Nick's week, 16 September 2010

Under the new government Parliament has returned in September, rather than after the Party Conferences in October.  This is a proposal that I have always supported.

I've also been back working at the Home Office since the end of August, so this means I've had a busy week.

I started with a visit to West Midlands Police.  It was extremely beneficial to hear their perspective on such important subjects as how to deal with prolific offenders.  This was followed by an important vote on fixed-term parliaments in the evening in the Commons.

On Tuesday it was the Second Reading of the Debate on the Equitable Life Bill, which will give compensation to policy holders - an issue of huge importance to many of my constituents.  And on Wednesday I was part of the World at One's Panel discussing PMQs. 

I'm currently in the North West at the Police Superintendents' Association Annual Conference.  I'm delivering the closing address and will be stressing that the Coalition is totally committed to protecting frontline policing jobs, but that we believe that there are savings that the police can make to play their part in reducing the budget deficit. 

And I've got a busy schedule of events in the constituency over the weekend.

On Friday I'm meeting with West Sussex County Council and my fellow West Sussex MPs.  I'll be raising my concerns over the proposed closures of the fire stations in Findon and Keymer as many constituents have contacted me about these proposals.

I'm also attending a ploughing match in West Grinstead, as well as taking part in a walk starting from Hassocks organised by the South Downs Society.

And the walk will serve as a good reminder of how lucky I am to represent the most beautiful constituency in England.