Well, after last week’s total drama, this week was much quieter. The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, took Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday and whilst we saw a very robust performance; it was a different experience to his immediate predecessors with him putting his own style in place. Rishi is renowned for his economic competence and grip on detail.
I spent last week at home as I had tested positive for Covid last weekend. I tested clear on Friday so back in Westminster this week. With all that was happening in Westminster, it was a particularly frustrating week to be at home, but this was further compounded in that I had a new starter in my London office team. Whilst we all got used to using Teams, Zoom etc, for meetings, I still find that face to face is best whenever possible.
However, due to health issues, I have had a number of virtual meetings over the week, including with Woodham Academy about their exciting plans and I hope to be able to drop in and see them in person next week. This means that both Woodham and Greenfield schools will be seeing substantial investment in their facilities which will be fabulous for their students and staff. I had a virtual meeting with the rail minister to emphasise the importance of investment in our area, whether that be Ferryhill Station or the Leamside Line and to encourage a visit to Hitachi. Whilst his officials will have noted all of this, unfortunately he was one of the ministers moved in the reshuffle so I will need to chase his successor this week.
The last few days of last week saw the creation of the new ministerial team by the Prime Minister. I was particularly pleased to see Dehenna Davison (MP for Bishop Auckland) retain her position in the Department for Levelling Up and Local Government; Jacob Young (MP for Redcar) retain his position as a Government Whip and for Richard Holden (MP for North West Durham) to be appointed as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Transport. I was also delighted to see Guy Opperman (MP for Hexham) and Kevin Hollinrake (MP for Thirsk and Malton) appointed as Ministers. Their respective passions of pensions and small businesses will be very valuable in their new roles. At the time of writing, I retain my position as a PPS to the new Chief Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen MP. John returns to the Treasury after previously being Economic Secretary. The Economic Secretary is the City Minister and responsible for Financial Services whereas the Chief Secretary is responsible for public spending.
It never ceases to amaze me the different things I am asked to do. Last week I was asked to participate in the consultation for the new Dean of Durham and I was pleased to give my perspective on this.
This week, back in Westminster, I had the pleasure of showing some guests around and I would remind everyone that if you would like to visit Parliament the opportunity always exists, if at all feasible I would be delighted to meet you and show you around. One cause that I am particularly pleased to be supporting is that of health issues associated to the menopause, I have joined the APPG for the Menopause chaired by Carolyn Harris MP and I have been provided with insight into how impactful and badly diagnosed it is. This is another example of the diverse issues that we can support in Parliament. If you have any cause you would like me to support, please get in touch. I will be in Westminster until Thursday; will have a question to ask in International Trade Questions and will be heading back north at the end of the week.
Many of us look forward to the approach of Guy Fawkes night, however, there are also many people who do not enjoy it at all. From a safety perspective, I would encourage everyone to go to organised displays, so those who have pets – or for other reasons do not relish the occasion – can try and manage around the event. We must all remember that, whether it be issues like PTSD or other health concerns, there are many who find fireworks traumatic, so by all means have fun, but please respect others as well.
We are also rapidly approaching Remembrance Sunday so can I please also encourage you to buy a poppy and show your support for those who have served.
If you want to discuss events in Westminster, or anything else, please get in touch at paul.howell.mp@parliament.uk or give us a call on 01325 790580.