POWER OUTAGES UPDATE 3:30PM - 30/11/21

We are working flat out to try and help constituents get water and power. There are many still without power across Northumberland from Ponteland to Allendale and many places in between.

I have met with Northern Powergrid today, and have made it clear that power must be restored to homes across Northumberland as soon as possible, particularly where people are vulnerable.

We all accept that there is unprecedented storm damage, and that power reconnection requires specialist electrical engineers, but we need all the emergency services and the local authority as one in fixing these problems.

My team and I are doing everything we can to assist, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you are a constituent.

Northern Powergrid has now agreed to set up a system for me to flag urgent cases with them. I have reported all urgent cases to them, such as where there are vulnerable customers or those in need of medical assistance. If you or someone you know has an urgent issue, please contact me on 0207 219 7227, or on guy.opperman@parliament.uk.

WATER UPDATE: 11.00 - 30/11/21

I was given the following update last night from Northumbrian Water concerning lack of supplies in Slaley and Allendale. If you, or someone you know is yet to have their supply restored then please do get in touch with my office. Email: guy.opperman@parliament.uk, Tel: 020 7219 7113. 

''Operations team have confirmed that supplies in the Slaley and Allendale areas were restored earlier this evening. Some customers living at higher points may still have issues with low pressure while the water levels in the pipes and network are fully restored. Our teams are monitoring the situation across the areas that have been impacted by the storm''.

COVID UPDATE

I am continuing to work with the local authority, Northumbrian Water and Northern Powergrid to restore power and water in response to the devastating impact of Storm Arwen across Tynedale and Ponteland. Please continue to look at my blog and Facebook posts for the most up-to-date information. 

The government have announced a number of measures to combat the new Omicron Variant. The Variant has a number of mutations that have caused concerns amongst scientists. 

From tomorrow (Tuesday 30th November):

• All contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of vaccination status.
• All international arrivals entering the UK must take a Day 2 PCR test & self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
• Face coverings will become compulsory on public transport & shops.

In addition, the government's scientific advisors have recommended the booster jab is extended to ALL adults over 18, three months after their second jab. 

Those aged 12 to 15 in England are to be offered a second dose of a Covid vaccine 12 weeks after their first jab.

The single biggest thing you can do to keep yourself, your family and friends safe is to get boosted.

LINKS:

NHS National Vaccination Booking System - Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Latest Government COVID guidance - Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

POWER CUTS & WATER OUTAGES ACROSS TYNEDALE AND PONTELAND - LATEST EVENING UPDATE

The response to the weekend’s awful weather has continued throughout today. There is a huge amount of damage, but many people are still without electricity or water, and in some cases - both.

Northern Powergrid has confirmed that they are making sure they prioritise the most vulnerable – e.g care homes, hospitals etc. They are also moving teams to assist with repairs from southern areas to Northumberland, as well as receiving support for repairs and call centres from other power companies.

Please keep trying 105 (Northern Powergrid's National Helpline) to flag any issues. I know that many people have been unable to get through, but please keep trying, and flag anything urgent (e.g reliance on medical equipment, or if you are self-isolating).

𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗬 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧

If you or someone you know need urgent assistance or access to water, please contact Northumberland County Council’s emergency line on 0345 600 6400.

𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥

I understand how difficult it is for many local residents given that this is now the third and fourth day of power outages. Although the storm has been extremely bad, I am clear that people should receive clear updates about when they can expect to be reconnected.

Northern Powergrid has said they expect to restore power in many areas by midnight tonight, and remaining areas throughout tomorrow and Wednesday. I will continue to push for updates on this, and will keep you informed.

You can see the expected time for your specific area by clicking here: https://www.northernpowergrid.com/power-cuts

𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥

I have been in contact with Northumbrian Water this afternoon regarding houses which still have no access to water. They have informed me that power outages meant pumping stations were unable to deliver as much water to the areas as is needed. They are working to get extra generators in place in the next few hours and this should see supplies fully restored.

If you experience any further problems, please make sure you report these to Northumbrian Water on 03457171100.

My team and I are here to help and are making representations regarding specific cases. You can contact my office using the details below.

Email: guy.opperman@parliament.uk

Tel: 0207 219 7113

Thank you,

Guy Opperman

 

WATER SUPPLY UPDATE: 16.10 - 29/11/21

I have been alerted that some areas are still affected by a lack of water supply as a result of Storm Arwen. 

