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County Durham: Cultural Opportunities
20 January 2026
Lead MP
Mary Kelly Foy
City of Durham
Lab
Responding Minister
Sir Nicholas Dakin
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Word Count: 3720
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Mary Kelly Foy raised concerns about county durham: cultural opportunities in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The debate calls for government support to preserve cultural heritage, attract tourism, and encourage investment in County Durham’s culture and history.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Culture in County Durham is a vital part of the community's history, identity and future. It has faced challenges such as the closure of Lumiere and Rocking Horse rehearsal rooms, which have impacted local arts and music communities.
Alan Strickland
Lab
Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor
Suggested continuing to celebrate the history of the Stockton and Darlington railway to attract tourism and investment.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked if fully funding tourism and investment would preserve the past and provide a future for people in Durham.
My hon. Friend the Member for Bishop Auckland
Sam Rushworth
Raised concerns about the closure of community spaces and future of local celebrations, highlighting the importance of local government in supporting culture.
Emphasised that culture brings communities together, not divides them.
My hon. Friends the Members for Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor
Alan Strickland
Discussed the heritage railway route, Stockton and Darlington railway, advocating for its potential world heritage status.
Sam Rushworth
Lab
Bishop Auckland
Discussed the cultural significance of Shildon being the world’s first commercial railway station and encouraged more recognition for it. Also, supported Bishop Auckland’s bid to be a town of culture.
Government Response
Sir Nicholas Dakin
The Vice-Chamberlain of His Majesty’s Household
Government Response
The Government are backing the vision for investment in grassroots arts with more than just warm words. Last year, we announced the £270 million Arts Everywhere fund to support our venues, museums and libraries. In County Durham, ACE has invested almost £2.5 million since 2023. Acknowledged concerns about local bands lacking rehearsal space and invested £30 million to support the grassroots music sector. Announced up to £20 million each for neighbourhoods through Pride in Place programme and £125,000 to County Durham’s town of culture bid runner-up. Emphasised investment at every level from emergency repairs to leisure activities.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.