Monday
Very early wake up, head to BBC studios New London Road for radio 4’s Today program. Crucial week to get agreement from Government on next steps for Brexit negotiations.
Join MPs from up and down the London to Norwich train line. We are planning a campaign for big investment in the line. I update colleagues on plans for a second Chelmsford station at Beaulieu Park station – it is so important that this is delivered, but I need their support.
Essex MPs meet with the County’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst. We hear about the work being done on fire prevention. Any residence or business can have a free assessment from the fire service and a fire detector or alarm fitted. That’s good news.
I meet representatives from the insurance sector, this is a big employer in Chelmsford. They tell me about uncertainties for polices they have written with European customers, many of which may now be illegal.
I host a meeting for the tech sector on cyber security before going to listen to the Prime Minister updating MPs on her latest discussions with European leaders.
I join Essex MPs who are celebrating with Bernard Jenkin MP and Eleanor Laing MP, they have just been made a Sir and a Dame! Then off to discuss the trade bill with the new Trade Minster.
For the first time since I became an MP there is no late vote on Monday, so I go up to Piccadilly to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. It’s been curated by Chelmsfordian Grayson Perry and is just fabulous!
Tuesday
Intensive session with Science and Tech committee on social media and impact on mental health. Barnardo’s make a number of sensible recommendations for policy change.
The Chancellor is taking questions from MPs, I ask him to look at the questions from the insurance companies. I join MPs discussing improvements to Universal Credit and disability benefits with the Work and Pensions Secretary and then another group discussing the increased funding for the NHS with the Health Secretary.
The Transport Secretary has offered MPs the chance for one on one discussions, I grab the opportunity. We discuss the Delay/Repay system on the trains, Chelmsford commuters deserve the 15-minute system which has been introduced elsewhere. I also ask for advice on replacing the Army and Navy flyover. He is very sympathetic and says I should contract treasury ministers for a fund for medium sized infrastructure projects.
Want to watch the England game but the Scots Nats keep dragging MPs back into the Chamber to vote on very minor issues. They are doing it just to annoy! Finally, at half time they stop, MPs are united, massive cheers for England.
Wednesday
Early start with the second group of Work Experience students. Start the day with a quick tour then into Women’s and Equality select committee where the minister is answering questions. Join MPs and experts looking at how to reduce single use plastics, lots of good ideas. Into the Chamber for questions with International Development team, I’m pleased to have been drawn to ask a question as I want to get backing for the campaign to end Polio which is supported by the Rotary in Chelmsford.
Theresa May has an excellent session at Prime Ministers Questions, very confident. Afterwards I join MPs discussing her plans for the EU/UK negotiations. I am struck by how many colleagues are backing her approach.
I join Engineering companies from across the UK. We are launching the “This is a Future for Engineering” campaign to encourage more young people to look at this career, millions of young people have been watching the campaign videos. Great! We vote through the Ivory Bill, taking tough action to prevent sales of Ivory and protect Elephants. Also Great!
Join Scientists from across the UK at the annual Exhibition at the Royal Society. There is glimpse into the future as I learn about new ways to do brain scans and using quantum technology to prevent cyber-hacks.
Thursday
Start the morning at the Canadian Embassy. I’ve been asked to speak at an event they are hosting about Cyber security. Happy to help as they are a very important ally. Into the House of Commons to ask questions of the Transport minister about Delay/Repay and the business minister about apprenticeships in the construction sector. Join colleagues for a serious briefing from the Home Secretary about the latest Novichok attack. Journalists ask me what my view is about the PM’s meeting with Cabinet tomorrow. It is vital colleagues back the PM.
Off to Chelmsford Museum for an event on Women in Politics. It’s good to join local councillors and others who are encouraging more women to stand for election.
Friday
Work experience students in the constituency and join the local councillors who take them out to deliver my annual report. I join other mid Essex MPs for a meeting with the head of the Hospital and the head of the Clinical Commission group locally. I am pleased to hear that the plans for improving our hospitals are moving forward. We will be keeping a full A&E at Broomfield. That is excellent news. Meanwhile my assistant joins police and local councillors to discuss policing priorities in Chelmsford. They have made a lot of arrests recently which is good news in the fight against drugs. So important that the public continue to report crimes.
Councillors join for a sandwich lunch and a chance to catch up. We talk strategy for infrastructure, housing and the local plan.
It is too hot to continue leafleting. I go to Chelmsford County High School for their excellent charity fundraising day. They are raising money for girls education all around the world and the schools is buzzing with energy. What an extremely impressive group of young women. They raise over £2,000.
Excellent finish to the week at the Cricket ground. It the first Friday night T20 game. My phone keeps buzzing with news from the Cabinet meeting but the cricket is nail biting stuff. Essex win of the second last ball. Phew!
Saturday
Down to Downing Street for a briefing on that the Cabinet agreed at Chequers. The detailed briefing is very helpful.
Great football - Well played England!