Well the Commons is back in full swing after the election. The last few days have been really busy as I’ve been wasting no time in laying the foundations to make a difference in the coming parliamentary session.
Today I was drawn 18th out of 460 MP’s who entered the ballot for Private Members Bills. These is the best opportunity for backbench MP’s to bring legislation to the parliament and it’s done by lottery and debate on Fridays. Because I’m so high up the list there’s a good chance my Bill will be debated.
I’ve decided that my bill will be to lower the voting age to 16, to place polling stations in every educational establishment with a certain number of eligible voters, and finally to auto-enrol every young person onto the electoral register. I’m now working with MP’s from across the House and the clerks and many others to draft the legislation and build a campaign to make this law finally happen so that young people can have the power and voice they need and deserve in our political system.
And also today I co-sponsorded and voted for an amendment to the Queen’s Speech that would have encouraged government to keep Britain in the Single Market after Brexit and would not allow Britain to crash out of the EU if no deal is reached at the end of negotiations.
I have gone further than many in parliament, and even in my own party, on these issues but as negations begin I believe this is the best way to protect what is wonderful about our economy and our community in Hove and Portslade and that’s what matters most to me.
I’m just about to leave parliament after a busy few days and tomorrow will be doing advice surgeries and community visits….and also trying any best to catch up on all of the messages you have sent me. I’m sorry it’s taking a little time to reply to everyone but I promise I’m trying my best and will get back on top of things completely very soon! I hope your week is going well, Peter