You can read Sharon's latest Sunderland Echo column below

There is almost no part of the economy that has not been badly affected by the impact of Coronavirus and the necessary measures taken to limit its spread.

It seems like every day brings further announcements of job losses. Behind every new tranche of numbers are individuals and families who now face a worrying and uncertain future.

Alongside manufacturing more widely, one area which is being particularly damaged is the aerospace industry. The near total suspension in air travel and continued low passenger numbers are having a significant knock on effect on companies such as Rolls-Royce.

As the MP for a constituency home to a Rolls-Royce site, I am acutely aware of the scale of the problems facing the company and its workers.

That’s why I convened an urgent meeting last week for MPs with sites in their constituencies and Unite representatives to discuss what is needed from the Government to prevent further job losses and safeguard the high level of skills in the workforce.

Whilst some aspects of Government financial assistance measures have been a lifeline, there have also been significant shortfalls.

As Unite have pointed out, steps taken by our Government pale in comparison to those taken by France and Germany. The seemingly indifferent attitude taken by this Conservative Government was summed up in the absence of any mention of the aviation or aerospace sectors in the Chancellor’s recent summer statement.

It is becoming increasingly clear that further, sector specific, support will be needed in the coming weeks and months.

As the Labour Party has made clear, we need a targeted strategy that acknowledges that workers in struggling sectors cannot and should not be treated the same way as workers in sectors that are already back to full capacity.

Growing up in the North East during the Thatcher Governments, I know how much long-term damage can be done to our communities when industries are abandoned.

If Boris Johnson wants to make good on his ‘levelling up’ rhetoric, he needs to step in and provide a comprehensive strategy to stop continued and widespread job losses in aerospace and manufacturing.

Sharon Hodgson MP's report - Jun-Jul 2020 number 129



Click on the picture above to read Sharon Hodgson MP's report - Jun-Jul 2020 number 129

Sharon Hodgson MP's report - May-Jun 2020 number 128

Click on the picture above to read Sharon Hodgson MP's report - May-Jun 2020 number 128

Due to Coronavirus, the dates regarding the appeal inquiry for a gasification plant to be built in Hillthorn Park have changed. The inquiry had been adjourned until June, but this has been extended.

Please see the dates below:
14 August 2020 - Deadline for completion of negotiations and confirmation to PINs of withdrawal or continuation of the appeal.
 
28 August 2020 - If required: Deadline for submission of:
Any updated evidence, although this must be exceptional;
Intended application for costs.
 
15 September 2020 - If required: Inquiry resumes.

 
15/18, 22-25 September 2020 - If required: Inquiry dates, to include an evening session.

Whilst MPs cannot get involved in the planning process, due to the great concern my constituents have raised about this gasification plant, I have represented the views of my constituents at every opportunity and I oppose this planning application.

You can see more of Sharon Hodgson work on Rolton Kilbride here >>

Further response from Highways England regarding noise levels on the A1(M) at Washington - between junctions 63 to 65 - query raised by constituents.

Sharon Hodgson MP's report - Apr 2020 number 127

Click on the image above to read Sharon Hodgson MP's report - Apr 2020 number 127

DEFRA Response above - click on image to read letter



Highways England update response above - click on image to read letter

Read the Response from Highways England 07/04/2020 here >

Regarding the news that a Nightingale Hospital will be developed at IAMP in Washington, Sharon said:

“The announcement that a temporary hospital will be developed at IAMP truly brings home the scale of the Coronavirus. It is a sobering thought that this facility will be needed and shows just how seriously individuals and businesses must take this issue.

“This dedicated Coronavirus facility will help save lives and will take some of the pressure off local hospitals, such as Sunderland Royal, South Tyneside District Hospital, the QE in Gateshead and Newcastle hospitals, and ensure that local people are cared for locally.

“My thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones, as well as other individuals who have contracted the virus. I pay tribute to all those working in the NHS who are treating and caring for those with Coronavirus. We all have a duty to help prevent the spread of the virus and that is why I urge everyone to stay at home if they are able to.”

ENDS

Sharon Hodgson MP's report - Mar-Apr 2020 number 126

Click on the picture above to read Sharon Hodgson MP's report - Mar-Apr 2020 number 126

Today (Friday 27^th March 2020) Sharon has published an open letter to businesses in Washington and Sunderland West that are still open, despite the Prime Minister’s guidance that people should stay home and only go to work if it is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home.

This comes after many of Sharon’s constituents wrote to her to tell her that, although they were not considered a key worker, their employer was still making them go into work.

Where people are working in essential industries, there are concerns that workers are not always being kept 2 metres apart as per the Government’s guidance.

Sharon urges businesses to seriously consider if their role is contributing to the slowing down the spread of the coronavirus and to put the health of their employees first.

You can view the letter by clicking on the image above.

If any of Sharon’s constituents are concerned about anything, at work or in general, then they are invited to email [email protected] with further details giving their full name and postal address