Callum’s Catch Up 03.12.24
Kicking off the Christmas celebrations
How is it December already? We are officially in the festive period, and I’m so looking forward to all of the Christmas events coming up across the constituency.
I’m kicking off the celebrations this weekend in style by getting out and about to amplify local retail and hospitality for #SmallBusinessSaturday (which coincidentally is a fantastic excuse to buy all my stocking fillers…).
On a much more serious note, I know that many businesses across Buckinghamshire are still affected by Storm Bert and the resulting flood damage. On Thursday I met a range of businesses, residents and organisations in Well Street, Ford Street, and Bridge Street in Buckingham whose livelihoods have been severely impacted. I’d like to say a big thank you to the families I met who shared their stories with me.
I’m committed to working with Buckingham Town Council, Buckinghamshire Council and the Environment Agency to ensure our town can be more resilient in the future. I spoke with BBC Three Counties this week (full interview from 2:24:54) on what Labour is doing to reverse 14 years of flood defence mismanagement and my pledge to take the issue of hospitality insurance back to Parliament.
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill
As many of you will be aware, last week I voted in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. After several months of reflection and conversations with constituents, I have come to the belief that with the right safeguards, terminally ill people should have the right to choose when they wish to end their life.
I understand that this is a highly emotive issue and that many people feel passionately in favour or against assisted dying. I would like to thank the hundreds of local people who have been in touch with me to share their incredibly personal stories, and I can assure you that every viewpoint has been considered.
It was a privilege to attend a debate which showed our parliamentary democracy at its most compelling, with carefully considered thoughts on both sides. It showed that we do not need to be polarised.
You can read my full statement on the Bill here,
Local visits
Elsewhere in the constituency this week I:
Hosted a constituency advice surgery in Tattenhoe.
Talked to residents across Tattenhoe and Winslow on the doorstep about how I can best serve the community as your MP (followed by a quick drink at the Nags Head - pictured).
In Westminster
Back in Westminster I:
Voted in favour of legislation to ban disposable vapes, as well as to progress the Finance Bill so that our Government can implement the Budget.
Attended Westminster Hall debates on online safety for young people and the rollout of Project Gigabit in rural areas.
Joined Animal Free Research’s drop-in to talk about their campaign to mandate the replacement of animals in medical research in the UK by 2035 (pictured).
