Tories have done more for the north east in less than a year than Tony Blair and all his north east ministers, including Alan Milburn, did in 10 years

What fantastic news about the Hitachi IEP programme and the support from the Conservatives, not withstanding the Local tories lobbying of Ministers.

What a pity that the Labour rag Northern Echo will spin as a victory for labour MPs.  Interesting to note though that the Tories have done more for the north east in less than a year than Tony Blair and all his north east ministers, including Alan Milburn, did in 10 years!

Seriously how could someone who doesn't know his Bi-Modes from his Duel Voltage possibly have held any sway in getting this project this far.

I have to say I also do not recall the Labour cling-ons shouting when Lord Adonis did NOT sign the contract with agility just before the Election one prospective MP and one MP kept very quiet at that point didn't they.

Well done to Local Tories for the persistence and showing the way forward for Darlington, by bringing back manufacturing, but not just any manufacturing but trains, back to where it all began.