It has now been a year since I was elected Member of Parliament for Mid Dorset and North Poole. It has been a very varied, busy and interesting year! Highlights have included: successfully campaigning to secure fairer funding for our schools, to ensure that our children get the best start in life; asking my first Prime Minister’s question on the same day Jeremy Corbyn asked his; and being involved in helping young people find employment. I was also proud to be instrumental in securing a unanimous vote on describing Yazidis and Christians as victims of genocide by ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
Here in Dorset I have been humbled by the faith people have put in me. I have received correspondence on a wide range of issues and problems, and whilst I am not able to solve everything, I help wherever I can. I have received and sent many tens of thousands of emails and letters and I hope that this ongoing dialogue continues.
One issue that can cause difficulties for families is when people die intestate – that is, without a Will. In June there is the chance to give money to charity whilst making a will. During “Make a Will Fortnight” several local solicitors are willing to make a will for free, in exchange for you donating money to a local charity. If you do not have a Will, please consider contacting a solicitor to see if they are part of the scheme, to ensure your loved ones are taken care of, and at the same time helping good causes.
I am proud to be part of a government that has ensured that we all get our say EU. Whatever you feel about our relationship with the EU, please do remember to use your vote in the referendum on Thursday 23rd June. You should receive a voting card in the post, but if you do not, you are still able to go and vote if you have been registered.
Being June, we are now into fete, fair and carnival season. I will be attending many of these, so please do stop me for a chat if you see me. We have an extra recess in June due to the referendum, and I will be spending the week holding extra surgeries to meet with local residents. I hold surgeries in a range of places across the constituency, including coffee shops, libraries, pubs and supermarkets so please do get in touch if you have any concerns or would like to meet; email me on [email protected] or contact my office on 01202 624216.