Letter to the B & W Times on Brooks in Parliament
In 2010, you re-elected me as the Member of Parliament for Braintree. I thought it would be helpful to explain what this means regarding balancing my time between parliamentary and constituency duties. Like many of you, I have a job that involves juggling lots of different elements.
From Monday mornings until Thursday evenings, I have to be in the House of Commons. Unfortunately, parliamentary business prevents me, like other MPs, from attending events in my constituency during those times.
This means that I was unable to attend the recent opening of the Community Hospital, which was on a Monday, and the meeting on the WJC maternity unit, which was on a Wednesday evening. However, as many of you know, these are issues that I have been actively involved in over the last six year, and I remain in constant contact with the Strategic Health Authority and Primary Care Trust who are taking the decisions.
On a Thursday, we usually finish our business in the House of Commons by 6.30, so I can spend the rest of the weekend in the constituency, meeting people, visiting schools, hospitals, and other organisations, and attending meetings and events. Recently I have spent many Thursday evenings at Parish Council meetings, and Saturday mornings visiting the beautiful local villages.
So I do have time at the weekends to meet many of you at my regular surgeries, at your place of work, or walking around your village, but I am unable to attend events earlier in the week.
After the 2010 election, I was appointed a Government Whip, which means it is my responsibility to help get the business of the Government through Parliament, as well making sure that the Government know what other MPs are thinking about particular bills and constituents’ concerns. I very much enjoy this position, but it does have implications for you as my constituents.
Although there are limits on what I can do, I can’t sign Early Day Motions or join All Party Parliamentary Groups. I also can’t speak in debates, or ask questions at Question Time. This role does put me in a good position to raise your views directly with Government Ministers, who understand these restrictions.
When you write to me about personal or political issues, my ability to work on your behalf is not affected. As those of you who have contacted me know, I am happy to write to the District or County Council, the Job Centre, the school, the hospital, or the NHS Trust, highlighting your case. I speak out on the local issues that matter to you, like changes to maternity care, poor service on National Express East Anglia, and on planned developments. I frequently write to ministers to express your views on national issues, ranging from the welfare system to the environment, from transport issues to the situation in the Middle East. I will continue to represent your interests in Westminster.
To get in touch with me:
Write to: The House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA,
Email brooks.newmark.mp@parliament.uk
Visit my website, www.brooksnewmark.com
Find me at www.facebook.com/brooks.newmark
Follow me on twitter @tweetbrooks
