THE constituency's MP visited a working farm to discuss the issues they face in the Allen Valleys.

This week, Joe Morris, Hexham MP, visited a first school and a farm to discuss the issues facing schools and the farming industry.

He said: "This past week has been about reaching out to the people and organisations at the heart of our constituency. Last Friday (September 13) I had the pleasure of visiting Acomb First School and meeting the talented young people and dedicated staff hard at work. It was incredibly helpful to discuss the challenges facing our schools, our teachers and our young people ahead of Parliament returning in a few weeks.

"After raising the issue of SEND provision in Parliament to Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, just two weeks ago, I hope to secure a future meeting with the Minister to discuss potential improvements in access to SEND provisions, particularly in communities where resources are often stretched thin.

"This Monday (September 16) I was invited to join three local farmers at Glen Hill Farm to discuss the challenges that hill farmers are facing in the Allen Valleys. The message from our farmers is clear, contrary to remarks from our previous Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, farming isn’t just a hobby; it’s a business and a way of life that must remain economically viable for the long term.

"We also discussed sustainable farming practices and I look forward to continuing to work with them to ensure that regulations serve both the land and the farmers who work it. It’s because of our farming industry that our area has attracted tourists in the past, and that will continue to be true in the future. While the previous government let farmers down and shut out their voices, as long as I am the MP for this constituency, I will speak up for all local businesses.

"This week we have continued to make strides as a new government with junior doctors voting to accept a government pay deal, marking the end of the longest industrial dispute in the NHS’s history - a strike that has cost the taxpayer £1.7bn and caused misery in missed appointments and lengthened waiting lists.

"The pay deal will see the starting salary for a junior doctor increasing to £36,000 after 14 years of real-terms pay cuts under the Tories. The most recent bout of industrial action taken by junior doctors lasted six days and affected more than 61,000 appointments, this resolution is the first step in resetting the relationship between the government and healthcare professionals in turn working to get the NHS back on its feet and reduce waiting times.

"In the past week, we also introduced the new Renters Bill - a major victory for renters, including those in our constituency, who have been left powerless for too long. The bill includes an outright ban on no-fault evictions, helping to address tenant fears of retaliatory evictions when reporting dodgy landlords and poor living conditions.

"The proposed legislation will also put a stop to in-tenancy rent increases and introduce the Decent Homes Standard, finally putting an end to bidding wars and black mould which have plagued the rental sector for too long. While I know that most landlords carry out their work professionally and to high standards, this bill will help to stamp out the few who take advantage of vulnerable renters.

"The Government has also made serious advancements in border security, announcing a £75m increase in investment for the Border Security Command. New technology, increased covert powers and additional border security officers will be funded through this investment.

"This autumn the Government plans to begin to dismantle the criminal gangs responsible for people smuggling and crack down on businesses that illegally employ migrants. I am confident that this major overhaul will see us put an end to the people smuggling gangs that fuel this epidemic and undermine public confidence in our institutions."