Today (12 July 2024) Luke travelled to Newton Aycliffe to visit Hitachi Rail.

He heard from Jamie, an engineer from Hemlington, about the importance of the plant for good-quality local jobs and national infrastructure.

Luke said: “I believe this site is critically important for local jobs, and I am concerned by the gap in the order books left by the previous government.

“I will be working with other Labour MPs from around the region to discuss this with the new Labour Transport Secretary – so we can explore all available options to safeguard the future of these jobs.”