PROMOTING local aerospace and defence jobs is one of my key priorities.
To that end, I was honoured to welcome Rishi Sunak to the Rolls-Royce facility in Filton.
The Prime Minister opened Future Works, which showcases the future of the aerospace sector including exciting, world-leading technologies, such as the Tempest fighter jet project and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
We also had the privilege of meeting some amazing apprentices, who are inspirational role models for the next generation of engineers and scientists.
Also this month, I visited the team at MBDA. I was particularly impressed by MBDA’s commitment to investing £500 million in the UK over the next five years, really affirming their dedication to innovation.
Minister for Decarbonisation and Technology Anthony Browne and I paid a visit to GKN Aerospace where we were particularly impressed by their new collaborations with Vertical Aerospace in building the second prototype of the VX4 aircraft. I was also delighted to attend the opening of Rheinmetall’s new office in Aztec West.
In addition to promoting jobs with large aerospace and defence companies, entrepreneurialism and the growth of small businesses into larger ones is critical for Britain’s future.
That’s why I was so pleased to visit local engineers Ricky Baines and Lee Tustain at Drone Forge, which makes small drones. Investment in this innovative sector is ensuring that cutting-edge technology being produced in the United Kingdom is keeping us safe and providing jobs and apprenticeship opportunities for the long term.
Ensuring that the M49 junction is finished is a priority. I was keen to point this out to Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper on his visit to the junction, which followed our visit to the DHL facility in Bradley Stoke.
I recently visited Little Stoke Community Café, where their staff are getting on with business as usual with their signature friendly service!
Following my recent visit to Almondsbury Church of England Primary School, I was delighted to welcome some of their pupils and staff to Parliament.
They all had a tour of Parliament, and then a session in the Parliamentary Education Centre where they learned more about how our democracy works.
In Filton, I attended the Spring Fair at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church and, with the hard work of so many volunteers like Susan Isherwood and Monique Levont, they were able to raise money for BRACE Alzheimer’s Research – a local charity based in Southmead which supports those who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
I have also recently met with volunteers Roland Coldrick and Peter Davis from the Bristol Rapid Relief Team UK at my office in Bradley Stoke. Giving food to those in need is at the heart of what this charity is about.
I have also met with Iris Hammond, who has participated in a run from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise approximately £40,000 for the Down’s Syndrome Association.