Before the pandemic they needed investment and for inequalities to tackled to rebuild the resilience that was lost over decades.

That challenge has now become more difficult, but even more important.

A return to austerity will not be the answer.

To tackle the significant social, economic and health challenges facing coalfield communities, transformational investment is required to address these inequalities and create the better future that our communities deserve.

I attended a meeting of the Coalfield Regeneration Trust to discuss the effect that the pandemic has had and the need to continue our fight for an economic recovery which tackles inequality and delivers for our coalfield communities.

We cannot afford to once again be pushed to the back of the queue by government. I can assure you that I will be fighting to ensure that we are not.

You can find out more about the Trust and their latest research at their website: https://www.coalfields-regen.org.uk.