Nigel Huddleston, Droitwich and Evesham MP, writes for the Observer.
IT IS a pleasure to write again following a turbulent few weeks in Parliament.
Parliament has returned following prorogation – the formal process by which one Parliamentary session is brought to an end before the Government sets out its legislative programme for the year ahead in the King’s Speech – written by the Government, but read out by The King.
Before prorogation, there were a number of significant debates and votes.
I voted against the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, which could see British Army veterans subjected to further investigations and legal proceedings many decades after serving their country.
I also supported an important vote on whether the Prime Minister should be referred to the Privileges Committee over the process by which Peter Mandelson was appointed as ambassador to the United States. I supported the referral so the committee could examine the matter properly and establish the facts.
As Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, I continued to raise concerns about the pressures facing tourism, hospitality, betting and horse racing.
During Departmental Questions, I challenged ministers on how less support, more regulation and higher taxes were supposed to help sectors where many businesses were already struggling and jobs had been lost – including in my own constituency.
I also continued to meet with organisations from across the tourism, charitable, sporting and cultural sectors.
This included discussions with Hospice UK, the Short Term Rental Associations, Jet2, and UK Hospitality, as well as events recognising the work of the EFL, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and the Youth Investment Fund – a programme I was proud to help initiate in government.
And I spoke at a Freedom in the Arts event which brought together Parliamentarians, artists and representatives from across the cultural sector to discuss freedom of expression and artistic independence.
I was pleased that pupils from Westacre Middle School were able to visit Parliament for a tour.
It is always good to see local schools and constituents visiting Westminster and I would encourage anyone interested in arranging a tour to contact my office.
As always, if I can ever be of any assistance to constituents, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
