Alex Chalk MP - Fortnightly Update

Fortnightly Update #2 - 27.05.2016

Welcome to my latest update, which includes a summary of activity over the last two weeks, as well as a look ahead at the events coming up across Cheltenham.
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Over The Last Two Weeks, Alex has:

Published, with colleagues on the Justice Select Committee, a hard-hitting report into safety in England's prisons. READ MORE HERE

Written two columns for the Gloucestershire Echo - on prison reform and nursing training

Re-launched the All Party Parliamentary Group on Pro Bono, at an event sponsored by the Law Society, and with the Solicitor General in attendance

Led an All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group inquiry into the Government's draft Cycling and Walking Strategy. Alex quizzed the Cycling Minister, Robert Goodwill MP, and former Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman. Alex was interviewed by the BBC about the inquiry for 'Today in Parliament'. READ MORE HERE

Urged the Borough Council to stick to its guns on plans to introduce free parking after 6pm in Cheltenham's car parks READ MORE HERE

Welcomed injured Armed Forces personnel and members of Team GB upon their return from the USA following the recent Invictus Games

Travelled to Shire Hall to meet County Council Cabinet Member responsible for highways to discuss the pothole problem in Cheltenham, as well as the proposed permit parking changes in Lansdown

Attended the Queen's Speech and the State Opening of Parliament

Attended a debate in Parliament to support Cheltenham's local community pharmacies

Welcomed 80 leading industry apprentices to Parliament to support the 'One by 2020' campaign READ MORE HERE

Quizzed Caroline Dinenage, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Women, what tools are available to support women who wish to return to work after a break. READ MORE HERE

Hailed the latest fall in unemployment locally, with the national employment rate hitting a record high READ MORE HERE

Nominated two Cheltenham artists and a music venue for a prestigious Parliamentary music competition. READ MORE HERE

Attended the Global Footsteps 30th anniversity event at the Swan pub

Took part part in the London Legal Walk to raise awareness for vital pro bono services

Spoke in Parliament to welcome the agreement between the BMA and the Government in relation to the new junior doctor contract READ MORE HERE

Met a representative of Cotswolds tourism team to discuss ways to boost Cheltenham as a tourist destination

Met the former head of President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (a Cheltenham resident) to discuss the junior doctors' dispute

Presented the University of Gloucestershire 1908 and Golden Fern Cups

Held a constituency surgery

Took part in a debate in Cheltenham over Britain's relationship with the EU

Presented the trophies at the Cheltenham Youth Football League Cup finals

Met local Lyme disease campaigners in Parliament Square to raise awareness of the disease and to campaign for improved treatment of the condition. Alex was interviewed by the BBC about the issue.

Attended the Bishop of Gloucester's breakfast at the home of Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Met representatives from the Frederick's Foundation to discuss their work with new start up businesses here in Cheltenham

In addition, Alex has responded to hundreds of emails from constituents and attended a number of other debates and events in Parliament and in Cheltenham. To view more of his written and oral contributions in Parliament CLICK HERE.

This weekend Alex will (amongst other things) be:

Supporting Cheltenham's first Children's Festival at the Town Hall
Attending end of year services at two Cheltenham schools

Alex will also be holding a community surgery at Waitrose from 9-11am next Saturday (4 June) for residents who wish to raise any issues in a (non-confidential) setting. If you would prefer to see Alex in a more confidential environment please ring the office on 01242 210473 or email hannah.wright@parliament.uk

PHOTO GALLERY

Joining campaigners in Parliament Square to raise awareness of Lyme disease and to call upon the Government to redouble its efforts to tackle this debilitating condition

Questioning the Cycling Minister, Robert Goodwill MP, during the inquiry into the Government's draft Cycling and Walking Strategy

Supporting the East Glos Open Day

Taking part in the Charlton Kings Community Cricket Day

Speaking to campaigners to learn more about the problem of blind people with dogs being denied access to taxis, cafes and hotels. It's against the law!