Monday
Start the week speaking to BBC Essex – there are a lot of questions over the PM’s proposals for the Brexit negotiations.
In Westminster I host a meeting to launch a new report from TechUK. This is looking at international trade and tech which is very topical. They explain how crucial it is that the UK can continue to benefit from existing trade deals as well as make new ones. I meet the head of the British Standards Institute, he explains that they will still have a role in setting product standards across Europe post Brexit.
I meet a team from the Tearfund charity. They are working on projects to remove plastic waste in developing countries, to stop it reaching rivers and seas. We discuss plans for a visit to Haiti to see a project first hand. It’s a long way but it is an important issue.
The House of Commons Chamber is packed when Theresa May comes to speak. She is very firm that we must honour the referendum and leave the EU. But also wants to find a pragmatic solution which helps Businesses and protects jobs as well as keeping the UK united and resolving border issues especially with Ireland. I am annoyed with colleagues for speaking against her proposals when they didn’t attend the detailed weekend briefings and haven’t read the detail yet. The Prime Minister answers many questions and then joins a packed meeting of over two hundred Conservative MPs, only six say raise concerns about the proposals.
It is all change, with a new Foreign Secretary, new Health Secretary and new Digital Secretary. I call my association chairman and president and we discuss plans for a briefing meeting later in the week.
Tuesday
Early start catching a Eurostar to Brussels. I’ve been asked to go and talk to politicians from other countries and find out what they think about the Prime Ministers proposals. I meet MEPs from Germany, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Czech Republic, Poland and the UK. They are pleased the UK is going to give a more detailed proposal, they listen closely and many offer help and support. But it’s clear there is much detail still to be agreed.
Wednesday
Back to back meetings in Brussels, more listening. The city is packed full of police as it’s the Nato Summit and President Trump is in town. Manage to get the train back to London just. Join colleagues in Downing Street in time for the end of the England match. What a shame, but what a great team and a superb effort!
Thursday
Another early start. I have agreed to chair a conference on cyber security. This is such an important issue and its very helpful to listen to experts from the MoD and police, as well as small businesses and those working on networks to protect key infrastructure. Reminder: check your own passwords are secure and keep doing those system “upgrades”!
Excellent meeting with my team, we are a small group and they are working hard on lots of issues for people in Chelmsford.
The government publishes its white paper on Brexit, I go to the chamber to listen to the new Minister, Dominic Raab take questions. MPs get very angry as they don’t have copies before the minister starts talking. Eventually they are handed out. It’s a long document, I am impressed that it covers so many of the detailed issues which have been raised over recent months.
I meet representatives of Bio industry association. They tell me of the delays they see in getting new drugs approved to use in the NHS. They are pleased with the white paper though as it will mean that there won’t be unnecessary barriers to developing medicines into the UK and EU.
Back to Chelmsford and visit Boswells School. They are applying for a grant to change the windows and cladding on their most ancient block. It is a scorching greenhouse, I am very happy to support the plan.
Important meeting with my Chelmsford Conservative association members to hear their thoughts on what happened in parliament this week and the white paper. It is good to debrief them on what I’ve learnt and hear their views. A number of leave voters say they support the Prime Minister’s proposals, but they would be concerned if they get negotiated further.
An excellent end to a busy day meeting with younger party members and Braintree’s MP, James Cleverly. We discuss issues affecting children, universities and the health service.
Friday
Nice start to the day visiting the Job Centre where I am given a very helpful briefing on the Universal Credit system. It is clear that many improvements have been made since it first started. I am shown examples of how the platform allows the team at the Job Centre to give fast and direct help on each individual case.
At the County Court I meet the “Personal Support Unit”. They help people to prepare their papers for court cases. They explain that they are not lawyers, so don’t give legal advice, but it’s clear that they make a huge difference. They are always looking for new volunteers – do look them up if you might be able to help.
Off to the Civic Centre, meeting the new head of housing and the “Cool to be Kind” campaign which aims to help Rough Sleepers. We talk through the many different organisations which offer different types of support. They agreed to meet with some of the other charities to see how they might work together.
Very busy constituency surgery. Then back to BBC Radio Essex, this time to talk about the “Pankhurst Party” which we are arranging on Sunday to celebrate 100 years of votes for women. Join the crowds at the Cricket for the Glamorgan game. I can’t bring myself to watch as it all comes down to the last ball. So close, poor Essex.
Saturday
Lovely evening at my old college reunion. I am the first woman MP they have had, I am very honoured be asked to give the speech on behalf of the alumni.
Sunday
What an excellent afternoon. So many inspiring women (and men) come to the Chelmsford museum for a lovely EqualiTea and Pankhurst Party. We hear about the part Chelmsford women played in the campaign to get votes for women. The Lord Lieutenant tells us of her work representing the Queen in Essex and the Mayor tells of her role. Campaigner Susie Cornell inspires us with hope in her fight for equality for those with disabilities. Its lovely to meet all the young women and men who have come along, including school representatives, guides and brownies. Lots of cake and a beautiful wreath too. Thank you Chelmsford!