Later this week, we will see the government’s first Budget since the General Election back in June. I’ve had quite a few meetings with Treasury Ministers over the last few months, putting my case forward for what I would like to see and what I think will most help my constituents living here in Bolton West & Atherton.
One thing I do want to see is more investment in transport here locally, including public transport links and helping combat congestion on our roads. Whilst this government has put in record levels of investment after years of chronic under-funding by successive governments, I want to see this go further. I have been assured that the government is listening – watch this space.
With Brexit set to be one of the most important events in a generation, it is difficult sometimes for people on the outside to see that anything else is happening in Parliament. I don’t blame them -- it’s not hard to see why after last week’s mammoth sessions in the House, with more debate expected this week on the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill. Whether it’s the hundreds of amendments that have been tabled to the Bill or the inches of column space devoted to discussing supposed in-fighting between political parties (I’m pleased to say that the Conservative Party is pretty united on the issue: we agree that the will of the British people must be respected after the referendum vote), it is an issue that is rarely out of the headlines. But there are, however, other important things going on in Parliament.
It may seem unusual to many people, however the issue of bees is one that is most often raised with me. Close to 1,000 residents have written, email, phoned and otherwise lobbied me on protecting pollinators in the last two years.
Many people may not realise this, but we owe our very survival to bees. They pollinate all sorts of fruit and vegetable and, without them, we wouldn’t last very long. Unfortunately many pesticides used around the country risk the survival of bees and other pollinators. That’s why I was so pleased to see Environment Secretary Michael Gove announce tougher restrictions on these neonicotinoid pesticides after new scientific advice.
Being an MP isn’t all about rowdy debates and shouting down the opposition, although that is what some people assume after watching the news. Plenty of things go on behind the scenes. I am, for example, a member of a number of All Party Parliamentary Groups – a group of cross-party MPs who work together on particular issues – and I happen to be the Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Bees. As a group, we have looked at the damage caused by bee-harming pesticides and we have played our part in ensuring that this important issue is brought to the attention of Ministers.
Over the coming weeks and months, there is a full Parliamentary calendar packed with a host of important issues. On Wednesday alone, I will go from hearing about the experiences of benefits claimants as part of my work on the Work and Pensions Select Committee, to hearing the Chancellor make his Budget. And then, in the evening, I will join parliamentarians from across the House in commemorating Red Wednesday as important public buildings around the country are floodlit red as we stand in solidarity with all those around the world who are persecuted for their peacefully held beliefs.
Whilst Brexit will dominate much of my work as an MP over the coming years, it won’t be the only thing I do. I was elected to represent the people of Bolton West & Atherton for a variety of important reasons, not just to do my bit to ensure that we leave the EU.
And lastly, I’d like to say a big congratulations to the staff, children and parents at Rowan Tree Primary School in Atherton after they were rated outstanding – the highest award possible – by Ofsted. This is a wonderful achievement and I know that it is very well deserved.