By Jonathan Reynolds MP
WHEN I’m visiting schools across the constituency, our brilliant young people ask plenty of questions about being a Member of Parliament.
So, this month I thought I’d share a typical week in the life of an MP with you.
Once I’ve travelled to London, I usually begin the week meeting with stakeholders, from businesses to charities, trade unions to policy experts. We discuss a huge variety of issues, from education to the environment, health to housing.
Where individuals and sectors need support or have identified the need for a change in the law, I listen to their experience, consider all the facts and see where I can make a difference.
For example, recently I caught up with Heart Valve Voice, and lent my support to their call for annual stethoscope checks for over 65s, which would save many lives.
I also meet with other MPs from both across the House, one-to-one and in groups with shared interests. I’m particularly interested in economic policy and how we build a fair, dynamic economy where all parts of the UK can prosper and everyone can achieve their aspirations.
I try to carve out time in my week for reading key reports and digesting the latest data. I play a role in several campaign groups, including Make Votes Count, who are fighting for a fairer electoral system, and Christians on the Left, who explore the crossover between faith and politics.
My role as Shadow Business Secretary is a great opportunity to take things I’ve learnt in Tameside and apply them to national politics.
A common misconception is these Shadow Cabinet roles mean extra pay; they don’t. They do mean the chance to shape your party’s policies and lead part of the agenda.
For example, I met with the voices of British business and manufacturing, talking about business confidence, the cost of living crisis, and the impact of record inflation and high energy costs.
There are votes on bills about building safety and nationality and borders, as well as voting to investigate whether the Prime Minister misled the House over Partygate.
We also considered the Online Harms Bill, an attempt to address many of the emerging concerns around social media misuse and digital crime.
Updating people on what’s going on is key, so I do various radio and TV interviews.
Come Thursday, it’s home time and I try to answer emails on the train.
Friday and Saturday are my favourite days, getting out to events and doorsteps across the constituency, and hosting advice surgeries.
Recently I touched base with local police, helped out at affordable grocery project The Bread And Butter Thing in Longdendale, visited the brilliant cricket club in Hyde Newton and took a tour of Industry, a new co-working space and salon in Stalybridge, a great facility for the town.
No two weeks are the same as an MP, and I realise what a privilege that is. I’m kept on my toes and that’s exactly how it should be.