I remain humbled by the enormous privilege of being elected by the people of Rutland and Melton, who have been unbelievably supportive in helping me settle into my new role. It’s been a busy few weeks since my first column, and whil I’m still wrapping my head around the intricate parliamentary procedures and etiquettes by which I'm expected to abide, I’m truly excited to update you on what I’ve been up to in Westminster and locally on your behalf.
Since my first column, we have left the European Union! In Rutland and Melton, we have a booming agricultural industry and are proud to be the Rural Capital of Food! I understand that naturally, a change as significant as our departure from the European Union may leave some residents feeling uncertain about their futures. Please be assured that as your Member of Parliament, I ‘m determined to work for you and with you to ensure a smooth transition out of the EU, so we can make a success of the opportunities that Brexit opens up to us!
In the election, I stood on commitment to ‘get the Agriculture Bill moving’, and so I was delighted to be appointed to the Agriculture Bill Committee. The importance of this Bill to the long-term sustainability of our agricultural economy cannot be understated, because it introduces a range of new approaches to better support farmers and food producers in England and to replace and improve existing assistance for farmers. I intend to use my time on the Committee to ensure we establish a meaningful and tailored strategy to replace EU subsidies and ensure that food producers are at the heart of any Government plans.
On the subject of food producers, I was excited to launch the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Geographically Protected Foods in Parliament last week. Under European Law, three of Rutland and Melton’s food and drink products (Rutland Bitter, Stilton Cheese and, of course, Melton Mowbray Pork Pies) are granted Protected Geographical Status; to protect the reputation of regional products, promote traditional and agricultural activity and eliminate non-genuine products, which may mislead consumers or be of inferior character. I set up the APPG to do my part in championing a simple, robust and inclusive mechanism to protect geographically and culturally significant food from our communities, not to mention safeguarding the integrity of the delicious Melton Mowbray Pork Pie! I was delighted that Parliamentarians from the UK’s four nations and six political parties joined my APPG and committed to advocate this most important cause.
On this note, I’ve also been vocal in my support for our Stilton Cheese producers to ensure Stilton’s home remains in the three counties!
Since my last article, I have also asked my first question at Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs)- another rite of passage for any newly elected Member of Parliament. After spending what seemed like an eternity ‘bobbing’ (standing up in the Chamber to get the Speaker’s attention), it was exhilarating to hear my name called to ask my first ever question to the Prime Minister.
My fellow newly elected MPs and I have discussed what to ask as our first question at PMQs; whether to prioritise local or national issues, individual plights or community matters. When it came to my first question, however, I had no doubts about what I wanted to raise. Throughout the election campaign I heard time and time again on the doorsteps of the need for new or expanded GP services in Melton and Oakham, and I promised you, the voters who so kindly put me in this position, that I would do everything I could to make this a reality.
It was, therefore, an unqualified real privilege to use my first question to request the Prime Minister’s support for more GP services in Melton and Oakham, and I hope you will join me in celebrating the PM’s backing as we should all be able to rely on health services close to home to keep our communities healthy.
Back in the constituency I’ve enjoyed getting to know local residents, who have kindly given me their time. Meeting those who run Melton and District Money Advice Centre last month, and local business leaders from the area in Melton Cattle Market more recently were two particular highlights that provided me with invaluable insights into what really matters to the uniquely diverse area I now represent.
I have also held numerous surgeries. It is always humbling when residents come to me with nowhere else to turn and it is unbelievably rewarding to be able to help them. I was very pleased to use the recess period to provide residents with one on one support and will return to Parliament next week inspired to facilitate further change on behalf of my constituents.