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. The newly elected MP for W Dorset, Chris Loder, a former railway man himself, wsa proposing this new APPG on South Western Railway ((SWR), which serves both his and my constituents. There were many other attendees, all of whom were directly affected by SWR or had lines connected to it. We soon proposed that Chris chairs the group and with that Neil Parish and I had to rush to the Chamber to attend the Second Reading of the Direct Payment to Farmers Bill. Both us wanted to speak and both of us did. My speech is on the website. This Bill is specifically needed for this year only and will ensure that farmers continue to receive the basic payment as they would if we'd remained in the EU. This is to give some certainty and reassurance to the industry, which is nervous of tariffs post Brexit. Both the Secretary of State and Minister of State were present for the debate, which lasted for about three hours. Back to the office and then to a private meeting of colleagues at 1630. With a general debate going on in the Chamber, we were placed on a one line whip. Back in the office, I followed up on my meeting with the Chairman of the Trust which runs DCH, and a chat with Chris Loder, in whose constituency the hospital sits, by attempting to get a meeting with the Secretary of State Matt Hancock to discuss this much needed funding for a new A&E centre at DCH.