I do apologise if you felt you were bombarded by politicians everywhere you went for what seemed like an eternity. Who knows who in politics sets these election timetables, but it is certainly not someone who is living in the real world.
I was very privileged to be re-elected for Wyre and Preston North with an increased share of the vote and I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you again. I truly love the constituency and would never wish to let you down. When I am sitting in Westminster listening to other colleagues, I am always so proud of the hard-working and “can-do” attitude of those in Wyre. It is amazing how many times we buck the national trend when it comes to overcoming challenges in our daily lives.
My first action on being elected, was to drop a note to the Department for Energy to raise my concerns about the Halite/Canatxx gas storage planning application. My second action was to get in touch with BAE to see what we can do to secure local jobs for the long-term. Just because the elections are over it doesn't mean I am going to take things easy.
Some of you may have read that I was recently promoted to be a Minister for the Northern Ireland Office. I know the country well and have first-hand experience of why the peace process is so important to complete. The threat of violence is never far away. It is in everyone’s interest that Stormont is a success and that Northern Ireland politicians learn to resolve their problems without requiring the UK Government to intervene. Rest assured that my extra responsibilities will mean no less time for supporting my constituents with their problems and I will still continue to live locally with my family. I am not being “posted” away! My Assistants (Alf, Zoe and Ben) and I will be in Great Eccleston or Westminster and always around to help or visit.
Even though the election was in full-flow during April, I did manage to attend the St George’s Day commemorations at Garstang Academy where Scouts Groups from Fleetwood, Thornton, Garstang and across Wyre came together for what was a great day. Scouts, Beaver and Cubs really do provide excellent opportunities for young people and I cannot praise highly enough the work of the volunteers who make it happen.
I also attended AGM of the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Research into the Disease is often something which lags behind other diseases and it is a condition that is so tough for carers and sufferers to deal with. I hope we can do more for them. If you are interested to read more about Motor Neurone Disease I would encourage you to visit the Motor Neurone Disease Association’s website: www.mndassociation.org
I look forward to seeing you out and about. My next surgeries will be in Great Eccleston on 22 May and Friday 5 June. If you would like to book an appointment please call my Office at the House of Commons on 0207 219 5804. I can also be contacted at my Constituency Office on 01995 672976, alternatively you can email me at [email protected] or write to me at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.