It was really fabulous to see the recognition that Greenfield Arts are receiving for their efforts. The activities and engagement they create are something to be really applauded and I congratulate them for everything they do.
My week has seen me continue to work with the variety of questions and queries that arise as we start to transition out of lockdown whilst at the same time we see legislation going through Parliament. Whilst this is being handled through the hybrid Parliament that we currently have, the opportunities for interrogation and debate are severely curtailed and I look forward to a more normal situation. I expect to be back in Westminster for at least a few days from Tuesday.
One of the pieces of legislation last week was the immigration bill which stimulated and open letter to me from the local Labour party. This was a piece of legislation to enact us having control of our borders post Brexit and was a primary part of the manifesto upon which we were elected. To attempt to paint this as an insult to the many key workers we have is disingenuous. I was of the opinion that the Labour Party saw the free movement of labour as a capitalist approach to exploit workers, for them now to try to spin stopping free movement as the devaluation of key workers in this country is not credible. I clap for all key workers every week because I fully appreciate and value all that they do.
As you may understand a significant part of my inbox over the last week has related to Dominic Cummings, this in my opinion, is out of all proportion to the significance of his actions. I listened to his explanations and interviews on Monday. I believe I would have made different decisions in the same circumstances but it is difficult to appreciate the pressure cooker in which he works and makes choices. I am not condoning his actions but I think that the pressures of having the job he has in advising the Prime Minister at such a critical time combined with the intense media interest around him as an individual is very difficult to comprehend. I do not know his options in terms of getting alternate local care for his child in London so could accept his decision to drive to another location where his options were better. The decision to drive to Barnard Castle is more difficult to understand, but I do not feel that either of these are sacking offences.
My biggest frustration is the disruption that this causes to our primary efforts. Locally this week these have been around ensuring our voices are heard in Westminster for our constituents and include lobbying for greater broadband provisions, promoting our submission to reinstate Ferryhill railway station and supporting the wide range of issues arising from Covid 19. It is these that we will continue to prioritise and this may mean that responses to emails about Mr Cummings may take longer than normal.
I hope we continue to see a lifting of the lockdown but in the meantime please look after you and yours, wash your hands regularly, stay alert, control the virus and save lives.
Paul Howell MP
MP for Sedgefield
Paul.Howell.MP@Parliament.uk
