THIS week at Westminster we marked the grim anniversary of the murder of PC Keith Palmer, who was killed in 2017 while defending Parliament from a terrorist attack. It was a poignant reminder of the risks taken every day by the police and those working in other emergency services. I know how grateful I and my constituents are for everything they do to protect us.

This poignant event was contrasted by Baroness Casey publishing her review into the culture of the Metropolitan Police. It made stark reading, referring to “too little humility”, “denial”, a culture of covering up problems, and a lack of emphasis on the issues that matter. As a result, the Met is losing the faith of its many good officers, and of the public it exists to serve. As members of the Home Affairs Committee, we were able to question Baroness Casey on her findings.  In the Commons on Monday, I also asked questions of the Home Secretary, seeking to pin down what good, thorough reform would look like, and how long it might take.

You might think that the Met is a long way from Cumbria. But its position as the most visible police force, responsible for counter-terrorism throughout the UK, means that it acts as a bellwether. Many of the problems identified in the report risk being present in forces across the country, albeit in lower numbers. Already local women and girls report to me concerns about whether the police can support them in light of the awful cases of Wayne Couzens and David Carrick. That is why we have ensure that lessons are learned, and improvements made at the Met are cascaded to here in Cumbria.

Our own local police are taking a double hit from this. The national headlines make people concerned, but the 18 months or so before the Ellie Williams trial began saw unceasing attacks on their integrity and capability. Those concerns should have been disposed of when the Judge handed down his verdict, but there is little doubt that period has had an impact, and so demonstrating that Cumbria Police is reacting to the lessons learned in London, and seeking to rebuild trust within its own community is paramount so that those who may be at risk feel able to turn to them to help. I shall be meeting with our local force to discuss this further soon.

I was delighted to welcome to Westminster two visits from local institutions this week.  First, Dane Ghyll Community School came to Parliament and toured the House of Commons.  I much enjoyed meeting them and talking to them about campaigning, democracy and my day job.  It was also great to welcome Denis Fay and Siona Nelson from the Barrow Raiders ‘Advantage’ programme and to bring them along to Number 10 to meet the Prime Minister as a thank you for all they do. With their amazing work for disadvantaged groups in Barrow and the surrounding area promoting sport, health and well-being to people of all ages, Advantage really do deserve our thanks.

The week ended just as busily, with an open surgery on Walney, a visit to the Lake District National Park with their team to discuss rural issues, and talking about democracy to eight local schools as part of the Bright Stars Campaign.