Sean Woodcock MP May Update
Between the start of a new parliamentary session and various visits within the constituency, it has been a busy month.
Here is a look back at what I’ve been up to:
Working for you in Westminster
I am pleased to be able to share that I have taken on a new role as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Cabinet Office. This means regular meetings with ministers and the department on policy direction and to feedback ideas. I want to assure you I will continue to put Banbury, Chipping Norton, Charlbury and the North Oxfordshire villages at the forefront of everything I do, and champion the interests of our local area in the heart of Government.
You may well have seen that on 13 May, the State of Opening of Parliament took place, an ostentatious affair based on centuries of tradition which reaffirms the constitutional relationship between the House of Commons and the House of Lords, Parliament and the Monarchy, and the British people and the state. As strange as some of the elements of the State Opening may be, such as when the doors of the House of Commons are closed to Black Rod, who then strikes them thrice before gaining admittance, such elements symbolise important principles of our ancient democracy.
During the State Opening of Parliament, the King set out the Government’s legislative agenda in a speech delivered in the House of Lords. The Bills proposed are vital to strengthening our economic security, ending the opportunity crisis to ensure Britain works for all, strengthening public services and reforming the state, and strengthening our energy and national security. I am excited to continue supporting legislation which is bringing about positive change in our country.
Beyond this, I had a fantastic trip to Brunei with the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme. I met with Gurkhas and their families and learnt a lot about the remarkable service they provide to the United Kingdom.
Across the Constituency
I held a surgery in Longford Park, Banbury, where I spoke with local residents about their concerns and offered my support with casework issues.
I visited John Radcliffe Hospital to join staff in celebrating International Day of the Midwife. I met some brilliant healthcare professionals, and I applaud those who dedicate themselves to midwifery.
There has been some really positive news from around the constituency. I am delighted that my former school, The Warriner School, has received a share of a £450 million fund to upgrade its buildings. I also pay tribute of the amazing tree-planting efforts of the pupils of Hill View Primary School to mark Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday.
Thank you to everyone who has engaged with me over the past month. As always, I am contactable at sean.woodcock.mp
Sean
Member of Parliament for Banbury