The week in Parliament has been dominated by the Government’s small boats announcement. I met with the Prime Minister for breakfast on Tuesday with some colleagues to hear from him directly and to give him some of our thoughts on the subject.
There is no doubt that we need to stop the horrendous human trafficking business model and prevent people from spending a fortune to come here.
Some taking this perilous route are genuine asylum seekers who have not been able to access safe routes which are limited to Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Hong Kong. I asked about safe routes, specifically Iran, as many are fleeing from there especially Christians. I was assured people are not sent back to Iran but will this still be the case if they arrive illegally? These points have still to be made clear.
Economic migrants such as those from Albania are rightly being sent back quickly already and I share the concern of people and support the government in sorting this complex problem out.
I also pointed out to the PM our aid budget must be used more effectively in countries where economic migrants are coming from. We should have a robust immigration system but we must also show compassion and understanding to those fleeing persecution and danger
On Monday, I asked a DWP question to allow my friend, the Minister Mims Davies, to tell the House about the new menopause employment champion who will be helping companies to support their female employees and get the help they may need. Menopause affects women in many ways and we need understanding as it can have major mental impacts as well as physical ones.
In the Public Account Committee, we questioned the new Business and Trade department about how they will be supporting foreign and domestic investment. I met with the Chancellor on Wednesday to give him my thoughts on what I would like to see in the budget - this is a listening government. I talked about how all the businesses in the constituency have been asking for stability and consistency in policy and that incentives to invest in their businesses are crucial. The budget is next Wednesday and I will be listening with this in mind especially if corporation tax is to be increased
I have mentioned before that I have been pushing for a change in the pension lifetime allowance since George Osborne’s time as I see doctors, air traffic controllers and experienced public servants retiring too early when we need them in the workplace. I know it is a nice problem to have as a pensioner but we all suffer if our doctors and public servants retire early – and before I get a deluge of emails saying it is not just about pensions, I know, but it does help.
We had the Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, into the Education Select Committee to talk about school attendance. It has not been good since covid for several reasons. I do recommend people read her reports as she is making an impact on the lives of children and is one of those inspirational women. Children’s Commissioner for England (childrenscommissioner.gov.uk)
International Women’s Day was on Wednesday and we had a debate about it on Thursday. On Thursday too I spoke about how tech companies make up five of the most valuable and prestigious businesses and they should do more to help girls into STEM subjects. I also talked about how University Technical Colleges are helping to do this. We also had a brain tumour research funding debate I spoke in too.
Both debates were well tempered as we all want the same thing, but a couple of Labour women spoiled the atmosphere in their contributions and it was disappointing not to hear any recognition of the contribution of Conservative women through history from the Labour shadow minister, such as Emmeline Pankhurst and Margaret Thatcher. The Women and Equalities Minister welcomed the contribution of Mo Mowlam as well as specific points that Labour MPs had talked about. We need to be far more magnanimous in less controversial debates
The date for the Fareham and Waterlooville selection is April 5th in the evening so I hope that all eligible Conservative members will come and choose their next MP.
Let me know if you would like to speak to me or meet up beforehand. This is the only seat that I have applied for so I will be working hard to speak to as many people as possible across the area as I still have much to achieve for constituents.
My latest annual report is on my website. If you have been a subscriber to my newsletter for a long time you will be familiar with some of the things I have been doing, but do have a look at it and feel free to share it with others too - https://www.flickdrummond.com/news/annual-report-2023
As usual, I am out meeting people today and tomorrow and hope it is not too cold!
Have a good weekend.