If you are facing issues with water supply please make sure you report these to Northumbrian Water as soon as possible on 03457171100.

UPDATE: Northumbrian Water have informed me that power outages meant pumping stations were unable to deliver as much water to the areas as is needed. They are working to get extra generators in place in the next few hours and this should see supplies fully restored.

IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COUNCIL ON STORM ARWEN RESPONSE

Northumberland County Council have given me the following update on their response to Storm Arwen. Please contact me on guy.opperman@parliament.uk or call: 020 7219 7113 with any concerns/ issues you have.

''Teams are continuing to work round the clock to support residents. 

The council is aware of other settlements which have power and water issues and is working closely with the utility companies to try and get services restored as soon as possible. 

 

Additional power staff from elsewhere in the county have been inducted yesterday and working today to boost (Northern Powergrid) NPG resources to repair damage. 

 

All priority roads are being checked and tree safety checks are taking place for all key open spaces. 

 

A multi-agency operations room remains running at West Hartford Fire HQ, involving council, fire and police reps.''

POWER CUTS & WATER OUTAGES ACROSS TYNEDALE AND PONTELAND - IMPORTANT UPDATE

This has been an awful weekend of bad weather across the country, which has caused huge damage to electricity lines and has affected water supplies.

Both myself and my team are in regular contact with Northumberland County Council regarding the restoration of power and water, especially for vulnerable residents. 

If you or someone you know need urgent assistance or access to water, please contact Northumberland County Council’s emergency line on 0345 600 6400.

I know many residents are unable to get in touch with Northern PowerGrid, or access their website due to no electricity. The teams on the ground are doing all they can to restore power to homes and businesses as soon as possible. 

Northern PowerGrid have said they expect to restore power in most areas by midnight tonight. You can see the expected time for your specific area by clicking here: https://www.northernpowergrid.com/power-cuts

However, there are a small number of areas where Northern PowerGrid are still assessing how long repairs will take. I am staying in contact with Northern PowerGrid regarding this, and have stressed the vital importance of reconnecting lines, given that electricity has now been off in many areas for more than two days. 

Over the weekend some people also experienced issues with water supplies in the Slaley and Allendale areas. Northumbrian Water have assured me that this has now been restored. If you experience any further problems, please make sure you report these to Northumbrian Water on 03457171100. 

My team and I are here to help, you can contact my office in the following ways: 

Email: guy.opperman@parliament.uk

Tel: 0207 219 7113

Thank you,

Guy Opperman

Climate Superheroes visit Parliament

Today, I had the pleasure of hosting children from Wark Primary School at the House of Commons. 

The children won the NFU’s ‘Farmvention: Climate Superheroes’ competition. The Climate Superheroes from Wark worked so hard to invent an amazing sensor sprinkler to do their bit to tackle climate change. Next stop: Dragon’s Den!

I had also had the opportunity to talk to their teachers, Miss McKay and Miss Wright about the amazing things the children have been learning on the environment and climate change.

During their tour of Parliament, the children also bumped into House of Commons Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle!

Huge thanks to the National Farmers Union and Minette Batters for organising such a fantastic event!

Come forward for your COVID booster jab

The NHS National Booking Service for COVID vaccinations has opened to people aged 40 to 49 for their booster jab, and young people aged 16 to 17 for their second jab.

Booster jabs and second doses will protect the progress the government has already made through the vaccination programme, ensuring Christmas can be enjoyed safely. People are encouraged to come forward for their jabs as soon as they are eligible to get the best possible protection ahead of winter.

Findings show that 2 weeks after receiving a booster dose, protection against symptomatic infection in adults aged 50 years and over was 93.1% in those with Oxford/AstraZeneca as their primary vaccine and 94.0% for Pfizer-BioNTech.

I’ve already had my booster jab. I am incredibly proud of our local NHS who have achieved very high vaccination rates across Tynedale and Ponteland.

However, COVID has not gone away, and the booster programme will ensure that those who are the most vulnerable in our community receive the maximum protection from the virus.

Please come forward for your booster vaccine and flu jab, it will help protect yourself and your loved ones.

For more information please visit the NHS website online HERE.

Hexham the happiest place to live in Britain!

Hexham has once again been rated the happiest place to live in Britain!

