On Monday morning I had a meetings with other MPs and took part in a briefing about the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. I am pleased to support the introduction of the bill as its measures will make our country safer by restoring faith in a system that works not for the criminal minority, but the law-abiding majority.
On Tuesday I took part in a meeting of the Science and Technology Select Committee. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill continued through parliament with its second reading in the house. I also participated in Justice Questions.
On Wednesday I had another meeting with the Science and Technology Committee. I had meetings with Colleagues and with Matt Hancock and I also took part in the Opposition Day Debate on Brexit.
On Thursday the Lord Chancellor made his statement on the Independent Review of Administrative Law. I also had a number of departmental Meetings with the Ministry of Justice.
On Friday I took part in a zoom meeting with the directors of Rochdale Football Club. The club is an important part of our community, especially in the north of the constituency. As a small club I have been pleased to offer my support to Rochdale during these difficult times. I recently wrote a joint letter with the MP for Rochdale to the Chancellor asking that the club be given the support they need to ensure that they will be able to welcome fans back when restrictions are lifted.
On Saturday Robert Jenrick MP announced details of the Governments new £56 million ‘Welcome Back Fund’ this scheme is designed to support businesses as they reopen following lockdown and I am pleased to note that Rochdale Borough Council will be receiving a £197,000 share of the fund. This will be used to support businesses across the whole borough including those in Heywood, Middleton, Bamford, Castleton and Norden.
I also met with our local election candidates and spent time campaigning with them in the constituency. It was very enjoyable to get back out, albeit still in a careful and socially distanced way.
We also saw the record for the number of vaccinations in a single day broken again this week, more signs that we are rapidly heading back to a degree of normality and that there is some light beginning to show at the end of the coronavirus tunnel.
As ever, if there is anything that I can do to assist with a problem that you have or a concern please do not hesitate to contact me by email to [email protected] or by calling 01706 538 262.
