This is the last catch-up of the year as this time next week, I suspect most of us will be watching the oven and bracing ourselves for a festive feast.
As Westminster winds down for the festive period, I've been able to hold meetings about local issues.
On Monday I joined Greater Manchester Conservative MPs for a meeting with Mayor Andy Burnham. Mr Burnham set out his pitch for more powers to be transferred from Central Government to his office and the GMCA. Whilst I do agree with some of the proposals he made, which would, amongst other things give him the ability to tackle the poor quality of rail services in the region and properly integrate them with other public transport, we also made it clear that there would be no support for further powers unless he agreed to proper scrutiny arrangements.
At the moment the Mayor's homework is marked by his colleagues in the Labour Party and that isn't a robust enough system when millions of pounds of taxpayer's money is involved. To that end I had a conversation with the Levelling Up Minister to ask her for a proper consultation to take place before any more powers are handed over.
Also this week I was able to have a catch up with local green belt groups about their work to protect the green belt as well as how recent proposals around housing targets in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will impact the consultation on the Mayor's housing charter "Places for Everyone" - I agreed to speak to the Secretary of State to get further guidance and agreed to support local groups at the ongoing consultations.
This week we also welcomed His Majesty the King to Parliament for the unveiling of a plaque which marks the spot where his mother, the Late Queen laid in state earlier this year.
Later in the week, I had a meeting with the Industry Parliament Trust as part of my fellowship in the Energy Industry and later on attended a Lancaster House Reception for defence attachés from the Commonwealth and beyond, including a one on one with the Second Sea Lord.
Next week we'll be boxing off some outstanding legislation including a 10 Minute Rule Bill on shared Parental Bereavement Leave of which I'm a co-sponsor, before heading home for a couple of weeks to spend time with family,
Have a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic New Year and I'll see you all in 2023!
