I would like to thank the team at Cobra Biologics on Keele Science Park for inviting me to come and speak with their CEO and Chief Scientific Officer today, followed by a tour of their manufacturing and research facilities.

If you live in Newcastle-under-Lyme and either need support, or can offer support, the #COVIDー19 Support Network is now live.

Support Staffordshire, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Realise charity are co-ordinating support across the Borough.

Each month Newcastle College holds a ‘Student of the Month’ awards presentation that highlights and recognises the individual effort, progress and dedication of Newcastle College students throughout the academic year. This month, I attended to present the awards. 

My major news this week was in the constituency, where we had a very successful official shop opening on Friday afternoon. I owe particular thanks to all my staff, especially Office Manager Graham Hutton who has been responsible for securing the lease and fitting out the shop.

I am currently in Westminster but my team in Newcastle have kindly sent me a photo of the sign above my new shop which looks pretty smart. We are at 3 Queens Parade, ST5 1RW, directly opposite Castle House.

My apologies that this update is late this week, but I have spent most of the weekend celebrating my younger brother's wedding! Getting married on Leap Year Day is a very sneaky way to avoid forgetting your anniversary...

This week I have chosen three photos to illustrate that the MPs across North Staffordshire (me, Jo Gideon MP, Jonathan Gullis MP, Jack Brereton MP and Karen Bradley MP) are working together in the best interests of the wider area.

I welcome Newcastle Borough Council’s scrutiny inquiry into the Walley’s Quarry landfill.

Since my election I have met with local campaigners, with the Environment Agency (EA) following publication of their report, and with Red Industries.

Monday was a very exciting day, because it was the first day for the majority of my new staff. I have one member of staff assisting me in London, and the rest are staffing my shop / office in Newcastle.

Former Liberal Democrat councillor Ian Wilkes has joined the Conservative Party, on the day that the UK left the European Union.

I was delighted to meet with Ian in Audley, to welcome him to the Conservative Party and to talk about his priorities for our area.