This week MPs returned to Westminster and not surprisingly, the week’s discussions in Parliament have been dominated by the EU Referendum and the Prime Minister’s announcement that the referendum will be held on the 23rd June. Whilst Europe has been the “talking point” for the week I have had a lot of other parliamentary business this week too!
On Monday I welcomed a number of young people from across the country to discuss career advice, alongside my fellow members of the Ed...ucation, Skills and the Economy Sub Select Committee. This gave us a fantastic opportunity to hear about the young people’s experiences and what advice they want and need to help them make decisions about their career choices. The feedback will be fed into our inquiry as well as help me here in Cannock Chase support our young people find the careers in which they want to work.
On Wednesday morning I spoke in a debate on biomass. With the potential closure of Rugeley B Power Station, I took the opportunity to question the Government’s position on biomass. As many of you will know in 2012/13 the owners of Rugeley Power Station looked at the possibility of converting it from coal to biomass, which could have extended the life of the power station.
My speech questioned why the Government is not taking more steps to make conversions to biomass more attractive to energy companies, by ensuring there is fair comparison of the cost and benefits of biomass versus other renewable sources of energy.
You can read my speech in full here -http://www.theyworkforyou.com/whall/…
I am also happy to tell you that, as a result of my question to the Prime Minister before recess, I will be meeting with the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change in the next few weeks to discuss Rugeley. I will use this weekly blog to keep you updated on the outcomes of this meeting.
Unfortunately I was unable to make the debate about the WASPI campaign, due to a large number of conflicting meetings and committee meetings. But I have previously written to the Government Ministers about this and have updated many constituents this week.
Thursday, as ever, a series of meetings which included a Select Committee meeting with EU Commissioner Malmstrom. We questioned her about the Steel Industry and TTIP. Despite much scaremongering by some people it is not a as risk that could see privatisation of the NHS. I, and my fellow MPs, believe in a NHS free at the point of access for everyone living in the country.
Today, I am back home in Cannock Chase visiting a local business, holding a surgery and tackling many issues on behalf of local residents. I am also drafting my question to the Prime Minister as I have been lucky enough to make it through the ballot for next week’s questions, so make sure you tune into PMQs at 12noon on Wednesday!