On Monday I had a meeting with Nadhim Zahawi about the new National Security and Investment (NSI) Bill. The UK has a proud record of welcoming investment and the government is determined that it should remain one of the best places to start and grow a business. Globalisation and technological advances are creating a wealth of opportunities for people and businesses both here and around the world. The NSI Bill will provide the government with new powers to screen investments so that screening stays effective now and into the future. It will also give businesses and investors a clear and predictable process so that they can continue to do business in the UK with confidence.
On Tuesday I attended a meeting as part of my role on the Science and Technology Select Committee. This meeting included in-depth discussions with Matt Hancock.
I and other MPs have also had a meeting with Pfizer about vaccinations.
In the evening I attended a virtual meeting with Bamford Greenbelt Group about the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) whilst the local vote that was scheduled to take place this week has been delayed it is still due to come before the full council before the end of the year. Local people from Bamford and across the whole constituency have been contacting me about this and although I will not be able to vote (as this is a council vote), my colleagues on the Conservative council benches will be opposing the plan and of course have my full support in their opposition.
On Wednesday I joined a meeting with the Prime Minister and Northern MPs. Representing a seat like Heywood and Middleton I naturally have a personal interest in ensuring that there are regular and open discussions like these.
Probably the biggest news on Wednesday was that The Chancellor of the Exchequer delivered his Spending Review to Parliament. This was an extensive plan that included several key points for the country and our area.
On Thursday I attended a meeting with UK UN Operations Team. This was a Virtual learning session with Dartmouth Naval College as part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS). As regular visitors to my site will know this is a privately run programme which I am involved in to give Members of Parliament experience of the armed forces so that we can better represent them.
Across the week I have had various meetings with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) as part of my new role as Parliamentary Private Secretary.
On Friday morning I have a meeting with Link4Life to discuss the leisure sector in Rochdale Borough. Amongst various things, we discussed plans to safely reopen local facilities and measures to support mental health.
I also attended the virtual Rochdale Town Board meeting where we discussed the progression of plans that include the parts of my constituency that fall into Rochdale Township.
I had a meeting with No.10 about the reintroduction of tiers after the lockdown and the next steps that we will be taking. More information about how what the tiers mean in Heywood and Middleton can be found here: <More information>
We have also had good news about the signing of a new migration deal between the UK and France. The new £28.5m agreement is designed to tackle small boat crossings, which I know has been a matter of concern for may local people. I have been contacted regularly about this matter by constituents so I am sure that this news will be reassuring.
