Monday
I start the week Interviewing for a new team member as my assistant is getting married and moving away. MPs have a small staff team and I will miss his experience hugely.
MPs are quizzing ministers from the department of Work and Pensions. I tell colleagues about my visit to the work assessment centre at the Chelmsford Job Centre. I ask when equipment will be installed to record assessments as I believe this will help build confidence in the system, especially for those with disabilities.
I join a debate on parliamentary constituency boundaries. We do need a review as some MPs have far fewer constituents than others, which means a person’s vote in some areas is worth less than the same vote in other areas. I’m also keen that we reduce the number of MPs. I ask the House of Commons library for the statistics, we have more MPs per voter than in all other big European countries, reducing the number would save a great deal of money.
I go to the launch of a new think-tank “Onward” and listen to the Scottish politician Ruth Davidson talk. I’m a big fan of her positive approach to politics. It is the first time I’ve seen her since she became pregnant, and she has to cancel the trip she planned to Chelmsford in the autumn. I give her a hug and congratulations, we agree she will visit us next summer instead.
We vote on new rules to help tenants - good news for the millions of renters who will no longer be hit with surprise fees and hidden charges.
Tuesday
In the Science and Tech Select Committee were looking at social media and the impact on health. Two thirds of parents say they are very worried, we take evidence from many experts. It is interesting to hear that the number of young people who are bullied on social media but not face to face is actually very small. However, we hear how on-line bullying has a much more negative impact on the victim. A number of helpful policy suggestions are made to reduce this.
I go to the manufacturers’ association (EEF) for their quarterly meeting about Brexit preparations. We hear from the Car, Food, Tech, Energy and Financial Services sectors. It’s clear that companies will need time to make changes to customs systems, especially those small and medium sized businesses who trade with European counterparts but not in countries further away.
I join a fascinating panel discussion for the New Statesman magazine on the impact of the data protection GDPR rules. I’ve been working on this for many years and it’s good to hear that many local councils are now being able to use data more accurately in order to provide better local services.
Wednesday
Very interesting session with the Women’s and Equalities Committee. We are investigating sexual harassment in the workplace - and what changes Employers have made since #metoo campaign. We hear from Ofsted, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Police, banking regulators and the NHS as well as Save the Children. It’s a very mixed bag, some organisations seem to have stronger support structures to reduce harassment than others.
Excellent meeting! The head teachers of seven of Chelmsford’s secondary schools have come to meet the Education minister. We have a long discussion on the curriculum, support for younger teachers, and exam pressure especially with the new changes to GCSE exams and the impact on mental health. It’s clear that he is listening, and grateful for the suggestions made by the Chelmsford heads. We have excellent schools in Chelmsford and I’m so pleased to have been able to set up this session. I hope it will lead to some really positive actions.
Another meeting about social media - this time looking at impact on serious crime. We are told how social medial platforms are using music to recruit children as young as twelve into drug related gangs. This has even happened in Chelmsford!
Thursday
I join colleagues from the 2017 intake going to meet the PM. I’ve been to Number 10 many times over the past few years but there’s something about knocking the door which always feels so exciting and full of hope. MPs ask questions about the economy, the industrial strategy and the NHS. I tell the PM about our new medical school, the places are now seven times oversubscribed - I ask her if she will come and cut the ribbon when it opens!
I spend most of the day interviewing. I’m so impressed by how many talented people want to come and join the Chelmsford team.
Friday
Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission come to meet me in Chelmsford. They are like Ofsted but for the NHS and care homes. We talk about some of their recent inspections locally. They tell me about support and assistance that they give to organisations that need improvement - it’s clearly very helpful.
I go over to Chelmsford prison to meet the acting governor. I try to keep a close eye on what’s happening as there are lots of new younger prison officers. I’m told about some of the new training that has been happening and that the number of violent assaults has dropped. Good.
I pop up to the BBC in New London Road to answer questions about GDPR on the Daily Politics show.
I join a group of women who have volunteered to arrange a celebration for 100 years of women having the vote. We will have an “Equali-Tea” party on Mrs Pankhurst’s birthday, 15 July at the Chelmsford Museum. Do let me know if you want to come!
I finish the week by joining local councillors Jon DeVries and Michael Holoway. I’ve prepared a short “annual report” on my first year which we deliver together. It’s really good to stop and talk to residents and hear their views. I will be delivering these reports over the next few months, if anyone wants to come and help it would be lovely!