Weekly roundup, Sunday 7th June

As another Westminster week begins, I thought I’d quickly reflect on the last week. Life as an MP is never dull, but the last two or three weeks have been ‘interesting’ to say the least.

Last Tuesday, many MPs returned to Westminster despite pleas from the opposition to continue working virtually until it was safe for us and for the thousands of staff who work in and around Parliament. There were a number of votes, which since April had been taking 15 seconds to vote using our phones, but are now taking up to 48 minutes standing in long queues and which have, disgracefully, excluded those MPs who were not able to be present physically due to shielding or caring duties.

Over the last week, I was lucky enough to be drawn to ask 2 questions. The first to Matt Hancock, the Shadow Secretary for Health regarding the inadequacy of the track and trace programme and the second to the Equalities Minister about Sir Professor Michael Marmot’s recent report on rising health inequalities — which the minister was unaware of. You can watch these questions on Facebook, here and here.

I am continuing to receive a number of emails regarding Dominic Cumming’s controversial trip to Durham during lockdown as well as many, many constituents voicing their anger and disbelief about the killing of George Floyd by US police officers, sentiments that have been reflected around the world at #BlackLivesMatter protests.

Thank you again for all the support and feedback — over these and other issues — it’s really heartening to hear from my constituent who clearly feel as passionate as I do about what is happening in society. As ever, my team and I are working hard to reply to your queries and, as ever, I will continue to hold the Government to account and represent the people of Durham to the best of my ability.