Alex Norris MP's Weekly Newsletter

Welcome to the latest issue of my weekly newsletter.

Amongst months of turmoil and unpredictability, you’d think it’s hard for a week in politics to stand out, but this one did.

The week started at Labour Conference, but as you’ll know already, on Tuesday the Supreme Court ruled Boris Johnson’s prorogation of Parliament unlawful, so on Wednesday morning I was back in Westminster for two hectic days in Parliament.

Read on to find out more...

As I’ve said before, I will strive to send you a newsletter like this each Friday to keep you updated on the work I’m doing in Parliament as well as in our community, and to inform you of any interesting events taking place in our area. To help me with the latter, if you are running or know of anything that you think may be of interest to others, feel free to drop me an email at alex.norris.mp@parliament.uk and I will include it in future issues. Please also forward it onto anyone you think may be interested.

The Prime Minister, Parliament and a General Election

Four weeks ago, after the Prime Minister announced he was to prorogue Parliament I wrote that whichever way people voted, to Leave or Remain, no-one voted for the shutdown of democracy, and that it was not acceptable.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court unanimously judged the prorogation to be unlawful, stating that they could find no reason – let alone a good one – for Parliament to be suspended.

The Prime Minister unlawfully shut down Parliament at one of the most important moments in our country's history – running roughshod over our democracy – and any responsible or honourable Prime Minister would have resigned at the judgment.

The calls for Boris Johnson to resign aren't about narrow party politics - it's about what's morally right in these extraordinary circumstances.  

MPs have now returned to Parliament today after he unlawfully shut it down to railroad through his reckless No Deal Brexit plans.

Since the return, the scenes we've seen in the House of Commons and the way our political discourse is going is deeply troubling. It's time for everyone - but particularly the government - to dial down the rhetoric and learn how to respectfully disagree again. Our divided country won't be able to reunite until we do so.

The Labour Party would, of course, welcome a General Election so that we can finally end nearly a decade of austerity under the Tories. But time and time again we've seen that Boris Johnson can't be trusted.

Until we can be sure this reckless government won't deliver a No Deal Brexit via the back door on October 31st, we'll have that election and the country will have its say.

In the meantime, we are keen to work – and I highlighted this to the Attorney General on Wednesday in the House of Commons Chamber, asking for the Domestic Abuse Bill to be returned to Parliament for its remaining stages. I am pleased that this will now be happening next Wednesday. You can watch this question here.

Labour Conference

We may have almost forgotten by now, but at the start of the week I was in Brighton at Labour Conference. Here’s some of how I spent my time while there, with a strong emphasis on my International Development role: 

• I attended a round-table event hosted by the British Red Cross, which brought together policy experts and decision-makers to explore how the UK can reduce the impact of climate-related disasters and how we can support vulnerable people across the globe to reduce the risks climate change presents in their communities – a question more important than it’s ever been. 
• I attended a Co-Operative Party fringe event on better protection for shop-workers – something I continue to campaign vigorously for. 
• I had lunch with the Police Federation to discuss the future of policing – I believe we need to make sure that the increase in cyber-related crime and tackling it properly doesn’t lead to a  reduction in bobbies on the beat and our safety, especially with the recent increase in knife crime. 
• I met with Kenny and Emma from PeoplePlus, he largest apprenticeships provider in the UK which also supports the education of prisoners at 33 establishments across the country, including through their in-cell TV learning channel, WayOut TV. Rehabilitation is the best way to tackle re-offending, and prisoner education is one of the key means of aiding that. 
• I sat on a panel hosted by Midlands Connect to discuss regional transport priorities – particularly highlighted the benefits HS2 would bring to our region and how the Midland Engine project could enhance this even further. 
• I met with Anne and Sangheeta from ActionAid UK, our country’s office of the ActionAid charity which helps the poorest women and girls all over the world.  
• I joined another round-table, this one hosted by Save the Children, which gave an opportunity for participants to discuss the current challenges facing civilians in conflict, and what the UK Government can do to protect children and families living in these war-zones. 
• After finding some time to visit various stands, I met with Meera Joshi, the outgoing CEO of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, alongside James Farrar and Azeem Hanif, who represent migrant workers in the gig economy. Learning lessons from other countries can help us do the best we can for the rights of these workers. 
• I also met with Rachel Hickman of Concern Worldwide, an Irish charity which works across the world to help those living in the world’s poorest countries to achieve real improvement in their lives through long-term development work and emergency relief. 
• And I joined a Muslim Aid fringe event on what a Labour Government could do for refugees – so they can thrive, not just survive.

In Nottingham

• This morning I visited the Skills Group, based in Bulwell, which provides both coach holidays and coach hire. I’ve been helping them recently with a specific employment issue, but it was great to have a look around the head office and discuss the more usual issues that the business faces and what I can do to help. 
• After that, I had some time with my staff to analyse what was discussed at last week’s excellent Big Tent Event. More on that will come in the future! 
• And then, before my latest surgery which starts shortly, I had a few phone calls with constituents who can’t make the surgery in person. As always, however you’d like to talk with me, whether by email, over the phone, or in person, I’ll do whatever I can to help, and just get in touch with my office to arrange something. 
• And to end the week, tomorrow I’m looking forward to Academy Day Nursery’s Family Fun Day. Do come along – there's more info in the What’s On section below.

Looking Ahead to Next Week

Yesterday, Parliament voted against a short recess next week for the Conservative Conference, as we look to make up for lost time. I’m particularly keen for the Domestic Abuse Bill’s return to Parliament on Wednesday, but there will be lots more too.

What's On