see a strong Durham Tees Airport and queried why its services had shrunk over the years. I plan to visit the airport in the new year and learn more about its prospects. I was also asked to look into the provision of learning and other services for adults with special needs. I have visited Northdale Horticultural previously and will try and get to Yatton House later this week to learn more.