Westminster was back in session this week after Easter Recess.
This time we're only back for a couple of weeks to wrap up important business ahead of the State Opening of Parliament for a new session in May.
On Monday I took the opportunity to go into the Chamber for the Home Secretary's statement on her new plan for immigration. The plan which will see asylum claims processed off-shore in Rwanda has come up on the doorstep several times since it was announced and I'm pleased to say that the response has been mostly positive. We all want a fair immigration system which welcomes the best and brightest on merit and deters those who are coming hear to take advantage. For too long, wicked gangs of people smugglers and slick lefty lawyers have abused the generosity of this country by abusing our asylum system to create a fast-track route to the UK for those who can afford it. It's not before time that we stop this.
This week I also supported the Borders and Nationality Bill which will enable us to enact our new plan for immigration and which will tackle a number of other abuses to our sovereignty. I was disappointed that Labour voted to maintain an open-door free for all system instead.
Also this week, I took the opportunity to have meetings on subjects close to my heart, not least of which was a meeting with the Small and Independent Brewers Association to talk about their views on beer duty and the proposed returns scheme. Phoenix Brewery in Heywood is a member of SIBA so I was particularly interested to hear about the impact on the local economy. Last week I met with JW Lees to get the perspective of a larger brewer and I wasn't surprised to see that there were certain common themes in both discussions.
Later on the week I met with Guide Dogs UK at their Parliamentary Reception to highlight the challenges of blindness and partial sightedness for younger people - I learned a great deal (and got to meet some lovely dogs!) - if you have a subject close to your heart and think it would be beneficial for me to get involved, please let me know. There's always a full calendar of meetings in Parliament.
On Wednesday the Science and Technology Select Committee continued our inquiry into data sharing. I asked about the challenges of keeping the law relevant in a world of changing technology and artificial intelligence. Once the inquiry is complete, the Committee will write a report with recommendations for the Government.
Normally I would return to the constituency on a Thursday, but the Labour party decided that it was important to pull a stunt, demanding a vote on a third inquiry into alleged gatherings in Downing Street during lockdown. I'm all for transparency, but when, after hours of debate, Labour didn't push for a vote, it's safe to say that everyone's time had been wasted. We could have been talking about the cost of living or Ukraine, or even been out on the doorstep listening to what people have to say about their concerns. Instead we were left with this silly display.
After finally getting home I used what was left of he weekend to get out and about on the doorstep with local campaigners - I always enjoy talking to people on the doorstep and hearing what really matters because it helps me to do my job better. Hopefully I see a lot more of you out and about before the elections.
In the meantime, enjoy the sunshine and stay safe.
