My major news this week was in the constituency, where we had a very successful official shop opening on Friday afternoon. I owe particular thanks to all my staff, especially Office Manager Graham Hutton who has been responsible for securing the lease and fitting out the shop.
The shop is now open for walk-in consultations with my staff every weekday from 10am-2pm. For security reasons the door is locked so you will need to knock - we will have more signage up shortly. We also intend to open 10am-12noon on the first Saturday of the month, which we did yesterday, seeing a number of residents.
I can also be contacted via aaron.bell.mp@parliament.uk or 01782 308102. I can not accept casework via Facebook or Twitter.
Earlier on the same Friday, I had a great visit to Seabridge Primary School - Official, where my undoubted highlight was being interviewed by Year 6 student Jack for his "Perfect Politics" show. I think it's exceptionally innovative that the school have their own radio station (http://www.seabridgeprimary.org.uk/our-curr…/seabridge-radio) - it's a great way for children to learn and grow their confidence. Thank you to Mrs Mitchell and Mrs Harrison for the tour of the school as well.
During the week in Westminster itself, the Chancellor held meetings with fellow MPs in advance of the Budget, and we were able to receive briefings about the latest developments regarding Coronavirus (see my post at https://www.facebook.com/AaronBell4NUL/videos/2752647591523513). On Wednesday we had our first meeting of the new Science & Technology Select Committee, and on Thursday I asked Secretary of State Liz Truss about the proposed UK-US trade deal at International Trade Questions.
The major event this week will be the Budget on Wednesday, but it is obvious that the Chancellor will need to make some financial provisions in that to ensure the NHS and other bodies have all the funding they need to respond to coronavirus.
Coronavirus will be clearly be occupying a great deal of everybody's time and concern over the next few months. The advice remains that people should continue to go ahead with their everyday lives as normal and that following good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, is the easiest and most effective way of reducing the risk of spreading the virus.
Fuller advice can be found at https://www.gov.uk/…/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-t…
With best regards,
Aaron
