2016

The House rose on the 12 May 2016 and the State opening of Parliament took place on the 18 May 2016. The Queen’s speech outlined the Government’s programme of legislation and policies for the coming year. Here is the full text of the Queen’s speech:

On Wednesday 18th May 2016 I was delighted to present the first award at the Young Epilepsy Champions Awards to celebrate the achievements of those living with epilepsy, their families, carers, teachers and support networks.

I am a member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee (EFRA) and on the 12th May 2016 the Committee visited the Somerset Levels and Moors. At the roundtable we heard from members of the Environmental Agency, the wildlife and trust and other organisations. The residents who suffered under the floods were also present and made their concerns known that the communication between the environmental agency and what happened to the water on their land was not often clear. 18% of Somerset was under water.

On Wednesday 11th May 2016, Lord Swaraj Paul the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor Geoff Layer, other MPs and guests from the Black Country at the House of Lords to celebrate the University of Wolverhampton’s contribution to healthcare.

It was not long after the Back Bench Committee had granted a debate on the closure of HMRC offices, when HMRC decided on the 4 May 2016 without any consultation to bring forward the closure of the office at Pattinson House. I was granted an Adjournment Debate on Tuesday 10 May 2016.I wanted to hear from the Minister why the date for closure had been brought forward.