First up on Monday morning was a visit from Clanfield’s Attenborough Explorers (senior scouts) to Westminster. I have visited the pack over the last few years as part of UK Parliament Week so it was very exciting for them and me to show them around both Houses of Parliament and then explain how our democracy works. They stayed after lunch to listen to a debate and apparently were there for 90 minutes as they were so absorbed in what was going on. It is such a privilege to show young people around and see their enjoyment and interest.
On Tuesday, I took Chris Hull from Active Academy in Bishops Waltham to 10 Downing Street as I had nominated him as a community sports champion for the work that he does for tennis in the community, especially with young people. We were able to wander around the main state rooms looking at the incredible art collection and met with the Secretary of State for Media, Culture and Sport. While I am unable to offer tours of No 10 for everyone, do take me up on coming around the Houses of Parliament. I think both coach tours are nearly fully booked for April and June but we will try to book some more. Otherwise, Monday mornings are still relatively free if you would like to come up in small groups. I also had a couple to watch PMQs this week. Tickets are limited and we do have a waiting list but let me know if you would like to attend.
I had the opportunity to ask further questions about Palestine this week, one on the humanitarian crisis and the other on support for a two-state solution based on 1967 borders – a compromise I believe is in the best interests of both countries. There was a reception for Arab Ambassadors where the Foreign Secretary talked about recognition of the state of Palestine as something that will happen as part of the peace negotiations, this was widely reported in the media the next day.
The news about Northern Ireland was much welcomed this week and it is good to see that Stormont will be meeting again after two years. The Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland have been working hard on this.
The announcement launching Pharmacy First was also welcomed and something that I have asked successive Ministers for, as they are in a very good place to treat more common health conditions without seeing a GP. I suspect the Prime Minister had a hand in this as his mother was a pharmacist in Southampton. It should help free up to 10 million GP appointments and is part of our Primary Care Recovery Plan. £645 million will be invested into pharmacies to enable them to utilise their skills more effectively and treat seven common health conditions, including urinary tract infections and sore throats, without the need for patients to see a GP or have a prescription. I will be visiting pharmacies over the next few weeks to see how it is going.
This week, working people should find that they have more money in their payslip from the NI reduction. I had a meeting with the Chancellor this week to talk about what should be in the budget – he has regular meetings with MPs to hear their views. I talked to him about young people getting onto the housing ladder - a big concern for those of us in the South-East where property prices are so high. He is very aware of the issue so I hope that there will be something in the budget to help. Do let me know what you would like to see in the budget so I can pass on your views. He has already said that there may be no headroom for further tax cuts at present, but it will depend on the figures nearer the time.
The last session of the Criminal Justice Bill was on Tuesday and it will now go to the report stage. Most of the controversial amendments were withdrawn but will be debated in the Chamber for the whole House to vote on. My biggest concern was the one asking for abortion to be decriminalised until term. This is a deeply worrying amendment especially as babies have a good chance of survival from 25 weeks. I am happy to hear your views but I do not believe that I can ever vote for this. Having to abort a child late in pregnancy for medical reasons is completely different.
I had a meeting with Pancreatic Cancer UK charity with one of my colleagues and we are hoping to have a backbench debate to raise awareness. It has a very poor survival rate and there needs to be more research and awareness into this cancer which is the 8th most common one. The symptoms often appear very late but are often like other conditions so it is difficult to diagnose by GPs. However, there is a test which is being developed. You can find out more about it Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer - Pancreatic Cancer UK
Today we have announced a recruitment campaign for childcare workers and I accompanied the Minister for Work and Pensions, Jo Churchill MP, to the Hummingbird Nursery in Bramdean. We have heard about nurseries shutting and working parents finding it difficult to find places so we are doing a lot of work on this now especially as we are offering help with childcare from nine months shortly. Jo is a good friend of mine and one of the three MPs who walked in front of the Queen’s coffin during the funeral procession.
Lastly, I am recruiting a new local caseworker so if you know anyone that might be interested, please contact me.
I am out campaigning tomorrow but will be watching the rugby when I can!
Have a great weekend.
