Michael was very pleased to meet with Huw Merriman, the Minister of State with responsibilities for railways, at a recent visit to Wareham station. He was joined by Richard Drax MP, and Cllr Carol Turner, Mayor of Wareham.
This column is rather inaccurately named this month – I have not been in Westminster but mostly in Dorset. Being a Member of Parliament means living in two different places – in London during the week in term time, but back at home in the constituency on Fridays and weekends and during recess.
Michael was invited to meet Poole Men's Shed at the Limelights Youth Centre on Canforh Heath. Michael chatted to the members about the opportunities the group offers, particularly to retired and single people to help mitigate loneliness and isolation.
Michael was invited to visit Northern Ireland by the Secretary of State. Whilst there he saw the peace lines, and heard about the work being done in the different communities to bring people together.
It’s August, which means that Parliament is in recess and is not sitting. Whilst I will be taking some time off to spend with my family, work as a Member of Parliament continues over the summer in the constituency as usual.
Over the summer, families with children who are eligible for free school meals can get free activities and meals over the summer through the local council. Families need to sign up and can do so here:
Whether you are an individual making the trip to London, leading a school group, coming as a family or with friends, there are many different opportunities to see inside Parliament.
Childcare reforms announced in the Budget this year will support low-earning parents on Universal Credit in Mid Dorset and North Poole and across the country to get into work while being more confident that they can afford childcare costs.
