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Since the last edition I have,
~ continued my schedule of regular work around Harrow East.
~ joined the Sardar Patel Memorial Society UK as they brought the community together to observe the anniversary of the birth of one of India's most important historical leaders, the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallbhbhai Patel.
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~ pledged to support the School Swimming Charter, a new initiative from the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) aimed at increasing the number of primary school children that can swim and know how to be safe in and around water.
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~ supported the Eastside Educational Trust, a leading charity which has been working in Harrow to engage and educate school age children through direct participation in the arts, at their recent 20th Anniversary Parliamentary Reception.
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~ hosted a Capgemini roundtable discussion on the evolution of IT services, exploring how the model of Service Integration can deliver significant benefits for the public sector, opening up procurement to smaller and more agile businesses while strengthening the UK’s knowledge economy.
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~ joined with colleagues from across the political spectrum to support the new 'Penny for London' scheme from the Mayor’s Fund for London, which allows Londoners to donate a penny every day they use their contactless debit or credit card to travel around the city.
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~ led the MPs' team at the Commons vs Lords Bridge Tournament and brought home the cup once again this year. I was also interviewed by the Daily Politics Show following the tournament and discussed my campaign for 'mind sports', like Bridge and Chess, to be recognised by UK Sports in the same way physical sports are.
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~ continued my programme of events for the Bob Blackman Business Breakfast Club, a group which brings local business owners together to discuss trade and issues facing the sector over a hearty breakfast, with a guest speaker attending from the industries or from the political sphere.
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~ celebrated the launch of the new modernised Stanmore Post Office by cutting the ribbon at its opening ceremony. Post Office services will be now available from 7.30am - 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am – 5.30pm Saturday, offering customers an extra by 13 hours of Post Office service every week.
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~ continued my work on the Communities and Local Government Select Committee and the Backbench Business Committee.
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~ attended the Annual Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service at the new Harrow War Memorial at the Civic Centre on Sunday 9th November to lay a wreath to mark the occasion. Lord Dolar Popat (pictured below) was also in attendance.
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~ met the new Principal of Avanti House School, Mark Bennison, for a catch up discussion on the school's expansion programme.
~ organised and attended a meeting with Oliver Letwin to discuss access to cancer medicines and the future of the Cancer Drugs Fund, which is only in place until April 2016. The Prime Minister has asked the Cabinet Office to look at possible future options for preserving access to specialist cancer treatment.
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~ took part in the annual dinner and dance celebrations at the Greek Orthodox Church Of St Panteleimon, marking the second year of the church’s opening. New plaques were unveiled to those attending to thank everyone involved in fundraising to help build the church, which is now a beautiful piece of local architecture.
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~ chaired a meeting of the APPG Justice for Equitable Life policyholders with Andrea Leadsom, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, to discuss the ongoing fight for full compensation for victims of the scandal. I also recently attending a large rally held by the Equitable Life Members Support Group (EMAG) in Westminster.
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~ drew one of the prizes for Silver Star Diabetes’ annual raffle, which took place in St George’s Shopping Centre in Harrow. The Harrow-based charity campaigns to raise diabetes awareness and runs MDUs that carry out important diabetes testin.
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~ visited pupils at Bentley Wood School for a tour and a Q&A session, and also engaged in a discussion with 6th Form pupils at Canons High School.
~ attended the Canons Park Residents Association (CAPRA) AGM to discuss issues of concern in the local area.
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~ given a interview on my views on smoking, as well as the work I do as the Secretary for the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Smoking and Health, to young people taking part in the Harrow Cut Films project and competition.
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~ joined Nick Hurd MP for a meeting with Dr Kelshiker and representatives from Patient Participation Groups across Harrow, along with members of the Harrow CCG, to discuss future funding arrangements.
~ had meetings with various colleagues, constituents and charity representatives to discuss the issues that matter to our area.
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