Update – Saturday 19th October

I listened to Theresa May's powerful speech to the House of Commons on the Domestic Abuse Bill today.

This shows why it is right for Parliament to be sitting.

Over the last few years I have been alarmed by the state of discourse and inflammatory language being used in British politics.

When the Prime Minister announced his intention to prorogue Parliament, I said it was wrong and undemocratic. Parliament must be able to hold the Government to account at a time of national crisis.

The Supreme Court has today ruled that prorogation was unlawful, for these reasons.

It is well known that I have consistently opposed a No Deal Brexit.  I am disappointed and surprised that the Prime Minister has decided to prorogue Parliament. The Government intends the House of Commons should not sit between 10th September and 14th October. 

At the ‘Time is Now’ climate lobby, one of the issues which was raised with me were reports that the VAT on solar panels was to be increased from 5% to 20%. I have written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to ask whether these reports are accurate.

Dear Jackie

Thank you for your email.

The issue of a ‘No Deal’ Brexit has been raised during the Conservative Party Leadership Election, which has prompted a number of constituents to write in concerned about this.

I backed Matt Hancock in the first round and after he withdrew from the race I have spoken to all the candidates in the final four to ask them about their Brexit and domestic policies. I am reassured that none of them want ‘No Deal’ and it is clear that Parliament will not allow this to happen.