It really does feel as if Christmas is upon us, with two carol services attended this week and many more to come over the next three weeks. Romsey has enjoyed the Christmas Lights switch on and they go on this weekend in Stockbridge. When the political mood is a bit grim, I guess we can at least all come together to celebrate Christmas.
I have been involved in a number of important cross party initiatives this week, including the White Ribbon campaign against male violence. We held an event in Parliament to celebrate the progress made so far and to reflect on the hard work yet to be done. I was pleased to be joined by Al Carns, the Minister for the Armed Forces who spoke of the work he is doing in the Ministry of Defence to make sure women in our Armed Services have the safety and confidence to speak out when they have been harassed or abused.
On Monday I hosted the annual parliamentary World AIDS day reception. It was great to be alongside the Terrence Higgins Trust, championing the way in which opt out testing has been increased, stigma has been reduced, but also recognising there is a long way to go to get to the 2030 target of no new HIV transmissions. It is possible, but no longer probable, which is disheartening for those who have done so much to campaign on an issue and condition which will still provoke bigotry and prejudice. I was struck that when I put a post about it on social media the first comment was absolutely vile, proving you just cannot assume people are tolerant and understanding.
I am looking forward to Small Business Saturday this weekend, a great chance to highlight the brilliant local businesses we have in and around Romsey. I am also celebrating that Awbridge based ChalkStream has been chosen as the South East Regional Finalist by the Food and Drink Federation for their inaugural "MP's Choice Award". There is a reception in Parliament in January when the overall winner will be announced and I am keeping my fingers firmly crossed for ChalkStream.