The highlight of this week was listening to President Zelensky in Westminster Hall on Wednesday. It was clear that he had a shopping list of equipment he wanted, including fighter planes, but it was very moving to hear him praise the bravery of his soldiers.
We had some Ukrainians on my RCDS course and I get daily updates from them on WhatsApp. It is extraordinary to see pictures on the television of the trenches and basements, who knew that we would still be looking at World War I battlefields
We regularly get updates too from BBC journalists who are extraordinarily brave to be at the front line. I attended a meeting with the BBC World Service to hear about its Persian Service and coverage of what is going on in Iran.
It is not easy reporting and mostly has to come from third sources but that does not diminish the threat to any family still in Iran and we heard about those. The BBC World Service is much respected but in authoritarian regimes is seen as an agent of the state.
I will continue to lobby ministers for funding for the BBC World Service as it is a valuable part of our soft power as well as impartial news reporting
The other sad event was the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. We have been asked by charities to send money rather than goods. There is no space to get stuff out apart from life-saving equipment. The Red Cross is a good place to send donations.
Debates this week about agreeing to benefit uplifts and police funding. I asked a question about Hampshire police funding to the Home Secretary on Monday. It is one of the worst in the country and I was told they are looking at a fairer formula.
I spoke in a debate on autism to raise awareness and ask for quicker assessments as it is transformational when people understand that they are autistic and others can adjust. Autism can present itself in so many ways and it is often undiagnosed until later life with many issues for people on the way.
We also had a debate on freedom of speech in universities. We need to challenge students in all sorts of ways and this includes their perceptions of different policies and attitudes. That is what university is about after all.
It is apprenticeship week and I was pleased to meet some Rolls Royce apprentices who were very excited about their careers. Apprenticeships are increasingly popular and a good alternative to university, and we have many businesses in Meon Valley who offer them.
It is recess so there will be no newsletter next week.
Before I finish, news on a couple of things I have been working on for constituents. I have just had confirmation from the Post Office that there are no plans to make any changes to the arrangements with the Co-op in Wickham, and the new cash machine for Bishops Waltham is being installed today.
Have a good weekend.
