Parliament shut its doors last week in a process called prorogation. 

For once, the debating chambers and corridors of the Palace of Westminster are quiet while we wait for the Queen’s Speech to be delivered, setting the parliamentary agenda for the next session. This provides an ideal opportunity for reflection. Not only have we weathered a pandemic, and the global challenges of Russia’s illegal war with Ukraine, but we have also passed 19 Acts of Law, improving a wide range of areas such as: animal welfare; social care; border security; up-skilling, and protecting those with Down Syndrome.

Last week the Home Affairs Committee began its next enquiry, taking a thorough look at drugs policy. This is a fascinating subject – anyone can see that the current arrangements aren’t working, and even from this first session it is clear that many of the assumptions that people make about drugs and crime are wrong. Sadly it would seem that much of our policy towards drugs is based on those same assumptions. So the committee has a big task on its hands. As a first step, we will be looking overseas to see what works, and what we should learn from their experiences.

On Tuesday, I supported my friend and fellow MP Mary Robinson as she introduced a Whistleblowing Bill to protect whistleblowers and ensure their safety.  Within our own area, whistleblowers have played a significant role, not least in bringing concerns about maternity and urology services to light. It is crucial to ensure that individuals who are courageous enough to do this are properly safeguarded.  I was proud to be beside Mary to support her.

Being an MP means learning quickly about new subjects. One of these is aquaculture (farming seafood) and I find myself chairing the All Party Group on the subject – not something I would have expected before I became an MP. But, given our position in Morecambe Bay, and local businesses like Kingfisher Seafoods and Morecambe Bay Oysters on Walney, this is very important to our area. I look forward to fighting for this industry in Parliament.  

Finally, this is my last opportunity to remind you through this column of the local elections on May 5. No matter who you decide to vote for, please do vote. Our new council, Westmorland and Furness, is an opportunity to break with the past and do things better. This is your chance to decide who runs it. Please do vote on May 5.