2023

I was delighted to be present at the opening of the new school library at Hillary Primary School on Monday 24 April 2023. It was a beautifully organised and built space and was built by the firm Peters.  I bought 30 books and donated them to the school library that were published by the Book Trust.  I bought them from a small independent book shop. I also donated a reference book on classical music.

I visited Palfrey Junior School and I met with Cheryl Collis, Head of School. Also there was Angela Hill and Emily Kinsey. I met with them at the start of the day to see the traffic issues occurring outside school when parents drop their children off and pick them up.

I visited Blue Coat Primary School on Friday 21 April 2023. I asked the Head Mr Orlik if he would discuss with the School Council a topic and draft a motion to debate and I would act as the Speaker, the moderator of the Debate. The motion debated was “Should there be Free School meals for all pupils.” The debate was opened by a proposer and a seconder and then responded to by the opposer and a seconder against the motion. The debate was opened up to the floor and a number of pupils made contributions. The standard of debate was excellent. I then showed the pupils how we voted in the Commons. The Ayes to the Right and the Noes to the left. The pupils voted by passing the tellers who counted the votes and announced it to me. It seems the Ayes have it. it was very interesting listening to the arguments for and against the motion. I suggested they may like to switch sides in the debate.

On Day 2 of the Finance (No.2) Bill, Wednesday 19 April, there were 2 votes.

Clause 18 stand part

I voted against this Motion, which was passed, Ayes: 293, Noes: 218.

The House debated and voted on amendments to the Finance (No.2) Bill by the Committee of the Whole House over the course of two days, on 18 and 19 April 2023. There were 3 votes on Tuesday 18 April.