Monday
Start the week meeting the leader of the “50:50 Parliament” organisation which campaigns for equal numbers of men and women in politics. We are planning a big event on the 21st November when it will be 100 years since women won the right to stand for parliament. The event is to encourage more women to stand as candidates in elections.
Fascinating coffee with new Head of BBC World Service. He tells me about the key role they play in countering “fake news” and propaganda in tricky parts of the world.
Off to the House of Commons chamber. The Minister for Housing and Local Government is taking questions, I tell him about Chelmsford’s need for infrastructure to go with new homes and ask when decisions about our bypass and second railway station might be made. They sound optimistic about decisions moving to next stage by later this year. Good.
Delighted to be in the Chamber when Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health, comes to speak about new funding for the NHS. A huge £20 billion increase. Excellent news.
Drop into a launch event for the “EqualiTeas” that are happening cross the country. Apparently there are more in Chelmsford than anywhere else! Don’t forget our special EqualiTeas-Pankhurst Party on the 15th July. Over 100 people already signed up!
The House of Lords vote on amendments to the EU Withdrawal Bill. They are sending some amendments back for MPs to look at again.
Finish the day with a deep discussion over dinner with experts on internet safety, especially on the work against online radicalisation and terrorism. I’m impressed by the large number of MPs who are focusing on this. There is a large amount of work going on as part of a new Internet Safety Strategy.
Tuesday
Grab a coffee on way to the Science and Tech Committee, we have completed a study on e-cigarettes and finalise our report. It is very clear that these have helped many many people to quit smoking. Then we have a long evidence session with scientists. We’re told how important it is that researchers and postgraduates can get visas to travel for study, research and conferences.
Off to Health Questions and I ask the minister for an update on stroke prevention, it’s the fourth highest killer in the UK. I also ask him to meet me to discuss Sutherland Lodge. He agrees. I write to VirginCare bosses asking them for replies to the questions patients have asked me to raise. I set them a deadline of Friday.
Catch up with colleagues on the EU withdrawal bill. There is still a lot of work going on to find agreement on the latest amendments.
Off to join families of children with PKU. It’s a horrid condition which means they can’t eat protein. I’ve promised to do a “PKU Diet for a Day Challenge” and find out what I will be allowed; I find out it’s very Challenging!
Join a debate on boundary reform, we do need to have changes to constituencies as some MPs represent many more people than others, which means some peoples votes count for far less than others. Lots of MPs are complaining about the plans to reduce the number of MPs and say it will be too much work, but I’ve checked the numbers and we will still have more MPs per person than most other European countries.
The senior management team from BAE are in Westminster. We discuss radar contracts that are so crucial for the Chelmsford operations.
I join MPs interested in the Armed Forces for dinner. We hear from the Rear Admiral responsible for submarines about the changes and challenges they are facing today. Very interesting
Wednesday
Delighted to hear that movement is being made on the Withdrawal Bill amendments – It looks like the Prime Minister will get support for the vote this afternoon.
Go to Westminster Hall for a debate on support for disabled people. I’ve been looking at ways we can improve the assessment and approval system so that those who need additional financial support can get it. It’s a good chance to raise this with ministers.
I join the Select Committee questioning the Women’s Minister, Penny Mourdant, she’s very well informed and focused. We discuss work that’s being done on equal pay, women’s health and many other issues.
Midday brings Prime Ministers Questions. It’s remarkably calm after last week’s dramatic walkout from the SNP!
The debate on the final amendments to the Withdrawal Bill starts. I remember speaking on this when we looked at it many months ago. It is important that the Bill goes through as otherwise there would be a big legal vacuum in businesses law, consumer and employment rights, and environmental protections. But the first draft had many problems. After months and months of work on amendments, I’m pleased to hear many colleagues now support the bill. We voted and it passed but there is still a huge amount of work to do in months ahead.
Finish the day taking part in a discussion on tech policy and the “Fourth Industrial Revolution”. The Digital Minister was meant to give an update to companies but has had to pull out. I’m asked to take her place.
Thursday
Another early start, this discussing online safety and the impact on children. We discuss the need to support parents and schools to increase awareness of risks online.
In the House of Commons, I ask the Culture Secretary who he thinks should take over as host of the leading political programme “Question Time”. Isn’t it about time that this baton is passed to a woman?
Very pleased to hear the Cabinet Minister announce changes to the benefits system, including the changes I’ve been asking for to help people with disabilities. This will mean that they can ask all assessments to be video recorded. I think this will really help reduce problems and improve the assessments.
I join a debate on Student exchanges and mention some of the work happening at Anglia Ruskin University.
Helpful meeting with the makers of the drug that will help PKU sufferers. It’s prescribed in nearly every other European Country. I promise to write to health ministers again to try to break the deadlock.
Drop in to British Academy for their summer exhibition (wow interesting research) before heading off to Anglia Ruskin University’s annual supporters’ dinner. Places for the new medical school are now ten times oversubscribed!
Friday
Very honoured to be asked to speaker at a massive conference organised by Chatham House. It’s discussing Artificial Intelligence and International Policy and a great chance to share some of what I’ve learnt from the many expert sessions we have had in the Science and Tech Select Committee this year.
The head of Chelmsford police calls to tell me about the murder last night. He tells me extra patrols are coming into the City.
Finish the week with a constituency surgery. Very interesting meeting with a group of 20-25-year-olds. They bring me ideas of how to help younger workers to earn and save.