The Government has insisted it is committed to delivering for Echo readers after backing our election manifesto last year.

A year today (July 4) Labour swept to victory in the General Election winning all but one seat in the region.

Ahead of polling day we called on the now-PM Sir Keir Starmer to back our manifesto, to step up and tackle some of the most pressing issues in our region.

They were: To save Hitachi, Tackle knife crime, Reduce child poverty, Launch a public enquiry into the Tees, Esk and Wear Valley Mental Health Trust, Solve the crisis in dental services, Support pupils impacted by the RAAC crisis.

The Prime Minister said he would "deliver for the Echo on day one" as he posed with our manifesto front page.

Rachel Reeves added: “I hope the next Labour Government can make you proud.”

A year on we look back at whether those demands have been answered.

A Government spokesperson said: "We have provided security and stability for hundreds of jobs at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe site and are determined to tackle knife crime and youth violence which has left too many families in the Northeast grieving.

"At the last election a year ago, we promised two million extra appointments in the NHS in the first year of this government and now have delivered four million extra appointments. That’s a promise made and a promise delivered.

"We know it won’t happen overnight, but through our Plan for Change, will deliver security and change for the Northern Echo’s readers".

The rail manufacturer first raised concerns about its looming "production gap" in March 2024 that if not filled, could threaten its future.

Senior politicians including Sir Keir backed our Keep Hitachi on Track campaign, which also formed one of our manifesto demands.

The PM announced a landmark deal worth £500m in December to help secure the factory's future.

........

© The Northern Echo