Monday
Lots of Chelmsford people work in financial services, so I start the week with back to back meetings discussing services, trade and priorities for the EU negotiations. House of Commons chamber is packed for questions to the ministers negotiating Brexit. Good catch-up with other women MPs on the plans to celebrate 100 years of since women got the vote.
Tuesday
Science committee, Sky TV debate then supporting British Legion’s Poppy campaign for veterans to register on census. Great to meet representatives from Space Sector including those form Chelsmford. Very chuffed that many MPS turn up to the meeting I have arranged for #GiveUpPlasticsForLent. Interesting discussion with GPs and specialists on building GP surgeries – big issue in areas like Chelmsford. End the day by going to listen to the late night debate happening in the House of Lords – what a beautiful place, and really impressive speeches too.
Wednesday
Excellent start to the day – part of a small committee looking at new laws on Litter. From April 1 if you throw litter from your car window you may be fined up to £100- Be warned! At Prime Ministers Questions I ask about helping people to buy their own home – good news that there are more first time buyers than any time in past decade. Meet a group from Boswells school (impressive) before yet more Brexit questions … then to Number 10 for a meeting with other policy committee chairs. Lots of votes on plans to restore parliament. End the day at the 100 birthday of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
Thursday
This year its 100 years since women got the vote – its also the year of engineering. So I meet the Institute for Engineering and Technology to discuss ideas for encouraging women in Engineering. Exciting ideas for competitions and mentoring. I pop into Chamber to listen to debate on Hospital Car Parking – lots of people have written to me about this. Its important to get this right – and that patient budgets don’t have to pick up the cost of running car parks. Day ends with a late debate for ITV.
Friday
Packed and busy surgery in Chelmsford – So many different issues, but good to know some of the issues get sorted. End the week with a long BBC interview for their Sunday shows. Busy week!