Last week was work experience week in my constituency office, with a group of local students doing 5 days of varied activities and finding out a bit more about the role of a Member of Parliament. This year was a bit of an experiment, I have never had such a large group before, and they attended several visits with me, had a tour of Parliament, and some fascinating conversations with local Councillors, pressure groups and even some national journalists. The jury is still out as to whether I will do something similar next summer, I hope so, but the logistics are challenging.
Undoubtedly for me the highlight was a trip to King's Somborne to talk to the Somborne Sisterhood, and the Test Valley Villages U3A, who meet in Chilbolton. At both events there was a lively question and answer session, which certainly kept me on my toes, and there was something of a revelation that the PM's brother may have taught me A level Economics at Peter Symonds. I don't remember that far back sadly, other than the epic Jerry Fisher who taught in the Upper 6th Year, but it was interesting to learn that at least one Burnham was not wholly Manchester centric.
Next week is another busy constituency week, and I am particularly looking forward to what has become an annual Business South event at Kimbridge Barn. I know how hospitality venues are really struggling at the moment, alongside pretty much all small businesses, which was a resounding theme of many of the conversations I had at Trout N About the other week. I know the new PM has indicated there may well be relief for pubs in the coming Budget, but not all small businesses are pubs, and we need retail, hair and beauty and other types of hospitality to be recognised.
Finally, this week the PM has floated the idea of banning disposable BBQs, and not a moment too soon. I have been banging on about this for years. With public open spaces like absolute tinder boxes the last thing we need is hot tin foil trays being put on already scorched grass. I hope the PM goes ahead and does it, and not just for this year, I am still getting numerous reports from constituents of these things being used on Southampton Common, in the New Forest and more widely in parks and recreation grounds. We just don't need them and the risk they brig.
