As September arrives and I prepare to head back to Westminster (it really does feel like school starting again!), I am acutely conscious of the rural proofing challenges which I and my colleagues with large rural seats need to tackle.
From broadband to small hamlets and farms, to school transport for children who live far from their chosen school & threats to small schools like Branton & Embleton which offer vital sustainable community hubs, and the sudden closure of England's most rural doctor's surgery in Harbottle - we must work out how to change the urban-centric focus in Whitehall based on population, to leave space for our expansive & sparcely- populated communities to thrive.
The last couple of weeks have been subsumed by the sudden closure of Harbottle surgery, and will remain right at the top of my to-do list until a new, viable long-term solution is found. I will be meeting with the Secretary of State for Health's team as soon as possible.
I was able to meet some of our amazing firefighters last week, and heard about plans for more co-operation with the ambulance service. My visit to RAF Boulmer on Friday helped me build a clearer picture of the vital air defence work which goes on there, and which will continue after the SeaKing search & rescue helicopter retires from duty at the end of September.
My work to consult on the coach park location in Berwick is progressing, with good collaboration between many groups. We hope to circulate details in the next couple of weeks. Huge thanks to all those who made the annual Glendale Show on Bank Holiday Monday such a roaring success: my daughter has decided that Alpaca farming is her chosen career path after meeting the wonderful team from Barnacre Alpacas from Elsdon!
The coming week at Westminster is going to be busy, from the EU Referendum Bill report stage on Monday which I have concerns about, as it is so important that the framework for the referendum is as clear & free from EU-influence as it can possibly be; to the Assisted Dying Bill being brought back as a Private Members Bill by Labour MP Rob Marris. I continue to be concerned by the risks to our most vulnerable & elderly and will almost certainly vote against this bill to legalise assisted dying.
If you would like to catch up on the next stages of my Summer Tour in September, please go to www.teamtrevelyan.co.uk/news for details of where we will be.
If you want to catch up on earlier Weeks In Westminster, you can find them at www.teamtrevelyan.co.uk
If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime on 0207 219 4437 or by email to annemarie.trevelyan.mp@parliament.uk