On Thursday, 21st July I took my first stand at the despatch box – the position government Ministers take when answering debates and questions from non-government MPs. As the new Deputy Leader of the House of Commons, it was my duty to lead the three hour long Summer Adjournment Debate, before Parliament adjourned for the summer recess.
Prior to this recess, many MPs from across the political spectrum have a very wide variety of issues they wish to raise in the House of Commons, but have not had the opportunity to do so during the parliamentary calendar and are typically of local importance but perhaps not of national significance. This Summer Adjournment Debate is the MPs opportunity to raise these matters, and my role in the debate was to facilitate and respond to these.
As an example, several MPs took the opportunity to praise successful charities or businesses in their constituencies, and to highlight local transport issues.