Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash On Busy Start

The new MP talks with Local Democracy Reporter Nic Marko on his first few weeks in the role.

Transcript

00:00Here with Jonathan Brash, Hartlepool's new MP. Jonathan, how has it been in the first

00:05few weeks as being MP for the town?

00:07Oh look, it's been a whirlwind. There's a lot to learn about Westminster and the way

00:11that Parliament works and getting a lot of different things sorted, like my office and

00:14everything else. But look, what I'm really proud of is we're getting down to work. We're

00:19already raising issues that are incredibly important to Hartlepool people with ministers.

00:23Things like crime and antisocial behaviour, new jobs, support for our colleges, our public

00:28services. These are things that are important to Hartlepool people. So we've hit the ground

00:31running. We're starting to do the work. We're starting to deliver for Hartlepool people

00:35and that's what I'll continue to do.

00:37What are going to be some of your priorities in the role?

00:39I mean, the biggest thing for me is about bringing new, good, well-paid jobs to Hartlepool.

00:44Look, our heritage is in industry, innovation and skills. And with the Labour government's

00:49King's Speech just this week, we've seen a commitment to a national wealth fund, GB Energy,

00:55a publicly owned energy company. They're going to invest in new industry. I want those

00:59industries coming to Hartlepool. So that's my biggest priority.

01:02Second, look, crime and antisocial behaviour. My inbox has been full this week. People are

01:06really concerned. Issues around the ramp, off-road bikes. I've already started to raise

01:11this with the Home Secretary and the police. We need action because everybody deserves

01:15to feel safe in their own town.

01:18And what are your hopes for the town looking ahead to the next five years and beyond?

01:22Look, I just want to make things better. It's been a really tough 14 years. Our public services

01:27are crumbling. Our town is less safe. Child poverty is on the rise. The cost of living

01:32crisis has really hurt people. I want to look back in five years' time and say, you know

01:37what, things are better. Our public services are stronger. People feel safer in their own

01:42homes. People feel more comfortable being able to pay their bills, have a good job.

01:46Those are the things we've got to change. That's what I'm working for.