A lot of people ask what an MP does at weekends. With Parliament keeping me in Westminster from Monday to Thursday (outside recess), Fridays and weekends are my chance to get around West Cumbria, listen to people and champion our communities. Here’s a snapshot of what I got up to last weekend.
Friday began at Every Life Matters’ workplace suicide prevention conference. Suicide rates are far too high locally, and this charity’s work with employers is vital.
At Balfour Beatty, we discussed Powering West Cumbria, the nuclear supply chain and how local firms can help develop skills and regenerate our towns. In Gosforth, I saw the beautifully refurbished village library, funded by Historic England, with the village hall itself due to reopen next year. The contractors have done a brilliant job.
Then came a meeting with the National Trust, Myerscough College and others about plans for a rural skills hub to train future farmers, foresters and rangers right here in West Cumbria, which I’m really excited about and determined to deliver.
I visited Johnson House in Whitehaven to see residents’ wonderful Remembrance poppy display, before finishing with my monthly advice surgery, helping constituents with complex problems.
Saturday included a coffee morning in Stainburn, with residents from across Workington, one of several I hold each month across West Cumbria. In Egremont, I joined Councillor Sam Pollen for a street surgery, knocking on doors and hearing residents’ concerns. I want to come to you, not just expect you to come to me. Those street surgeries happen most weekends, and we spoke to dozens of people about local and national issues.
I also joined veterans, Army, Sea and Air Cadets, and volunteers from Workington and Bransty Royal British Legion branches collecting for the Poppy Appeal in Whitehaven and Workington. Thank you to everyone who has given their time across West Cumbria.
There was also time for a run with Harley, a local teenager running every day this month for Workington charity No Rainbows Without Rain. His determination is inspiring, and I was pleased to join him and make a donation to his cause. I’m also a big fan of NRWR and recently supported the charity with a coffee morning that raised £150.
Saturday evening brought a moving fundraiser at Whitehaven Rugby League Club in memory of Chris Todd, raising money for brain tumour research. Thank you to Audrey, Vicky, Chloe and the whole family for organising a wonderful tribute.
On Sunday, I attended Remembrance services in Whitehaven and Workington, representing our community and the Government. Seeing so many people honour those who served and sacrificed so much was deeply moving.
It was especially poignant following this week’s announcement of funding for new veterans’ support centres across Cumbria through the Government’s VALOUR programme, with local support beginning early next year.
Busy? Absolutely. But being visible, accessible and working alongside people across West Cumbria is the best part of this job.