Monday
Very pleased to have a new member of my office team starting today. MPs have very small teams, so it’s great to have the extra pair of hands. Very serious mood in Westminster as Prime Minister is due to give a statement to Parliament about the missile attacks that took place in Syria. I join colleagues listening to Home Secretary taking questions on Windrush Generation – this should never have happened and I’m pleased to hear her apologise and announce a new team to help resolve cases quickly. Parliament benches are packed when the Prime Minister arrives. I’m struck by the detailed information that she gives on the chemical weapons targets. She explains that the targets needed to be kept confidential otherwise British forces could have been at risk. She takes questions from colleagues for over 3 hours, and then a formal debate. It’s the first time that military action has been debated since I was elected and I listen to the whole discussion. It is after 11 pm when we finally vote, I look across to the opposition benches and realise most of them have packed off home to bed.
Tuesday
Day starts with Science and Tech select committee. We are doing a study into early years, and whether local support services for young children and families do make a long term difference. We hear from experts from London and Manchester – very good to hear them say the services in Essex are amongst the best in the country. Next to the parliament chamber where MPs are quizzing the Chancellor and Treasury ministers, there is a positive mood. I’ve been watching the economic data, the pound has strengthened following the good news that unemployment remains low and wages are improving.
The afternoon brings another debate on Syria, this time because Jeremy Corbyn is asking for a new “War Powers Act”. It is difficult as no one wants to have to take military action but I can’t see how a War Powers Act would help, as I can see that the Government needs to be able to take action fast when necessary. Interesting to hear many voices across the chamber saying this too. Go back to the office to catch up on other work, and regret missing the debate on Anti-Semitism. Catch up later on some very moving speeches.
Very, very late night preparing my speech for the debate on the Industrial strategy tomorrow, it’s a really important piece of government policy. I want to make some key points especially on science, research access to new medicines and the space industry.
Wednesday
Early start the day having Breakfast with the Internet Watch Foundation launching their annual report. They fight child sexual abuse online. We learn that last year they removed 78,000 images from the internet. I’ve supported them for many years and its good to know they are the world leaders, helping to keep children safer. Womens and Equalities select committee, then to chamber for International Development questions, I ask the team to spend more of our aid budget on clearing up plastic waste. Intense PMQs session - Prime Minister welcoming Leaders of Commonwealth countries, resolving Windrush cases and taking actions on Chemical weapons. Debate on equal pay – I'm impressed to learn we are in the best countries in the world for this, but always more to do. Lunch with film and music companies discussing copyright. Host a meeting on the “Dark Net” and cyber crime, before going to speak on the Industrial Strategy. Fascinating debate and very glad that some of my points on science and research have been on board by the ministers. Finally leave the office after 8pm.
Thursday
Excellent morning, good to get out of Westminster and join colleagues in the sunshine talking to voters in Chigwell where have local elections. Its always good to hear what different people have to say! Back into Westminster to catch up with paperwork and meetings. Three tricky constituent cases need help. Excellent evening in Chelmsford with the Pheonix Rotary group. Very impressed by the number of different organisations that they support – do check out their charity “Porridge and Pens” you can find them on Facebook.
Friday
Chelmsford day, start with a good catch up with the Citizens Advice Bureau. They are doing some excellent work and its good to hear how their new law clinic is going. They are planning a “reduced fee” legal service which will be great too. Off to Barclays who have brought together a local group of small and mediums sized businesses for a round table. Fascinating session, so many things going on. Off to a catch up with the City Council. They tell me their exciting plans for the development of the riverside, which will included new routes. This might be really helpful for finding solutions to the Baddow Road issue, as clearly the Busgate proposed by the County council need rethinking. Helpful update on the work they are doing to combat homelessness as well. Week ends with three lovely emails from the constituents we have helped yesterday. Good to know we can makes a difference.
Saturday
Glorious day, opening match of the season at the County Cricket ground and my first as a new member. Lovely to meet so many new people, enjoy the sun and watch a first class game of cricket. Strongly recommended!