The weekly roundup: 29th April – 5th May
Parliament has been prorogued this week and will recommence after the State Opening next Wednesday. I have therefore been keeping busy with local issues and casework.
There have however been a number of meetings which have taken place:
Monday kicked off with a meeting with Trans Media watch in my capacity as Conservative Party Advisor on LGBT issues. I was interested to learn how transgender people face discrimination and are depicted in the media. Later I met with Diabetes UK to discuss the provision of paediatric services in Barnet. I was interested to learn of the performance of paediatric services locally and will be arranging a follow up meeting to see if there are any areas that can be improved.
Tuesday also began with a meeting in my capacity as LGBT Advisor. I met with a leading publication to discuss LGBT issues. I then met with leading Jewish charity Norwood to discuss Government policy regarding adults with learning disabilities. Later on I enjoyed welcoming pupils from Hasmonean Boys School to Westminster. I had an excellent Q & A session and fielded a number of questions on a range of issues.
I had a very interesting meeting with the London Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday about private equity and its role in business lending. I was interested to learn that in the USA, bank lending accounts for only 18% of loans to businesses. Here in the UK, that figure is 55%. Later that day I went to the Young Enterprise Celebration at Pentlands in Finchley. Highgate School, where many of the pupils are from Finchley and Golders Green, had an excellent idea for a portable speaker and a multi-purpose watch. I also enjoyed the entry from JACOS School who had an entry for a tri-lingual crossword!
Friday began with a meeting with the local council. I then ventured over to St Mary’s School for their bi-centennial celebration. I gave a short speech of thanks to the Headteacher, staff and parents for supporting such a great school, and I was followed by a talk from the Bishop of Edmonton.
I spent the rest of Friday at my constituency office dealing with casework. In all, a successful week.