BARROW’S new MP wants to hear from Mail readers about their ideas for future laws after he was selected in a Private Member’s Bill ballot.

Simon Fell was drawn in the ballot and is seeking to canvass opinion among his new constituents regarding what prospective legislation changes Furness residents would most like to see.

His selection means the bills presented by Mr Fell will be given priority and increases the bills’ chances of getting a full second reading, which in turn makes it more likely they pass all the necessary stages to become law.

He said of the opportunity to directly shape this legislation: “It’s an honour - even though it’s luck of the draw - to be chosen to present a Private Members Bill.

“I have some ideas of my own for laws I’d like to sponsor, but they’re technical (things like better using data that government and the private sector already holds to crack down on organised crime gangs) and the art of getting a Private Members Bill turned into a law is that it has to be popular, cheap, and sound like the sort of thing we should have been doing already.

“So, what better way to find an idea that than ask the good people of Barrow and Furness?

“Lots of people have sent me ideas already - from legalising cannabis, to increasing the penalty for littering and bringing back ‘Keep Britain Tidy.’”

Mr Fell also recognised the importance to translate growing concerns around climate breakdown into the lawmaking process.

“I’m very tempted to look at laws around the environment and tackling the climate crisis. But I do genuinely want to hear from you.

"I’m going to talk to my new colleagues, the Table Office (who turn whatever idea I bring them into an actual draft law) and my party whips (who have to support the idea so that it gets any time for consideration at all). But first, I’d like your ideas."