Letter from Parliament: Tony Lloyd

Tony Lloyd MP

Recently, I took part in a 12-mile walk for the Alzheimer’s Society, which raised hundreds of pounds for the North West branch.

I met with the police federation in London to discuss issues surrounding the police, the challenges they face and the cutbacks that have made, which all affect their ability to fight crime.

It’s important to encourage diversity in STEM subjects (science, technology, English and maths), and so I attended a conference encouraging people from non-traditional backgrounds into the field. A very impressive young woman spoke about what young women like her can offer to the field and how diversity can be encouraged.

I also attended a conference with various organisations about how to maintain peat bogs. They help manage floods and the natural environment. 70% of our drinking water comes from similar landscapes, which can be affected if the peat erodes into the reservoirs.

I met with management from Manchester Airport about expansion and potential challenges with Brexit. It’s also getting increasingly difficult to get through security at the airport, so I also mentioned this.

BBC Radio 4 interviewed me about Brexit, and I also visited several different local Labour branches at the weekend, including Spotland and Milnrow.

We also had a meeting about the Labour Party Conference in London with the general secretary, Jennie Formby.

In relation to my role as Northern Ireland’s shadow secretary, I met with Baroness Shami Chakrabarti, shadow attorney general for England and Wales, about issues with the country’s statute and limitations.

The Holocaust Memorial Trust held a reception in Parliament to make people aware of the work they do. Each year they send young people to Auschwitz, which is a very chilling experience, but it’s important to be aware of what happened.

I held my weekly advice bureaus, visited Central Mosque, and met with the Mayor of Rochdale, Mohammed Zaman and the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Doctor Robina Shah.

Friday morning I visited Heybrook Primary School, which is full of enthusiasm. I spoke with a year six boy who has recently been elected for the school council, so it was great to chat with him.

I also took part in the Rochdale Peace Walk before a Labour party meeting on Friday night, ahead of Saturday's Labour party conference.