It’s fair to say that there is no such thing as a typical week, with this week showing a good example of the variety of work taking place.
The long bank holiday weekend offered a good chance to catch-up with friends and family after the local elections – which were more positive than the newspaper headlines would have anyone believe, with us keeping the same number of councillors as before.
And on getting back to Parliament earlier this week it was straight back to it. As many will know, I sit on the Business & Trade Select Committee, which looks at our industrial strategy, business and enterprise policy, and international trade agreements. With one of our inquiries focusing on export led growth, it was good to read another story about AMS Neve. I brought a Cabinet Minister to visit them just a few weeks back, and as one of our biggest exporters and local champions, it’s great to see them showcased in such a positive light again.
I also met the UK’s Chief Negotiator to the USA this week. We talked through the progress being made on striking trade agreements with individual US states, the US Inflation Reduction Act, which is having an impact on businesses over here, and the possibility of a wider UK-USA free trade agreement in the future.
But we can only trade, and grow our local economy, with a skilled workforce and by increasing opportunity locally. So it was good on Wednesday to sit down with the Vice Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire to discuss the levelling-up funded regeneration of Newtown Mill; the university’s ambitious plans for the Burnley Campus; and how we can equip young people and those already in work across Burnley and Padiham with the skills and knowledge needed for the 21st century.
Later on Wednesday it was over to Downing Street for a meeting with the Prime Minister. Taking these opportunities to highlight the work we’re doing across the borough, talk about how we can do more, and to share the views that residents raise with me, is really important.
And finally, as I write this on Thursday morning, I’m preparing for a meeting with the Health Minister at Royal Blackburn Hospital. As those who follow my social media or get my email update will know, I have raised healthcare numerous times in the House of Commons, and I’m pleased my request to visit was taken up. And then later tonight (Thursday) I’ll be holding my regular Facebook Live Q&A.
