Last night’s by-election results were very disappointing and I know that the Government and Party will be reflecting over the next week on how to move forward.
I had a well- informed group of pupils from Horndean Technology College visit on Monday morning. They were fascinated by the history of the building but had some challenging questions afterwards. I love meeting with young people as there is tremendous hope for the future.
They were not so impressed with my ideas on the extended school day. One said that it was so hard to work, grow and play in a longer day. I am afraid I retorted ‘welcome to life. It is always about balancing priorities’.
The visit meant that I missed the Armed Forces Day Flag Raising Ceremony at the beginning of Armed Forces Week but it has been a good month (including the 40th Falklands commemoration) for celebrating our armed forces, reservists and veterans to whom we all have a deep admiration.
We had a late vote at 10.45 on Monday on the High-Speed Rail bill. This is a capacity issue not a speed issue and if we are going to build a new line, it must be the most modern technology. You may be interested to know that there are nine companies from Meon Valley involved in building the line.
Anything that gets cars and freight off the roads must be a good thing. We do need to improve our own railway lines too in the South East. The rail strikes this week have been very irritating. This is a time when we need to pull together to get the economy moving and we must keep an eye on inflationary wages.
DWP matters took up Tuesday as we prepared for the additional benefits bill on Wednesday – the money that every household will get to help them with energy costs. I could not attend the debate as I had to attend a funeral on Wednesday of a good family friend who I have known since the age of 10.
Her daughter is the CEO of Open Doors, many of you write to me about its campaigns, and was at school with me. Fortunately, the trains were working and I was back in Parliament by 5.30pm. Although the DWP debate had finished, I was able to catch up on emails. We usually vote at 7pm but the Bill went through unopposed
Yesterday, in Parliament I was able to ask a question about wet wipes which are the bane of any sewage company as they completely block up the system and often contribute to storm overflows. This was something I saw first-hand during a recent visit to Bishops Waltham’s waste treatment works.
On the same theme, I have a community forum meeting on 1st July in Denmead to talk about water, sewage and the environment and you are very welcome to join me. We have an interesting panel of speakers who will be able to answer any difficult questions – you can book a place here
I don’t often bring up constituent’s personal issues in Parliament but we have been very frustrated about getting Brian Leigh home from Corfu as the medevac company is being very difficult and we have spent hours on the phone trying to sort it out. I have just heard that Brian has landed back in the UK and will be on his way to QA hospital shortly. I wish him and Michele all the best with his recovery.
Today I am visiting various places, including Eastleigh job centre, and very excitingly, some of the celebrations to mark 250 years at the cradle of cricket - Hambledon. We are a big cricket family so this will be a great treat. The celebrations go on all weekend so do join them, you can get tickets here Hambledon Cricket Club, Hampshire | The Cradle of Cricket
Have a great weekend.
