This week my Summer Work Experience Program kicked off as we welcomed 11 students from Bradon Forest School and Highworth Warneford to the office for a week.
The programme sees groups of young people, mainly aged between 16-18, join my office for a week. The goal of the programme is for the students to experience life in an MP’s office and better understand the work of an MP. During the week the students tackle a variety of tasks covering all aspects of my work as an MP. They learn about the types of casework my office receives and how to respond to and action some casework examples. In addition to understanding the day-to-day workings of the office, the week also seeks to build their skills around team work, critical thinking, research, projects and presenting. It is always fascinating to hear the range of opinions and ideas they put forward in what is a very busy week, with over 15 different tasks.
There are still spaces for this summer, so if you would like to see what life is like in an MPs office then please do get in touch. The week is great fun and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who has an interest in politics.
I was very pleased to be able to continue my work promoting reading and children’s literacy at a National Literacy Trust event at the Orbital Shopping Park. Schools from across Swindon were invited to take part in four events, with the aim of encouraging them to enjoy reading, including a very interactive story reading session at the North Swindon Library. As I have previously written, this is an area I am active in as it key to helping unlock all children’s potential as well as providing much enjoyment.
In Parliament I was delighted to welcome Rob Angus, CEO of Swindon Town Football Club to meet the Sports Minister Stuart Andrew MP to discuss the Football - A Sustainable Future, White Paper. Rob’s insight into the white paper is incredibly valuable, given his past experience as the Vice Chair of TrustSTFC and now as the CEO of Swindon Town Football Club – furthermore, his extensive background in financial services gives him a unique insight into all aspects covered in Tracy Crouch MP’s Fan Led Review. This was a very positive meeting, shaping the upcoming White Paper, and I am very grateful to Rob for sharing his knowledge and suggestions.
It is welcome news that public sector workers including, Police officers, Prison officers, Teachers, Junior Doctors and the Armed forces will get a pay rise in the annual pay settlement set out by the Prime Minister. Whilst this will deliver the largest pay increases in decades, it won’t be funded by further borrowing or tax increases which would have increased inflation. Savings across Government and increasing fees for work visa and NHS charges for migrants will allow us to deliver this fair deal for our hardworking public sector workers and the tax-payer.
