Chloe Smith June Article

Brits have just taken part in a giant democratic exercise, about our relationship with the European Union. I thank people, whatever way they've voted, and whatever lies ahead. The result was clear and hard work will follow to put the country’s wishes into practice. We all want what's best for Britain now but should do this in a calm and thoughtful way.

It has also been an extremely sad time for Parliament this month, with the brutal murder of Yorkshire MP Jo Cox as she held a surgery in her constituency.

Lots of kind people in Norwich have sent their good wishes for the Cox family, and I’ve written in Parliament’s condolence book for Jo on behalf of all in Norwich North who took the time to contact me.

 

We should prize our democracy that is built on local hard work, robust debate and mutual respect, not violence.

 

Columns in the Evening News are about our community. So although there are huge things going on nationally and internationally, I’ll keep reporting back here about my work for you in Norwich and in Parliament.

 

Recently in Parliament we've been looking at bills on policing and crime, and on investigatory powers and privacy. I've contributed to debates about overseas aid, arguing that we should always be able to scrutinise how our valued taxpayers’ money is spent; and about how to help more disabled people into work. We've also had the annual event of the “Queen’s Speech”, where the government sets out its programme of work for the year ahead. Yes, the referendum is big, but the government in the UK is elected to deal with plenty of things as well as our international links. Following from my work in Norwich to increase opportunities for the youngsters who need it most in our city, I spoke in Parliament to support opening up higher education more.

 

While I'm in Parliament I also use my time to meet experts on a wide range of issues. For example, the Equality and Human Rights Commission recently showed me some worrying research that says young women who are expecting a child report facing greater discrimination. Their work is called #powertothebump and you can read more here: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/power-bump. I'm expecting myself in October and so perhaps this helps other mums out there. 

In Norwich I generally hold a surgery every week, and like many MPs I often do these in public places such as at libraries or at big community events like the Mile Cross Community Festival. I also run pre-booked appointments in my office and you can contact me any time to arrange this. 

 

I aim to help get things done and make our city a better place. Recently this month I've caught up with local employers who are excelling at offering young people jobs and experience. The Norwich for Jobs project has awarded certificates this year, at bronze, silver and gold. It's simple to sign up for more information – just email Tom on tom.adams@dwp.gsi.gov.uk who can help you to help local young people. Be involved, and you can help your own business grow too. 

I also spend time in Norwich listening to people who need me to represent their concerns in Parliament. For example, I met pharmacists recently in a Heartsease branch to discuss what they think their role should be in today’s NHS. It can be very convenient to get helpful advice and services at a pharmacy instead of going to the doctor or A&E, and pharmacists are keen to do their bit to work as efficiently as possible. As taxpayers we all want our money spent wisely and I am glad this newspaper is getting behind the “Open the Bag” idea where we can all check our medicines before leaving the shop, and be sure to only get the right amount of what we need, to save tonnes of drugs and money. 

 

And finally, I think it is really important to be part of things in the community, lending the help of an MP however needed. So that's why I went along to back Mile Cross, Catton Grove and Magdalen Gates schools skipping their way to fitness, and White Woman Lane school kids learning how to be safe on the roads on their bikes!