This week, my fourth as the MP for Berwick upon Tweed, has started to look a little more "normal" in that we have been having debates all week in the Chamber and getting stuck into detailed discussions about some of the legislation coming forwards. I cast my first vote in the lobby on Thursday when we voted for the Queens Speech (Majority: 47).
I was pleased (& perhaps a little relieved!) to have the opportunity to make my Maiden Speech on Monday evening. Obviously a little nerve wracking, as its the first time a member actually speaks in the Chamber: mine was made a little more challenging by a decision by the Deputy Speaker, who was in the chair, to limit speeches to 4 minutes rather than 6. However, he was being kind and more than a little flexible to my colleagues speaking before me. I was then called, and stood up and began.
I looked up over my notes as I turned my first page, & noticed that the deputy speaker had become the Speaker (Mr Bercow) - so I had to remember to refer to him now- and that as the timer on the wall clocked down towards zero (yes, there really is a stop watch system to stop us all going on too long!) I saw (& felt) the hard stare of the Speaker to wind up.
So the Maiden Speech which I gave (http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2015-06-01b.399.0) was a shorter version than the planned one which you can find on www.teamtrevelyan.co.uk . I am definitely inducted into Chamber life, where the Speaker's word & decision is law.
Having made my Maiden Speech, I am now allowed to ask questions of Ministers and my first opportunity arose on Monday evening to new Minister & Cumbrian MP Rory Stewart, asking about Government support to our farmers if the voters decide we should leave the EU in the forthcoming referendum (http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2015-06-01b.431.0).
On Tuesday evening I was invited to participate in the annual Ladies House of Commons Tug of War team in aid of Macmillan Cancer - a hugely worthy charity and the only reason why I was willing to publicly put myself into such a mad role! We did well, winning one of three tugs ( a record apparently!) against a very well trained & honed Macmillan Ladies team. A hilarious evening, and so glad I was part of the team. Next year we might even practise first!
My second question was during the Health debate on Wednesday, asking Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt to review ambulance protocols where breaks stop paramedics being called to life-threatening 999 calls – this is a situation which worries me enormously for the safety of patients as well as the mental health of paramedics who want to be able to do their job in those life-threatening situations (http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2015-06-02b.437.2).
On a practical level, I now have an office & my team are just about all in post; we have our Berwick constituency base sorted out and Alnwick's shortly.
Locally, the challenge of getting longterm stability into the residential care home sector in North Northumberland is testing us all: with Seton Hall Care Home looking to leave the sector, and changes in plans from Abbeyfield Care Homes in Alnwick this week, there is work to do. We need to protect those in homes at present as well as make sure that those whose needs will have to be met through residential care (especially those with dementia). If you have concerns for family or friends please contact me.
On the national scene, I have joined the Conservatives for Britain group of MPs who support 100% the Prime Minister’s efforts to get a good renegotiation package for our nation with the EU: but we are a group of MPs who make it clear that if that cannot be achieved because European leaders refuse to engage with us, then we would campaign to leave the EU. I am so pleased that having a majority Conservative Government means that we will be able – at last – to get the EU Referendum onto the statute book so that the British People will decide how we go forwards as a nation in Europe.
Please do email me anytime on annemarie.trevelyan.mp@parliament.uk ; call us on 0207 219 4437 or you can call Tom in Alnwick on 01665 692106, if you have issues of concern.