It has been another busy week in Parliament, although the place still feels oddly quiet with many of the staff still working from home. Traffic is starting to return in London, which is a shame as the quieter roads were lovely, but at least it means life is starting to return to normal and people are going back to work.
I was grateful to have the opportunity to question the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, on the violence and vandalism perpetrated by a small minority of the protesters in recent weeks. I also commented on the importance of using democratic channels rather that destructive force for the removal of statues or monuments. I was pleased that Priti agreed with all this. You can watch the exchange on my Facebook page here. I have also recently written two articles on this subject, one in the Hampshire Chronicle and the other on ConHome, where I discuss my views in more depth.
I was also able to ask Michael Gove about the progress of UK-EU future relationship negotiations. I am concerned that the EU do not seem to have offered the UK reciprocal travel arrangements (90 days in 180, rather than the UK’s offer of 6 months in 12) and I hope this is something that can be agreed. Again, I was glad to see that Michael agreed and very surprised and touched that he wished me a happy birthday from the Despatch Box. You can watch it online here.
It has obviously been a week for birthdays, as I understand it is the PM’s today. So, happy birthday, Boris! Perhaps Geminis are drawn to politics? Sadly, the bars in and around Parliament have all been closed and social distancing is still in place, so celebrating with friends has not been quite as easy as usual. I hope the Boris will at least get to have a small celebration this evening with Carrie and young Wilfred.
When outside the Chamber, meetings continue as normal – except now of course they take place virtually. I had a fascinating discussion with the British-Palestine All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) about the current situation in Israel and Palestine and the concerns about Israel’s promised annexations in July. I am pleased that the Government has been clear that it would oppose such a move. Today I also had a meeting with Winchester City Council to discuss the support businesses still need locally.
Speaking of support for local businesses, as of this week ‘non-essential’ shops like clothes shops have started opening again. If you can do so safely, please go out this weekend and do some shopping – many of these businesses have gone through an incredibly difficult three months and need our help to get back on their feet.
Marwell Zoo is one such business that I am pleased to say is re-opening its doors. This is a fantastic place where you can enjoy a day out with friends and family, while still socially distancing outdoors. Please do take advantage of some of the forecast sunny weather and support Marwell by giving it a visit.
Have a great weekend!