What’s happening in Parliament?
There has been a lot of activity in Parliament in the run up to Christmas. I held a debate on International Rail Services from Kent and urged the Government to support getting Eurostar services back to Ashford. I have been working with Kent County Council and Ashford Borough Council to get these services back and I believe that issues of financial viability for Eurostar and problems with border checks can be solved with determination and goodwill on all sides.
Earlier this month, the King opened the new session of Parliament with the King’s Speech. In the speech he outlined the Government’s programme of legislation for the Parliamentary session. The range of legislation includes bills on crime and justice, policing, housing, the environment, and technology. These new laws will set the country on the right path for the long-term to safeguard the future prosperity of the UK, seize economic opportunities and deliver a brighter future. The next big event in the calendar is the Autumn Statement where the Chancellor will update MPs on the state of the economy and potentially announce any tax and spending decisions.
In the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee we recently published reports on our Football Governance inquiry and NFTs and the Blockchain inquiry. The committee is currently holding evidence sessions on a range of inquiries from women’s sport to gambling regulation and safety at major sporting events.
