Neural Newscast | Transcript: Jeane Freeman Dies at 72 as Blyth Plans $10B AI Growth Hub

Jeane Freeman Dies at 72 as Blyth Plans $10B AI Growth Hub

February 7, 2026 / 02:18/E873

Former Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has passed away at age 72, less than four weeks after an unexpected cancer diagnosis. A pivotal figure during the COVID-19 pandemic, Freeman was praised by colleagues including Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney for her courage and commitment to public service. Beyond her health leadership, she was instrumental in designing Scotland's social security system and was awarded an OBE for her work in offender rehabilitation. Meanwhile, in North East England, the town of Blyth is being established as a major AI growth zone. MP Ian Lavery has warned that the region must embrace artificial intelligence or risk being left behind. This transformation is supported by a planned ten-billion-pound data center campus by QTS Data Centres, which is expected to create thousands of jobs. Finally, the financial sector sees a reprieve as tech stocks rally following a three-day period of significant market losses.

[00:00] Marcus Shaw: From Neural Newscast, I'm Marcus Shaw.
[00:02] Margaret Ellis: And I'm Margaret Ellis.
[00:04] Marcus Shaw: Today, Scotland mourns the loss of former health secretary Jean Freeman.
[00:08] Marcus Shaw: We also examine a massive investment in Northeast England.
[00:12] Margaret Ellis: Leaders in Blythe are pushing for a 10 billion pound data centre campus.
[00:17] Margaret Ellis: Meanwhile, tech stocks are finally rebounding after a volatile week of heavy selling.
[00:22] Marcus Shaw: In other news, first today.
[00:24] Marcus Shaw: Former Scottish Health Secretary Jean Freeman has died at the age of 72.
[00:29] Marcus Shaw: Her partner confirmed she passed away into hospital yesterday.
[00:33] Marcus Shaw: Doctors diagnosed her with an unexpected cancer only 25 days ago.
[00:39] Margaret Ellis: Freeman became a central figure during the pandemic response.
[00:43] Margaret Ellis: She served as an MSP from 2016 to 2021.
[00:48] Margaret Ellis: She also led the creation of Scotland's social security system.
[00:53] Marcus Shaw: Turning now to Northeast England,
[00:55] Marcus Shaw: Blythe is preparing for a technological revolution.
[00:58] Marcus Shaw: MP Ian Lavery warns that the region must embrace artificial intelligence.
[01:03] Marcus Shaw: He says failing to do so could leave the community behind.
[01:07] Margaret Ellis: The government recently designated Blythe and Cobalt Park as AI growth zones.
[01:13] Margaret Ellis: This move aims to create thousands of local jobs.
[01:17] Margaret Ellis: Energy Minister Lord Patrick Valance says success requires a robust energy system.
[01:23] Marcus Shaw: American company QTS Data Centers is building a 10 billion pound campus in Cambodos.
[01:30] Marcus Shaw: This project will create 400 permanent jobs.
[01:34] Marcus Shaw: Construction will also support nearly 3,000 workers in the region.
[01:39] Margaret Ellis: Executive Brian Hurleyhy believes the economic benefits will reach far and wide.
[01:44] Margaret Ellis: He says the firm plans to hire and procure locally.
[01:47] Margaret Ellis: This investment could transform the local ecosystem of universities and laboratories.
[01:53] Marcus Shaw: In other news, tech stocks are rallying strongly today.
[01:56] Marcus Shaw: This follows three days of heavy selling across major exchanges.
[02:00] Marcus Shaw: Investors are seeking stability after a period of intense market volatility.
[02:05] Marcus Shaw: In other news, I'm Marcus Shaw.
[02:07] Margaret Ellis: And I'm Margaret Ellis.
[02:09] Marcus Shaw: Neuronewscast is AI-assisted, human-reviewed.
[02:13] Marcus Shaw: View our AI Transparency Policy at neuronewscast.com.

Jeane Freeman Dies at 72 as Blyth Plans $10B AI Growth Hub

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