An early rise and to County Hall in Dorchester by 0830. My first meeting was with Martyn Underhill, Dorset's Police & Crime Commissioner, and his team. We chatted about a proposed rise in the precept and the welcome arrival of Government monies to fund another 50 officers in Dorset.
This Government has announced the police funding settlement for 2020/21, which sets out the biggest increase in funding for the policing system since 2010.
Across the country the railway is simply not providing the punctual and reliable service that passengers expect. As a frustrated rail commuter myself, I am determined to deliver the improvements that are so vitally needed.
Out into the park again first thing, although not quite so cold this morning. After a busy morning, I entered the Chamber for PMQs. Corbyn decided to concentrate on the less well off and those on universal credit. The PM batted him away comfortably.
Up early and out into the park in freezing conditions. Pavements were like ice-rinks. Into the House, routine matters and then to PCH to join a new APPG.
As I stood up, I received a text message saying, “Wind up”. I do not think it referred to me personally, but I will not keep the House for too long. I refer Members to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests; it is very important that I do so in this particular debate.
A busy morning in the office and then up to London. We had to vote for new appointees to the 1922 Backbench Committee, which I duly did. It was the last day of the Queen's Speech, which I had already contributed to, so i retired to my office and dealt steadily with a mass of correspondence.
With the minimum threat of rain, I thought it time to get back on to my steel horse for more constituency commitments. First stop was DCH. There I met Chairman Mark Addison and Director of Strategy Nick Johnson.
