Events in Ukraine have cast a huge shadow over a packed week as Putin continues his ruthless invasion and the loss of life begins to mount.
We showed our support to Ukraine in the House of Commons when we gave the Ukrainian Ambassador a standing ovation at PMQs on Wednesday. It was very moving and I hope it sent a message to Putin that we all stand behind the people of Ukraine. Later that day, the Ambassador spoke to us and one of his main concerns was that people are collecting goods to send out to Poland and Ukraine. He advised that this is not helpful as it means a huge amount of extra work on the border sorting the parcels out as well as clogging up vital supply routes which are being used to deliver food, medicines and military equipment.
Ukraine borders affluent EU countries. There are plenty of goods in the shops and to buy locally. What is needed is the money to buy them. There are several ways that people can donate including the Disaster Emergency Fund which the Government has agreed to match the public’s donations pound-for-pound up to £20m. You can find the link here.
You can also donate to any of the NGOs and charities that are already working on the ground. They have also asked for cash donations rather than goods. It is a fast-moving situation and we are working closely with allies to persuade other countries to stand up to Putin who has now made Russia a pariah state. I feel sorry for all the Russians who are protesting and being arrested but I also salute their bravery.
The week started with a very late night on Monday - the last vote was at 12.45am when usually it is at 10pm. I have never seen the point in this as there is plenty of time to discuss and vote on these important pieces of legislation the next day. I cycled in on Tuesday at 8am because of the tube strike and, for once, was grateful for the driving rain which woke me up!
The most controversial element of the Police, Crime and Sentencing Bill, that kept us all up, was the amendment to the right to protest as we had put in a clause to amend the police powers in the Public Order Act 1986. Police can now impose conditions on protests that are noisy enough to cause “intimidation or harassment” or “serious unease, alarm or distress” to bystanders, including protests consisting of one person.
Despite much misinformation, this will not stop protests but will make sure that those who live and work in places where this has become an issue, like Westminster, will have some protection. There needs to be balance between the right to protest and the rights of people to go about their business.
There were some other amendments on cracking down on hare coursing, Harper’s Law which gives mandatory life sentences to those who kill emergency workers, and maximum sentences on child cruelty in what is a wide-ranging bill. There are many other significant changes too and you can read a good briefing from the House of Commons Library here.
I had a busy week with meetings outside the Chamber, including an 8am meeting on Wednesday with the Health Secretary on cancer with five other MPs. We discussed the fact that cancer outcomes are not as good as other countries and how he is working to change that with a 10-year plan and access to new innovative drugs, some of which have been developed from the mRNA covid vaccine. This could mean that individualised treatment can be developed.
As so many of us get cancer, this is good news especially as the Catch up with Cancer campaign who were in Parliament this week showed that 22% of Hampshire cancer patients wait far too long for treatment. There were plenty of other health charities in this week including one on ovarian cancer awareness, Macmillan Nurses and the British Heart Foundation. Having these organisations in to update us, even if it is a quick drop in, is very helpful. The picture below is from my meeting with Marie Curie and they are also supported by Paul Elliot of the Chuckle Brothers!
On Thursday I stood in for a colleague whose mother has just died, to help with Business Questions in which the Leader of the House has to answer any questions on any policy at 10.30am. I helped with the preparation at 8.30am and it was interesting to see how he is briefed on so many topics. There were still many questions asked that he had no briefing on which was nerve-wracking for him, it must be one of the hardest Ministerial jobs as others become experts in their departments over time.
Today I visited Rosecott Sheltered Housing in Horndean and Solent Gymnastics in Waterlooville as well as other meetings with constituents. I am so lucky that my job enables me to meet so many fantastic people and help so many others. My team and I work extremely hard which is reflected in my annual report. It should be landing on your doorsteps over the next few months (by amazing volunteers) but you can see it online here.
I am holding a public meeting in Berewood next Friday evening, do contact my office if you would like to come.
Have a great weekend.