Rightmove’s ‘The Happy at Home Index’ asked more than 21,000 people across Britain how they feel about various aspects of where they live - including friendliness and "community spirit".

The firm asked people a range of questions about where they live, from the friendliness of the locals through to what their area has to offer.

From our brilliant schools, to our stunning Abbey and excellent Farmers Market - it’s no surprise that Hexham has once again been rated the happiest place to live!

Our town is a gateway to Hadrian’s Wall and the Northumberland National Park. It’s the perfect mix of town and countryside. If you don’t live here, I urge you to visit and see what we have to offer.

 

 

COP26 in Glasgow has been a success, but further global action is needed

It’s hard to believe that 125 weeks ago, I signed Net Zero into law when the UK became the first G7 country to commit. If you told me then that by COP26 over 90% of countries would commit to Net Zero, I wouldn’t have believed you.

Net Zero means balancing out remaining greenhouse gas emissions with other actions. Some sectors are expected to still be releasing greenhouse gases in 2050. To offset them, emitters count on projects that cut emissions elsewhere or on using natural solutions or technology to stop emissions reaching the atmosphere.

COP26, the UN Climate Summit recently held in Glasgow, has undoubtably been a success. The Glasgow Climate Pact included the first ever global commitment to limit coal use, increased financial help for developing countries and committed to emissions-cutting plans at COP27 to keep the 1.5C target agreed in the Paris Agreement.

However, there is much more that needs to be done.  

Clearly, tangible progress has been made, but the highest emitters need to be held accountable for their actions. A US-China agreement to co-operate on climate issues showed the highest emitting countries are willing to come to the negotiating table and play their part.

I campaigned to oppose the Whittonstall and Halton Lea Gate open cast coal mines. I am also strongly opposed to the plans of a new open cast mine at Dewley Hill, near Heddon on the Wall, which in my view is a climate change disaster waiting to happen. 

Nationally, as the government’s Pensions Minister, I guided the landmark Pension Schemes Act through Parliament in October 2020, ensuring that UK pension schemes take due account of climate change in their investment practices.

Northumberland is the greenest county of them all. A recent report showed our county has seen the largest drop in per-person carbon emissions between 2005 and 2019 in England – an 83% drop.

Northumberland was one of the first counties to declare a climate emergency, and the County Council has set out an ambitious target of hitting carbon neutrality by 2030. New green technologies are coming - whether its Egger transforming its operations in Hexham, or BritishVolt opening their gigafactory in Blyth.

Through the government’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, the UK is taking firm action to reduce our carbon emissions. As President Joe Biden’s Climate Envoy, John Kerry said the ‘’starting pistol’’ has now been fired towards proper global action, and I will continue to support action to tackle climate change to ensure that our planet and future generations are protected.

Booster jabs added to COVID pass on NHS app for international travel

From today, booster jabs will be added to the COVID pass on your NHS app for international travel.   This will enable travel to countries who have introduced a time limit for the vaccine to be valid for quarantine-free entry.  

13 million people across the UK have now received a booster jab, and the government are expanding the programme to include everyone aged 40 and above.

The third jab boosts weakening immunity back up to over 90% – it's vital you come forward for yours as soon as you are eligible.

Find out more: http://gov.uk/guidance/nhs-covid-pass

Welcome investment into Motor Neurone Disease research

 I am delighted that Motor Neurone Disease will receive a boost in research funding.

£50m will be made available specifically for research to help find a cure for the life-limiting condition as part of a £375 million investment into neurodegenerative diseases.

It is hoped this commitment will also improve understanding and treatment of diseases such as Pick’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment. 

I am delighted the government has made this vital funding available following a brilliant campaign by multiple MND charities and sufferers such as Doddie Weir, and Rob Burrow.

We have all seen the devastating impact MND can have on people’s lives, and this funding will go a long way towards researching a cure for this awful disease. 

Journey times will be cut in transformation of our rail services

The government has announced plans for a £96 billion transformation of our rail services - the biggest ever investment - and its good news for the North East.

 

In recent years, there has been a lot of concern - especially in our region - that plans in place to deliver upgrades via HS2 would take decades for us to see the benefits.

 

We need better rail travel as soon as possible, and that’s why the plans announced this week are so important. The investment will means quicker, more reliable and greener rail travel from the North East to the rest of the country.

