Monday
In the House of Commons chamber listening to the Prime Minister speak about the Salisbury incident and Russian chemical weapons. Very Sombre mood. Ever since Russia first invaded Ukraine, politicians from all across Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltics have told me how they have felt increasingly at risk from Russian aggression. Must work with our allies. Fascinating meeting with the German ambassador, and late meeting with the new Vice Chancellor of Cambridge University. Very proud that the UK has so many world leading Universities.
Tuesday
I’m on the bill committee looking at the Energy Price Cap Bill. Spend morning listening to energy companies, especially new companies offering better value to customers. Rush to Chamber for Chancellor’s Spring Statement. Good news debt down, employment at record highs and real wages set to rise. Some practical help for small businesses too, especially making it easier for them to take on apprentices – that could help the students I met last week in Chelmsford who want to become electricians! Bill committee continues throughout afternoon. Dinner with Chairman and CEO of HSBC, interesting to hear their views on other parts of the work economy. Late train home working on report on Genomics for Science & Tech committee.
Wednesday
Theresa May back in House of Commons on Russia. Fully support her stern response, expelling Russian diplomats and possible further financial sanctions. Join the debate on EU trade deal. This is important for many jobs in Chelmsford. Many businesses need clarity now, because they operate on a 12 month basis and soon it will be less than a year until exit.
Thursday
Early start, back on the Bill Committee. Line by line going through the proposed law. It will bring in a new price cap for electricity. This is important because some consumers are charged very high rates, but we need competition and investment in infrastructure. So its important that the cap is temporary and during this period there are changes to make switching between providers easier.
Friday
Start the morning visiting Priory hospital in Springfield. Meet some young people with very severe mental health issues. VERY impressed by staff. Long meetings on NHS with head of hospital, GP representatives and neighbouring MPs. Broomfield have had many more patients coming to A&E than in previous years, partly because of the very long winter. The plans for bringing in new specialist services for hyper acute stroke and specialist emergency have received much positive support, funding set to increase by over £300 million and another £118 for hospital infrastructure upgrades. Extremely helpful meeting with police boss about the work they have been doing to tackle drugs gangs – good to hear some positive results. Long and varied constituency surgery.
Delighted to get news I have been awarded an “adjournment debate” next week. I want to raise the case of children with a very rare disease, PKU. It affects 8 year old Cait in Chelmsford. She failed the “heel-prick” test as a baby and cannot eat protein. There is a super drug called Kuvan which they use in many other countries. I want to see if we can get it in the UK. Spend the weekend preparing the case.