During a debate on accountability and scrutiny of Teesworks called by Labour today (Wednesday 7 June), Matt Vickers spoke in defence of Teesside.
The debate was held in the House of Commons, and addressed the ongoing claims of corruption and wrongdoing across Teesworks.
These claims were made by Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesborough, under parliamentary privilege, and have not been repeated outside the Commons chamber, preventing him from any liability in the courts.
Speaking after the debate, Matt Vickers MP said: “As I outlined in my speech, Teesworks is one of, if not the, largest levelling up project in the country. It’s tasked with putting Teesside back on the map.
“We’ve had huge infrastructural investment from the Government, with Teesside Airport in my patch, railway upgrades and investment in High Streets and Town Centres across the area. All of which are helping put teesside on the map and improve local people’s quality of life.
“Teesworks is the final piece in Teessides levelling up puzzle. To bring in 24,000 new jobs, new revenue and a Teesworks training academy would bring security for our young people and economic opportunity across Teesside for generations to come.
“Comments from the opposition have real weight, especially when they make such negative and seemingly baseless accusations. They are determined to drag the area down – but I, alongside my Conservative neighbours, will not allow it.”
In the debates closing statement it was agreed that the seriousness of claims could damage public trust and hence it is important they are investigated, and the panel on the board for the review were announced.
