So another exciting Conference season ends. The Prime Minister closed on an issue incredibly important to me – equality of opportunity. Sitting on the Women and Equalities Select Committee and giving my maiden speech on the gender pay gap, it forms some of the driver as to why I got into politics and should be at the heart of our society.
For me Conference is more than just an opportunity to play party politics or hear rousing speeches. It’s the chance to meet with people who can help make a real difference both in the constituency and beyond.
Arriving in Manchester last Sunday, my first meeting was with those ensuring the future of British food and farming. Early Monday found me with the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). Britain has an ageing population with increasingly complex needs and this is particularly true in our region. Big decisions are being made about the NHS. We’re running short on GPs in parts of Suffolk. This is an issue I have been campaigning on for some time, so the chance to meet with the Royal College of GPs was also welcome.
Both these sessions helped me learn about how we the politicians can support the NHS to deliver the health service this country deserves; from commissioning and service-planning to funding systems and evidence based policy.
Bury, Stowmarket and Needham Market, like much of the country, needs more decent, affordable and sustainable housing. In his speech, the Prime Minister pledged a “national crusade” to build 200,000 affordable homes by 2020. That’s great news and I am convinced we can do it.
Earlier in the year, I was delighted to show Brandon Lewis, Minister for Housing, around our Mews Development in Bury St Edmunds. This innovative venture has seen students from West Suffolk College working on site to build flats and houses.
Schemes like this get the buildings up while simultaneously promoting the skills and apprenticeships necessary. It’s thought to be the first of its kind anywhere in the country. Yet again Bury St Edmunds is leading the way.
To further this agenda I sat on a panel discussion with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Builders. It focussed on the question that Britain needs builders - concentrating on skills and delivery.
Conference also gave me the chance to look ahead. I had valuable discussions with both our MEPs and charities serving some of the most challenged parts of the world. I would especially like to thank UNICEF for discussing with me the plight of children refugees, particularly from Syria.
It was my privilege to end the week on Select Committee work, gathering information from various groups in Manchester and Birmingham on topics such as domestic violence, the equality agenda, disability and black and minority ethnic communities. With a wedge of new contacts and fresh ideas, I look forward to getting back to Bury St Edmunds and Westminster.