This week we have seen votes on the Victims and Prisoners Bill, a new piece of legislation introduced on illegal migration, the former PM at the covid inquiry, compensation for victims of contaminated  blood, and fireworks back on the agenda.

I was asked by a large number of constituents to drop into the Fireworks Working Group, where I spoke to a range of animal welfare charities and met an amazing assistance dog.  I have long said that it is not good enough to highlight the stress fireworks cause to animals just in the run up to the 5th November, we need sustained pressure all year round in order to effect change.  I also had a meeting earlier in the week about assistance dogs more widely, and will be doing some work on that in the New Year. All too often we only think of Guide Dogs, but there are all sorts of ways in which dogs can help those with disabilities and trauma.

Last weekend George’s Trust held their annual Christmas Concert in the Abbey, which was an absolute delight. We are so lucky to have so many talented young people in the town. I hope the concert raised a good amount of money for the Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of George O’Brien.  The O’Brien family do such an amazing job for young people with cancer, and also know how to put on a fantastic event.

I also bravely ventured off round Appleshaw in the rain for their annual Santa Dash – a great way to discover the boundaries of the new and bigger Romsey and Southampton North constituency!  It was a shame the weather was not better, but there was an amazing turnout of hundreds of Santas and I think the beard was really rather fetching.

Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP

Member of Parliament for Romsey and Southampton North

Chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee