View from the House

July was probably the most politically dramatic month since the general election. The government came very close to losing votes on Brexit, and employed all sorts of dodgy tactics to avoid it. The Conservative party is deeply divided at the most critical moment for this country since the Second World War. The need for (and the likelihood of) a People’s Vote on our future is increasing by the day. Away from the crisis in Westminster, recess is an opportunity for me to spend valuable time with organisations and people in Bath who work tirelessly to improve the lives of residents of all ages. I visited Newbridge Primary School which serves 420 children with its very dedicated staff and strong parent community. Set in beautiful grounds, they are struggling with the financial burden of maintaining crumbling buildings constructed in the 1950s-70s. I spent a lively evening with the LGBT+ group SPACE run by Off The Record, who provide a support network for young people facing a very specific set of challenges. I helped out at the Lunch Box project run by the Genesis Trust. On Mondays and Wednesdays a team of loyal volunteers serve a fry up to hungry rough sleepers. This outstanding charity and its partner organisations build relationships with some of our city’s most vulnerable to help them tackle their problems. Make Bath Lunch is a charity in the south-west of the city providing activities and free lunches to families during school holidays. I spent several hours assisting their team whose service is incredibly well used - a sobering testament to how many local families are struggling. Bath’s charity sector does fantastic work for our most vulnerable. It’s a failure of our government, however, that we as a society rely so heavily on charities to carry out these supporting roles. Our public services have been cut to the bone; many people must now rely on the kindness of strangers to get through the week. One of Brexit’s multiple tragedies is that precious Parliamentary time is not spent addressing these structural inequalities. Climate change is a topic that’s received worryingly little attention recently. I had a very positive meeting with Pure Planet, a 100 per cent renewable energy provider in Bath which is growing. They are offering a £25 discount to anyone with a Bath postcode until September 10. This year’s Bath Carnival was brilliant. It’s one of my favourite events; the city really comes alive. I was joined by my daughter, who is always very embarrassed that her mum is MP, but it was lovely that she could see Bath at its best! Please don’t hesitate to get in contact with my office over the rest of the summer if there’s anything we may be able to help you with. Get in touch at 26 Charles Street, Bath, BA1 1HU, call 01225 307024 or email office@werahobhouse.co.uk