This is Scunthorpe --
IHAD to spend longer than normal in Westminster last week as the House of Commons debated the EU Referendum Bill last Friday.
Normally on a Friday, I am in the constituency undertaking constituency visits or working out of the Brigg or Goole offices. However, last week we sat for an extra day to consider this proposed law.
I voted in favour of this proposed referendum as I have always been deeply sceptical of our relationship with Europe and believe it is time the people got their say.
People of my generation and younger were not even born when the country voted to join what was then the Common Market. Since then, the EU has grown into something much more sinister, and we find ourselves day by day being sucked into what increasingly looks like a new country; a sort of United States of Europe.
Labour and the Lib Dems are afraid of the people on this issue and so chose to stay away from the vote. Fortunately, for people in North Lincolnshire who want a say on Europe, Martin Vickers and myself both stayed to vote to let the people have a say.
I recently surveyed thousands of local people on this and other issues. The overwhelming majority of those who replied said they wanted a referendum. The irony of the rise of UKIP in an area such as this is that it risks replacing Eurosceptic MPs such as Martin and I, with Labour MPs who wouldn't even turn up!
Earlier in the week, Martin Vickers, Nic Dakin and I met with Lord Heseltine who has been working with local leaders on plans to develop the local economy.
Lord Heseltine is respected across the political divide for his record on regeneration. I think Martin, Nic and I found the meeting really interesting and, as on so many issues, we are determined to continue to work together cross-party for the good of our local area.
This time of year is also great for getting out and about in the local community to all sorts of events. Recently, Councillor Liz Redfern and I handed out prizes at the resurrected Belton Barrow Races and this Saturday I shall be at Wroot Feast to help with some judging. This can be a dangerous job for a local MP, because not picking someone could result in a lost vote or two! I always ask the size of someone's family and friendship group before announcing my deliberations!
What all these events demonstrate is just how many dedicated volunteers we have in our local towns and villages. These people are prepared to put so much in for no personal gain or glory. So, whether it is organising barrow races, church fetes or summer fairs, myself and the local community are thankful for all these volunteers do. Reported by This is 23 hours ago.
IHAD to spend longer than normal in Westminster last week as the House of Commons debated the EU Referendum Bill last Friday.
Normally on a Friday, I am in the constituency undertaking constituency visits or working out of the Brigg or Goole offices. However, last week we sat for an extra day to consider this proposed law.
I voted in favour of this proposed referendum as I have always been deeply sceptical of our relationship with Europe and believe it is time the people got their say.
People of my generation and younger were not even born when the country voted to join what was then the Common Market. Since then, the EU has grown into something much more sinister, and we find ourselves day by day being sucked into what increasingly looks like a new country; a sort of United States of Europe.
Labour and the Lib Dems are afraid of the people on this issue and so chose to stay away from the vote. Fortunately, for people in North Lincolnshire who want a say on Europe, Martin Vickers and myself both stayed to vote to let the people have a say.
I recently surveyed thousands of local people on this and other issues. The overwhelming majority of those who replied said they wanted a referendum. The irony of the rise of UKIP in an area such as this is that it risks replacing Eurosceptic MPs such as Martin and I, with Labour MPs who wouldn't even turn up!
Earlier in the week, Martin Vickers, Nic Dakin and I met with Lord Heseltine who has been working with local leaders on plans to develop the local economy.
Lord Heseltine is respected across the political divide for his record on regeneration. I think Martin, Nic and I found the meeting really interesting and, as on so many issues, we are determined to continue to work together cross-party for the good of our local area.
This time of year is also great for getting out and about in the local community to all sorts of events. Recently, Councillor Liz Redfern and I handed out prizes at the resurrected Belton Barrow Races and this Saturday I shall be at Wroot Feast to help with some judging. This can be a dangerous job for a local MP, because not picking someone could result in a lost vote or two! I always ask the size of someone's family and friendship group before announcing my deliberations!
What all these events demonstrate is just how many dedicated volunteers we have in our local towns and villages. These people are prepared to put so much in for no personal gain or glory. So, whether it is organising barrow races, church fetes or summer fairs, myself and the local community are thankful for all these volunteers do. Reported by This is 23 hours ago.