In Westminster
This was one of those weeks that was a little bit different. I normally spend Monday to Thursday in Westminster representing your views and concerns in the House of Commons. I then travel back home to spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday out and about in our communities meeting as many of you as I can. However, things were different this week as I joined colleagues in Westminster on Friday to vote in favour of giving the public a say on whether we should remain in the European Union.
The proposed referendum on our membership of the European Union was introduced to Parliament by James Wharton using a mechanism known as a Private Members Bill. Every Member of Parliament is entitled to enter a ballot to see who gets a guaranteed chance to bring forward a Private Members Bill. James Wharton MP won the ballot and he chose an EU Referendum as his subject to push.
Unusually, his Private Members Bill has the full support of one of the governing parties. David Cameron has made clear that he supports us holding a referendum, but the constraints of coalition prevent such a measure being pursued in Government time. My own position on this matter is well established and it has been consistent since I was elected as your Member of Parliament in 2010. I strongly believe that the time has come for us all to have a say on whether we should remain in the EU. The EU has changed beyond all recognition since the last referendum and we must have our say on whether this is acceptable or not. I have voted consistently in favour of a referendum since I was elected and I did so again last week. The arguments for staying in and coming out need to be made and then we need the public to decide.
Elsewhere in Parliament, the latest Finance Bill was debated on Monday and Tuesday and we had interesting discussions relating to income tax and the mansion tax. Wednesday saw us consider the NHS (apt as it celebrates its 65th anniversary) and transport, whilst the House played host to an interesting debate on NATO on Thursday.
Back Home
One consequence of attending the House of Commons on Friday to vote in favour of given the public a say on our future relationship with the European Union was that it gave me less time back at home in the patch this week to get out and about in our communities. However, I was delighted to head back home on Thursday to attend the Stover School annual prize giving ceremony. Prizes were awarded for achievement and it was always good to have the chance to celebrate pupil’s success at prize giving occasions.
I was also delighted to give prizes at the Barham Cup. The Barham Cup is one of the highlights of the summer for me and the race is always keenly contested. As usual, very large crowds cheered competitors on. It was a beautiful warm evening and it is always good to see so many in the community of all ages coming together for such a great occasion.
Surgeries
My next surgery will be held at 10am in Newton Abbot (Courtenay Centre). Please phone 01626 368277 to make an appointment or to discuss an issue that cannot wait until the next surgery.