Monday
A second reading of the Employment Rights Bill is a bread and butter issue in the Commons. It brings out the best and worst in both main parties. Labour supports people to stay in work, but it’s far too soft on it. The Conservatives only appear to believe in rallying people into work, rather than defending it later. The two can’t see eye to eye, but they can definitely hear each other loud and clear.
Tuesday
Jack Rankin MP (Windsor/Conservatives) gave his first speech today in the House of Commons as an MP, and made tribute to the life of Queen Elizabeth 2nd, and her service to this country “in the context of a millennium of constitutional development”. It’s a heartening rhetorical flourish, supporting those who make our story greater.
Wednesday
Last business of the day goes to Calvin Bailey MP (Leyton and Wanstead/Labour), who takes up antisocial behaviour as his cause célèbre. It sounds bad where he’s from, so it’s worth a response from Minister of State Diana Johnson MP (Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham/Labour), whose priorities take in his concerns. The obvious need is for more policing, and an appropriate pledge is given.
Thursday
It’s Black History Month, and accordingly MP’s have shared their support for it in the Commons. It’s worth noting how many members are now of an ethnic minority, a point proudly brought up during proceedings.