I am writing this back in Cornwall after my first week in
Parliament. It has been a truly
memorable but somewhat surreal experience.
As one of the new intake of MPs I was taken through the Parliamentary induction
process. Several of my fellow newcomers commented that it felt like we had
joined Hogwarts crossed with Fort Knox. I did not go to university but I
imagine this is what Fresher’s Week would be like.
In one corridor you pass men in tailcoats and white bow
ties, while in the next you pass teams of heavily armed police. As you can
imagine security is a high priority. The doormen lead you to a cloakroom where
there is a hanger for your coat and a hook to hang your sword, since swords are
not allowed in the chamber (note to self – remember to buy a sword).
There are strict rules about how you are allowed to address
fellow members in the chamber and even how to enter and leave. We were taught about the House of Commons
procedures; how to register to speak in a debate, table a question and how to
vote (hopefully in the correct lobby).
In the midst of all this I have been keen to get to work on
the important issues for mid-Cornwall. I have already held meetings with
ministers and officers to discuss issues that included; bringing the Spaceport
to Newquay, moving forward on the new road link from St Austell to the A30 and
addressing the concerns of residents of Fraddon around the traffic to and from
the Anaerobic Digestion plant. I also spoke
briefly with the Prime Minister on the Stadium for Cornwall. All of these issues are moving in a positive
direction.
Here in mid-Cornwall I am focussed on setting up the
constituency office so that my team and I can effectively serve local people. I
am very clear this is what being your MP is primarily about. I have been
interviewing for staff and viewing premises. Things are coming together and I
expect the team to be in place in the next few weeks.
In the meantime I will be holding regular surgeries for
local people. These are designed so that
you can bring your issues to me and discuss face to face. My first surgery will
be in Newquay next week and then fortnightly in different locations around the
constituency. If you would like to attend a surgery or if I can help in any way
please drop me an email office@stevedouble.org.uk Your you can
call my off ice on our temporary number 07555069714.
Being your MP is an incredible honour and I look forward to
representing and serving you for the next five years and working with you to
make mid-Cornwall an even better place to live.
