Last weekend’s Food Fare in the Town centre was absolutely wonderful and my thanks go to all those involved in the organisation and the fantastic local traders, many of whom sold out. I was very pleased to take brownies back to Westminster to share with my staff, but will admit the Hattingley Wine might have been consumed on the day.
But back in Westminster attention rapidly turned to schools impacted by RAAC. It was a relief to hear from Hampshire County Council and Southampton City Council that they did not think any schools in this constituency were impacted, but of course vigilance is still needed. I am aware of at least one village hall that may have issues, although clearly surveys will have to be carried out to check. I have asked Ministers at the Department for Levelling Up what assistance might be available for communities that discover their local hall might be affected.
My Hampshire colleague Maria Miller had a Westminster Hall debate this week on Non-Disclosure Agreements, which in too many cases have been used to silence whistle blowers. Whether it is in the Police, the NHS or elsewhere, I have consistently campaigned for whistle blowers to be protected and policies to be in place to allow concerned staff to speak out without fear. The recent dreadful trial of Lucy Letby showed us all that there need to be effective mechanisms for people with concerns to highlight their worries and have them taken seriously. Getting rid of NDAs is an important part of that, we have done it in Higher Education, it should happen everywhere.
Finally it is Romsey Show this weekend, traditionally a day when town and country meet, and often in slightly drizzly autumnal conditions. Hopefully this glorious sunshine will last and Broadlands will be glorious. However the Show and local vets have advised not to take dogs this year, due to the forecasted temperatures. So instead of enjoying the Show Alfie and Luna will be firmly at home.
