My contribution from the recent end-of-day adjournment debate on Government Support for the Coalfield Regeneration Trust (CRT).

Set up under the previous Labour government by the direction of the late John Prescott, the CRT carries out invaluable work across the former coalfields to help tackle challenges unique to our communities. In East Durham, they work with 54 grassroots organisations, tackling health, skills, and employment challenges in some of the most deprived areas.

I, along with Labour coalfield MPs, are calling for the UK government to reinstate funding which was ended by the Tories in 2015, whilst the Scottish and Welsh governments still invest in the CRT to this day. This initiative is widely supported, with almost 50 MPs signing EDM 965 in my name backing this modest but vital investment.

One superb example of the CRT’s impact in my constituency is the CRT Horden-Hub House on Seventh Street. Opened in 2017, this converted end-terrace has become a vital community asset. It provides a safe, welcoming space for residents, local groups, and partner organisations to come together and deliver services and support.