A week in the life of
Monday
Start the week with debate on the “Customs Bill” which will mean UK can introduce new Customs checks at ports & airports post Brexit. The trading standards teams at our ports do really important work to stop trade in dangerous goods (fake medicines, dodgy electrical products etc) and I want to make sure we keep up the good cooperation with other countries on this.
Meet the fab tech company “Yoti” they provide secure digital ID and it’s very popular. Great news is they are based in Chelmsford!
Tuesday
Long day & late night after 8 hours discussing EU Withdrawal Bill and fundamental rights. Lots of high level legal debate - complex stuff but really important.
Wednesday
My first Budget day, up early to join the 7.30 am queue for a seat. I’m surprised but so pleased to get a call before the speech starts tipping me off that the Budget will include new measures to help those on Universal Credit with their rent. It’s a request I made back in September after discussion with housing experts in Chelmsford. Thank you!
Very pleased by the Budget plans to invest in research, infrastructure and skills - and especially in maths teaching. A big cheer from MPs when they hear the announcement that stamp duty is to be cancelled for first time buyers - it will make a big difference to many in Chelmsford.
Across the road from Westminster there’s the annual meeting of scientists involved in Quantum technologies. Teledyne e2v are show of their latest plans for “Gravity Sensing” - this will mean we can look under the Earth’s surface from space to detect minerals and predict earthquakes and volcanic activity. Very clever.
Thursday
Great day - the defence minister comes to Great Baddow to meet the engineers at BAE systems. I’m so impressed by their inventions and it’s great to see them showcase their work.
Friday
Interesting trip to the Water Recycling Center to learn what happens after we flush! Anglian Water are investing £6 million in the Chelmsford plant to make sure it can service all the new homes planned and for huge improves in Recycling. Did you know the East of England has lower rainfall than Jerusalem? Wow
Lovely visit to the DPD depot to meet the crews who will deliver 10,000 packages a day across Essex - they are gearing up for the Christmas rush.
Week finishes with a busy Surgery - it’s good to help.