 

Journey times on the East Coast Mainline will be cut significantly thanks to the upgrades:

 

Newcastle to London will be 21 minutes quicker

 

Newcastle to Manchester will be 22 minutes quicker

 

Newcastle to Birmingham will be 30 minutes quicker.

 

This builds on recent investment in rail travel between Newcastle and Carlisle. New trains are now running across the Tyne Valley, with better seating, free WiFi, and USB charging. And of course, I’ll keep fighting for investment in our local lines - including Gilsland, which I want to see finally reopened!

 

Connectivity is absolutely essential to levelling up. This investment will cut journey times and improve reliability.

 

Good news for Tynedale and Ponteland.

Some festive dates across Tynedale for your diary!

Friday 19th November - Lantern Parade

Through the centre of Hexham - meet outside Molly Moos at 6pm

Friday 19^th November and Saturday 20^th November -Christmas Fayre, Wheelbirks Parlour

Friday, November 19 10am-7.30pm and Saturday, November 20 10am-4.30pm. Between 4.30pm -7.30pm on Friday, November 19 you can enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a freshly baked mince pie.

Saturday 20^th November and Sunday 21^st November - Northumberland National Park Christmas Fair

Saturday, November 20 and Sunday, November 21. From 10am to 4pm both days.

Held at The Sill, the market will host over 20 local stallholders, including Twice Brewed, Hadrian’s Larder and Handmade by Lolla Mac, Canny Candy Gadgie, and Northumbrian Pantry.

Friday 26th November - Christmas Lights Switch-On 

Abbey Grounds, Abbey flagstones and Market Place - Meet at the bandstand at 4.15pm

Friday 26th November - Late Night Shopping Evening

Throughout Hexham - until 8pm

Saturday 27th November - Bridge End Christmas Fair & Wood-Firing

Bridge End House (park at Starbucks/BP Garage) 2pm to 9pm

Saturday 27th November and Saturday 18th December - Hexham Farmers' Markets - both between 9am and 1.30pm in the Market Place and around Hexham Abbey.

Saturday 27th November - Christmas Market at Hexham Abbey -  Indoor Market At Hexham Abbey. 11am-3pm

Sunday 28th November - Advent Candle-lit Procession

Hexham Abbey - 6.30pm

Saturday 4^th December - Christmas Market Wylam Institute

10am-2pm

There will be handmade gifts suitable for all ages available, along with the chance to enjoy a cuppa and a homemade cake in the café.

Saturday 11th December - Hexham Christmas Market, Abbey Christmas Fair and Farmers' Market

Hexham Abbey Grounds, Abbey flagstones and Market Place - 10am to 3pm

Saturday 11th December - Hexham Community Centre candlelit Christmas concert by HASS, seasonal favourites, festive graze boards & mulled wine.

7:30pm start - tickets £13 with all proceeds funding community Luncheon club & Christmas Lunch.

 

Wednesday 22 December, 6pm and 8pm & Thursday 23 December, 6pm and 8pm - Carols by Candlelight

Hexham Abbey - tickets required.

 

Christmas Day Saturday 25th December, 11:30 - 3pm

Community Centre Christmas lunch - traditional Christmas meal carols & festivities (booking essential - contact 01434 602707)

No charge, fully funded & paid for by local businesses

 

Please sign the petition to stop Lloyds in Ponteland closing!

I was completely taken aback when I received news of Lloyds’s unilateral decision to close their Ponteland branch.

The horse has bolted! Lloyds is the last branch in the village, and I am extremely disappointed that they haven’t been able to come up with an alternative option that would safeguard access to cash and retain physical banking in the community.  

Lloyds have said that customers can use the branch in Newburn, but residents have said this is over an hour away by public transport.

I have backed a petition set up by local Ponteland resident, Christine Caisley to stop the proposed closure of Lloyds in Ponteland.  Please support Christine’s petition – we must save this branch!

Residents can add their name to Christine Caisley’s petition at: https://chng.it/6rVqsVjm 

Sign up to my Christmas card competition!

I am very pleased to once again be launching my Christmas card competition. Past competition winners were excellent, and I am expecting high quality festive entries this year!

The 2021 Christmas card competition is for the first time ever open to all primary-school age children in the Hexham constituency, from Years 1-6.

The winning design will be turned into my constituency Christmas card, which will be presented directly to the Prime Minister and sent to other members of the Cabinet, local businesses and residents.

