Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham, has today spoken in the House of Commons in Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Questions. You can watch him speak here.
Security Print Solutions (SPS) are based in Consett, North West Durham, and currently have a long-standing contract with the Egyptian Government, manufacturing tax and revenue stamps to aid the Egyptian Government recover tax revenue that is lost to the illegal tobacco trade. SPS offers technologies to protect supply chains which can help Governments to stop counterfeit products entering a market and prevent tax evasion.
In a question to James Cleverly MP, the Minister of State (Minister for Middle East and North Africa), Richard raised the work that SPS does and stated that Egypt is now in the process of developing its own facilities to clamp down on illicit trading. Richard asked the Minister if he would work with Ministers at the Department for International Trade, and whether he would help SPS fight for an interim contract, as well as looking for other long-term opportunities.
Responding, the Minister offered to meet directly with Richard to discuss the case and see what work can be done.
Commenting, Richard said
“Not only do Security Print Solutions do really important and international work, but they help our local area by ensuring good jobs are being provided. Local companies like SPS are so important for our economy and it is imperative that they are given the help they need and deserve to ensure they have long-term opportunities.
“I will always do all I can to help both businesses and individuals in my constituency, and I am looking forward to meeting with the Minister to discuss what work we can do in this area to ensure that Security Print Solutions get the deserved outcome. I want to thank the Minister for offering to meet with me.”
To hear more about the work that Richard is doing for North West Durham, you can sign up here or input your details in the form on this page.