ONE of the things that has occupied me for much of the last week is the increasing price of energy.

I have had some difficult emails from constituents whose bills have skyrocketed as a result of the global hike in prices, in large part due to Russia having such a controlling stake in gas reserves.

The pain of this massive escalation in energy prices is being experienced by everyone, whether individuals, families, or companies, including companies like Barrow’s own Kimberly Clark, which I met with earlier this week to discuss their concerns.

I met the Chancellor on Wednesday to talk over what the options might be.

There are long and medium-term plans in the pipeline, but for the short-term impact, what is there?

A 5% reduction in VAT isn’t going to make a realistic difference to people’s bills and would also benefit the well-off who don’t need the help.

I emphasised that any measure should target those who really need it.

I was relieved to see that the Chancellor was listening and await developments.

On Tuesday I asked Life Sciences Minister George Freeman a question in the Commons, seeking his support to develop a life sciences cluster in Ulverston.

I was heartened by his positive response, and for the energy he has authorised his department to put into this.

I am feeling far more optimistic on the potential of this than I was even a few weeks ago.

The Home Affairs Committee – on which I sit - took its first evidence session on spiking this week.

The problem of individuals having their drinks drugged, or being injected for a variety of nefarious reasons, is hugely worrying and so hard to track. Hearing victims’ voices was disturbing but vital, and I am really grateful those of you who provided written evidence.

We are pushing the Home Office and the police to take this matter very seriously.

At PMQs on Wednesday, I mentioned the continued pressure on our Hospital Trust, and reiterated the call to reduce the Covid self-isolation period from 7-5 days to help get people back into work - currently, 15% of staff are off due to self-isolation.

I was therefore pleased the following day that the Government announced this change.

I don’t think I can realistically claim that it was my advocacy that made this happen, but it is a good result nonetheless and should help relieve some of the pressures in the NHS.

Also on Wednesday, as you will know, the PM apologised for attending an event in the Downing Street Garden during lockdown.

I am seething at the news, and the subsequent revelations.

All of us made huge adjustments to our lives to keep to the rules and I know so many people who suffered terribly, bearing the strain of bereavements, delayed weddings, births missed, and families kept apart for months.

I expect to see all breaches investigated and appropriate consequences meted out.

I am listening very hard to my constituents’ views on the matter too.