Antoinette Sandbach Newsletter

Since the last newsletter Antoinette has...

* Joined colleagues in paying respect to PC Palmer and others injured in the terrorist attack on the 22nd March
* Questioned the Prime Minister during her statement on the Triggering of Article 50
* Chatted to pupils from Oakland's School who were visiting Parliament about her role as an MP
* Attended a BEIS select committee meetings on Brexit and Energy and the future world of work
* Discussed various issues effecting the Middle East with the UAE's ambassador to the UK
* Held constituency surgeries in her Winsford office
* Attended a reception for alumni of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme
* Celebrated the success of the University of Chester after high rankings for student satisfaction and spoke with the University about how she could promote their work on her upcoming trip with the APPG for the United Arab Emirates
* Enjoyed a dinner at the University of Chester and discussed the innovation being produced by their Thornton Campus
* Had a tour of the newly renovated Storyhouse Theatre in Chester, one of Cheshire's most impressive cultural centres
* Met with a representative from Winsford Cross Shopping Centre to discuss plans for the regeneration of the town centre
* Asked a topical question during health questions in the House of Commons
* Attended the Jo Cox Loneliness Commission's older people spotlight month launch

Westminster terror attack
I was deeply saddened by the sickening attack on innocent civilians and police last Wednesday. It is hard to comprehend what drives people to commit such unspeakable horrors but I was greatly moved by the reaction of those who responded to the terror by assisting the wounded. There were some astonishing displays of bravery including that of my colleague, Tobias Ellwood MP, who desperately tried to save the life of PC Keith Palmer after he had been stabbed. Although the events of the 22nd were extremely distressing, I am certain that Parliament will carry on performing the essential role it always has done.

Article 50
On Wednesday, the Prime Minister triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, formally beginning the UK's exit from the European Union. During the statement made to the House, I welcomed the contents of the letter presented to President Tusk and asked the Prime Minister if she would allow Henry VIII powers and return sovereignty to Parliament by allowing MPs a vote on the future legislation.

Oaklands School visit
I was delighted to meet pupils from Oaklands School who had come all the way from Winsford to visit the Houses of Parliament. The children were extremely enthusiastic to learn about my role as a Member of Parliament and how our democracy works. I hope that the teachers and pupils enjoyed their visit, and that it may have encouraged some of the pupils to develop an interest in politics.

Jo Cox Commission's older spotlight month launch
My late colleague Jo Cox, Member of Parliament for Batley and Spen was passionate about addressing loneliness amongst the elderly and infirm. She set up the commission on loneliness before her tragic death in June 2016 and, following her murder, MPs from all sides of the House of Commons have been taking forward the commission. The launch event was an opportunity for MPs to pledge their support for the commission and find out practical steps they can take to tackle loneliness amongst older people both in Westminster as well as in Eddisbury.

Health Questions
In the House of Commons chamber I asked the Secretary of State for Health his thoughts on Bishop Heber High School's careers fair where representatives of the local GP practice attended to explain the benefits of a career in medicine. These excellent initiatives encourage children and young people to explore careers in medicine and within the NHS and Jeremy Hunt informed me that general practice, as the fastest growing part of the NHS, would play an important role in employing those who choose to pursue a career within our health service.

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