Alison Bennett's Monday Mail - A week in Westminster
Last week I joined my 71 new Liberal Democrat colleagues (plus Jennie the guide dog) in Westminster for the first time.
Welcome to my Monday Mail for 15 July 2024. As your Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Sussex, I write a short email each Monday sharing what I have been doing and thinking about in the past week.
A week in Westminster
There has been so much to learn and take on board in my first week at Westminster. Often when you start a new job, you are the only new starter, but with over 300 new MPs, the operation that the House of Commons puts in place to welcome us, and set us up was immense, efficient and very impressive.
From being issued with a computer, being briefed on how to set up your office, to learning to nod when you enter the Chamber, there is plenty to take in and remember. Of course, this all happens within one the most famous buildings on the planet. It’s a pinch yourself moment all the time. A particular highlight was being sworn in on Wednesday.
By Thursday I was ready to come back to Mid Sussex for a few days ahead of the State Opening of Parliament next week. I was a guest on BBC Politics SE, and I enjoyed visiting the Burgess Hill Small Makers Market with Cllr Brenda Williams on Saturday.
Getting the funding our school children are entitled to
My top issue this week has been the shocking funding situation at the University of Brighton Academy Trust. Three schools in Mid Sussex are part of the Trust, and with strike days already happening at one school, and the possibility of this spreading to others, it is essential that a solution is found quickly.
I have written to the Secretary of State for Education asking that she give this her urgent attention. Parents and teachers deserve certainty, and our children deserve a stable, properly funded school environment.
Contacting my office
I now have a parliamentary email address: alison.bennett.mp@parliament.uk. If you need my help, please get in touch.
Over the summer I will be recruiting several members of staff to support me, but whilst it is just me, please bear with me if it takes longer than usual to respond.
Best wishes,
Cllr Alison Bennett
Member of Parliamentary for Mid Sussex
Mid Sussex Liberal Democrats
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