Parliament's last week of 2023 saw a range of important issues come to the fore, with a very welcome statement from the Home Office on new legislation to tackle drink spiking.  

We had confirmation that the hugely outdated 1861 law on poisoning, which references laudanum and chloroform, is going to be brought into the 21st Century and is set to tackle spiking, whether via drink, needle or vape.

We also had the Second Readings of the Live Export Bill and the legislation to compensate those Sub-Postmasters and Mistresses unfairly caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal.  In addition there was a long awaited statement on compensation for contaminated blood victims and confirmation there would be a full debate in the New Year. 

The Prime Minister came before the Liaison Committee, of which I am a member. It is the opportunity all the Chairs of Select Committee have to interrogate him on the issues our committees are currently examining and,  of course, important topical issues.  There was a broad range of questions on Tuesday, from Gaza to food prices, and a section of the cost of living from my committee.

Finally can I wish all readers a happy and peaceful Christmas as we head into the last few days before Christmas.  I am looking forward to a number of carol services and concerts in Romsey over the coming days, like every year I can guarantee Romsey will do Christmas wonderfully. 

Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP,

Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee