I had a busy week this week, both at home in the constituency and in Parliament.
On Sunday I spent a few hours with volunteers in Fleetwood, decorating the parade route for this year’s Remembrance Parade. As an ex-army wife, I am only too aware of the unique challenges our service personnel face during military life and long after service, so it is important to me to support this every year.
As usual, on Monday morning I travelled down to Westminster to start the week in Parliament. The first thing I did was to visit the annual opening of the Garden of Remembrance, where each MP can lay their own personal tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for us.
Then in the afternoon I met with Become – the national charity for children in care and care leavers. I heard about their work and recent report on ending the ‘Care Cliff’, ending the damaging expectation of immediate independence as children leave care. I look forward to supporting their work in Parliament.
On Tuesday, I attended several meetings to discuss a range of issues. I met with the British Retail Consortium to discuss the many issues faced by high street business and retail workers. This was followed by meetings with the Social Mobility Commission and a meeting with workers at British Aerospace Engineering Warton to hear about the challenges their industry faces.
Wednesday was dominated by the budget. The measures announced by the Chancellor are first and foremost about investment. Investment in our NHS, our schools, our roads and so much more – the investment constituents tell me every day that they need.
The scale of the mess left to us by the Conservatives cannot be understated – but our public services are crying out for investment, and that is what this budget will provide.
I was also delighted to attend a meeting with ministers to discuss our government’s approach to the water companies. I know this is an issue of concern to many constituents, and I was heartened by the government’s readiness to ensure water bosses who continue to pollute our rivers and seas face severe consequences – including jail in some circumstances.
I travelled back home on Thursday and then spent some much-needed time with my family and husband. I miss them so much when I am in London. It is one of the things I have found hardest since my election.
On Friday morning I visited the Port of Fleetwood and the Marina. We discussed the port’s future and how it can continue to deliver local jobs. I am optimistic for the future of our area and I am keen that we make the most of the assets we have locally to drive opportunities for residents.
I also popped to the Mount View Medical Practice in Fleetwood for a quick meeting to meet staff and discuss an ongoing issue they need assistance with.
Next, I met with the Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw and we joined local officers for a walkaround in Bispham. I learned about some of the work they are doing locally and the challenges faced in law enforcement.
The Labour government promised more neighbourhood police and PCSOs in our manifesto prior to the election and yesterday’s budget announced the start of this promise being delivered.
Then I was at the Backlot Cinema in Blackpool for a screening of A Seaside Sisterhood. A short film by a local youth group that captured the resilience and determination of young women from Blackpool as they navigate their life and work to create positive change in their local area. It was a lovely film and it is fantastic to see young women from our area involved in filmmaking.
On Saturday morning I volunteered with Fleetwood Town Council to help them with their efforts for the Fleetwood in Bloom. It is a fantastic way to get involved in looking after where you live and I love the way it fosters community pride.
I also met with Andy and Stacey on the Esplanade in Fleetwood. They are in the process of revitalising the old pitch and putt sites there. They have submitted an exciting proposal to Wyre council for the reopening of the site which looks like it would be a great community asset for our area.
I then finished off Saturday evening in the centre of Blackpool meeting members of the local Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities and celebrating Diwali with them. It was a lovely event with lights switch on and a Dhamaka party with music, dancing, and other festivities.