I READ with shock and sadness of the terror attack at Parsons Green and my heart goes out to each of the victims and their families.
Whilst this attack took place in London we need to remain vigilant in all communities and so I will be speaking to Wiltshire Police to understand what plans they have in place to tackle terrorism here in the county and how they are adapting.
Last week I was honoured to be elected again by fellow MPs to the Education Select Committee. I came into politics with a passion for education and social mobility, ensuring that every child, no matter their ability, has the same opportunity to reach their potential and I am so pleased to be able to continue my work on this committee.
I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to visit every one of the schools here in the constituency in my first two years as MP and have continually been impressed with the innovative teaching, dedicated staff and constant drive for improvement I have seen. Now in my second term representing the constituency, I am arranging to visit each school again, to hear first hand about current projects, challenges and demands in the education sector and celebrate some of the fantastic achievements locally.
Keeping with the theme of education, this week I visited the ‘The Safe Space’ in Chippenham, a fantastic facility dedicated to ‘play therapy’ whose mission is to deliver ‘emotional healing through play’. A significant proportion of children who visit the centre have been referred by local schools and I heard inspirational stories of how children have increased their academic potential and attainment as a result of schools understanding the need for emotional support, alongside traditional teaching for certain children to reach their potential.
I know a number of young adults across the constituency have just started or will be starting university, college or an apprenticeship this month, so I would like to take the chance to say good luck and I wish you all the best as you embark on the next stage of your life.
With Parliament in recess for the next few weeks I will be based in the constituency and will be out knocking on doors to hear the views and issues of as many people as possible. I hope to see you on the doorstep, but if I do not and you would like to speak to me about anything at all then please email michelle.donelan.mp@parliament.uk or call my office on 01249 704465 and I would be happy to arrange a surgery appointment with you. I have a busy diary of local events coming up, but if you are arranging one, please do let me or my office know and I will do my best to attend.