The deadline for entries is Friday 19th November.

Full competition guidelines can be found by clicking HERE.

Urging global action at COP26

The UK hosts COP26 between 31^st October and 13^th November. The summit is seen as a significant moment as the world comes together to address the imminent threat of climate change.

Since being elected in 2010, I have been a vocal campaigner in tackling climate change both nationally and locally. my campaign opposing Whittonstall and Halton Lea Gate open cast coal mines in my constituency. I was also strongly opposed to the plans of a new open cast mine at Dewley Hill, describing the plans at the time as a complete climate change disaster waiting to happen. 

L-R: Jos Forester-Melville, Eileen Killen, and my constituent Helen Crowe at Dewley Hill in 2019

Nationally, as the UK’s Pensions Minister, I guided the landmark Pension Schemes Act through Parliament in October 2020, ensuring that UK pension schemes take due account of climate change in their investment practices.

A video explaining the Pension Schemes Act

Conservative-run Northumberland County Council were one of the first local authorities to announce a ‘climate emergency’ and have an ambitious target of hitting carbon neutrality by 2030.

In the biggest step forward in protecting the world’s forests in a generation, more than 100 leaders have committed to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030 at an event convened by the Prime Minister at COP26 this week. The pledge is backed by almost £14 billion ($19.2 billion) in public and private funding

As the first major economy to commit in law to net zero by 2050 and hosts of the historic UN COP26 climate summit, the UK is leading international efforts and setting the bar for countries around the world to follow.

In the biggest step forward in protecting the world’s forests in a generation, more than 100 leaders have committed to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030 at an event convened by the Prime Minister at COP26 this week. The pledge is backed by almost £14 billion ($19.2 billion) in public and private funding.

Through our 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution, the UK is taking firm action to reduce our carbon emissions. However, globally, more must be done. I hope leaders from around the world will come to COP26 ready to agree a clear plan to reduce carbon emissions and protect our planet for future generations to come.

First pill to treat Covid gets approval in UK

I was delighted to hear the news today that the first pill designed to treat symptomatic Covid has been approved by the UK medicines regulator.

The tablet - molnupiravir - will be given twice a day to vulnerable patients recently diagnosed with the disease.

In clinical trials the pill, originally developed to treat flu, cut the risk of hospitalisation or death by about half.

Molnupiravir, developed by the US drug company Merck (known as MSD in the UK), is the first dedicated oral antiviral medication for Covid.

The pill is designed to introduce errors into the genetic code of the virus, preventing it from spreading in the body.

It works by targeting an enzyme the virus uses to make copies of itself.

Merck have said that should make it equally effective against new variants of the virus as it evolves in the future.

In clinical trials on 775 patients in the study found:

• 7.3% of those given molnupiravir were hospitalised.
• that compares with 14.1% of patients who were given a placebo or dummy pill.
• there were no deaths in the molnupiravir group, but eight patients who were given a placebo in the trial later died of Covid.

Trial results suggest molnupiravir needs to be taken early after symptoms develop to have an effect.

Merck is the first company to report trial results of a pill to treat Covid, but other companies are working on similar treatments. 

UPDATE: Pfizer have announced their anti-viral treatment cuts hospitalisation rates by 89% in clinical trials.

Hundreds turn out for the annual Tynedale Jobs Fair

I recently hosted the Tynedale Jobs Fair after a years absence because of the pandemic. It was attended by over 75 employers from across the North East and attended by hundreds of people from across the region.

Hundreds of jobs were on offer from local and national employers, such as Britishvolt, Nissan, Network Rail, Aldi and McDonalds.  For the first time ever, this year’s event featured a Kickstart zone, promoting the Government’s Kickstart Scheme which helps to pay the wages for 16–24-year-olds currently on Universal Credit. Under the terms of the scheme, the Government helps employers by paying minimum wage for 25 hours a week to Kickstart candidates, as well as paying other costs such as National Insurance and pension contributions.  Placements last for six months and applicants must be aged between 16 and 24 and receiving Universal Credit when they apply. 

A big thank you must go to my own team, Chris Howard and the staff at Hexham Jobcentre Plus, our sponsors Essity, and more than 70 local employers who showcased the hundreds of jobs on offer.

As we build back better from the pandemic, jobs must be our focus, and the event showcased the huge range of opportunities available.