IT’S been great to see so many of you recently, at a variety of events in the constituency.
I’ve held a ‘Coffee With Claire’ informal get-together in Stoke Gifford, an advice surgery in Winterbourne, a listening event in Filton and weekly door-knocking sessions in Patchway, Emersons Green and Stoke Gifford in February.
I’ve also been acting in Westminster on issues that I know matter to us. I’ve been playing a key role in shaping new landmark legislation to clean up sewage in our rivers, lakes and seas, as a member of the cross-party committee scrutinising the Water (Special Measures) Bill line-by-line.
I’m pleased to say that this updated Bill has now been voted for in the Commons and will become law. Future generations should be able to enjoy nature like this, and I’m pleased to have played a key role on behalf of our community in turning back the tide on the sewage scandal.
As the vice-chair of the cross-party group of MPs and peers focusing on improving financial education for young people, I co-led a debate in the Commons.
Research shows that financial habits form around the age of seven, so receiving financial education at school shouldn’t be the postcode lottery it is. I want everyone to have confidence in making the right financial decisions for them.
I spoke in Parliament about the A432 Badminton Road bridge closure and rebuild. It’s important the state of disrepair discovered in 2023 doesn’t happen again, because of both safety and the disruption this closure has caused.
I welcome the upcoming improved active travel measures.
It was good to hear support from transport minister, Simon Lightwood.
In the last few weeks, I have also been pleased to support progress by:
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Backing new investment and innovation in our economy, from £63 million into the Advanced Fuels Fund supporting aerospace to fast-tracking green investment in offshore wind.
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Voting to introduce an Armed Forces Commissioner to be the voice of service families, who give so much.
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Supporting the new £9 billion government contract with Rolls-Royce, supporting good jobs, boosting national security and growing the economy.
I’ve met with a range of great local employers recently, including Airbus and startups at Future Space, and I was glad to attend the opening of Babcock’s new Submarine Availability Support Hub locally, with defence minister Maria Eagle.
My next Coffee with Claire is in Bradley Stoke on March 8. These events bring people together to discuss how we can make ours an even better place to live.
You can sign up for events near you via facebook.com/ClaireRHazelgrove or clairehazelgrove.co.uk.
Please get in touch if you need support at claire.hazelgrove.mp@parliament.uk.