At my surgery appointments recently, people often say that whatever they’re coming to see me about sounds trivial in the context of Ukraine. I understand this – everything we experience feels less significant than Putin’s horrific invasion. But people shouldn’t worry about bringing me their problems: while Ukraine rightly dominates, other issues aren’t paused.
My week in parliament last week actually began with a question to the Defence Secretary on Ukraine, regarding whether the UK would be providing further weaponry on top of what we had already provided. He made the point that only so much can be deployed effectively at one time, but that it would be kept under review. Of course, now Putin has invaded, more will be sent.
Later that day, I paid tribute to Jack Bristow, from Sutton Courtenay, who tragically lost his life as a result of Storm Eunice. That evening, I was in the House of Commons again in my capacity as PPS to the Department for Education for the passage of the Skills Bill, which is going to transform the country’s approach to skills.
The next day began with a meeting of the Social Mobility APPG I co-chair and at lunchtime I used a question to the Energy Minister to ask for his support for the aims of the new Community Energy APPG I am chairing.
There were then various calls and meetings with constituents, local companies and parliamentary colleagues that afternoon, including regarding a soon to be published review of Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) which will be of interest to a significant number of constituents. I also write an article for the Times on why UEFA should remove the Champions League final from Russia.
Wednesday began with me attending the weekly meeting of ministers at the Department for Education and then presenting Anna Richards, of Maymessy in West Challow, with her Point of Light Award from the Prime Minister. I had back-to-back questions in Parliament – firstly on social mobility to the Equalities minister and then a PMQ.
It was only the second time I’ve been drawn on a PMQ in 26 months and I used it to highlight the number of houses that have been built locally without additional GP surgeries. I later had various meetings including with the Roads Minister about the quality of our local roads.
Thursday included a visit to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme I am taking part in and Friday – as ever – had 12 engagements with constituents and businesses locally.
Ukraine will remain the biggest issue in the coming weeks and the Government will keep increasing its support. But people should continue contacting me as they always would.
