This week, rather than travelling down to Westminster on a Monday morning, I left a little later as I wanted to lay a wreath at the Bispham Arboretum as I did at memorials elsewhere across the constituency on the weekend.
On Tuesday I travelled down to Westminster and attended meetings about securing a green energy transition which brings jobs and investment and ensures communities are not left behind.
It is a constant priority of mine to press for as much investment in Blackpool North & Fleetwood as possible. This includes opportunities for renewable energy infrastructure, which has the potential to provide long-term and high-quality employment for our area.
On Wednesday I submitted several written questions to the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs regarding the concerns I share with many constituents about landfill issues.
Amongst other pressing questions, I have asked whether the government would consider requiring landfill operators to publish information on the types and quantities of waste deposited at their sites. I am due to receive answers to these questions this week, and I will update residents as soon as I do.
I was delighted to meet with the British Liver Trust to hear about their work and what I can do to support it. They provided me with bleak but sadly unsurprising information about the state of many health services in Lancashire. I will work with local and national health charities to fight for improvements to these services which we all rely on.
I attended the Alzheimer’s Society’s reception to hear about the condition of dementia care in Blackpool North & Fleetwood. This time of year is particularly challenging for anyone affected by dementia, and I would encourage anyone who needs help to contact the Alzheimer’s Society: alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/dementia-support-line
On Friday morning I was really pleased to visit the Baines Endowed Primary School in Thornton. I attended an assembly, spoke briefly about my role and my day-to-day work. I then answered questions from year 4,5 and 6 pupils. As always, I find it so heartening to see children so engaged with learning about politics – it always reassures me that the future is in such good hands!
I then visited the Trinity Hospice in Blackpool where I met some of the team. The challenges faced by hospices across the UK are unique and I am keen to hear from operators to see how I can help address those.