“I am deeply saddened that the Strategic Review of Newton Rigg College has not been able to approve any of the bids that came forward. I have met with the Education Secretary this week to discuss the College and last night met with the Further Education Commissioner’s Office about the Review outcome. I will be meeting with the Further Education Minister later today and will be working tirelessly with Government and stakeholders to try to secure a viable future for the delivery of Land-based Education from the Newton Rigg Campus.

I will not give up on trying to find an alternative solution for this campus. And I will keep making sure that Government  hears loud and clear how important Newton Rigg is to our community, the rural economy, and the wider UK. 

I will not give up. We will not give up. Penrith needs Newton Rigg. Cumbria needs Newton Rigg. The UK needs Newton Rigg.”