And just like that, parliamentary recess is over, and I am firmly back in Westminster.
It has been an eventful first week, with the new Prime Minister appearing at the despatch box on Tuesday to make a 3 hour ministerial statement, followed by his first Prime Minister’s Questions in the role on Wednesday.
Recess provided a welcome opportunity to travel across the constituency, visiting local businesses, charities and community organisations, as well as attending some of the many events which take place throughout the summer. My final engagement of recess was the Goodworth Clatford Village Fete and Flower Show, where I held one of my pop-up surgeries, providing an invaluable opportunity to speak directly with residents about the issues affecting them, while also just enjoying all of the fabulous stalls run by local people, such as the WI, who were my stall neighbour.
Today, a statue of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be unveiled at Romsey Abbey. Created by the exceptionally talented local artist Amy Goodman, who is based in Quarley, the statue will provide a lasting tribute to Her late Majesty and her remarkable lifetime of service. Unfortunately, today is a sitting Friday in Parliament, and I will be in the Chair, so I am unable to attend the unveiling. However, I am sending Amy and everyone involved in bringing this important project to fruition my very best wishes. I am sure it will be a memorable occasion for the town and that the statue will become a valued part of Romsey’s heritage for residents and visitors alike.
I was also pleased this week to receive confirmation that the Competition and Markets Authority has secured compensation for heating oil customers whose confirmed orders were cancelled following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East. Following engagement with suppliers, a compensation scheme has now been established. Customers who paid more for replacement heating oil will receive a payment covering the difference between their original and replacement orders. Those who did not purchase replacement oil will have their original order honoured at the price initially agreed. This is particularly important for the rural households and businesses who wrote to me that depend on heating oil and may have few practical alternatives.
I welcome the CMA’s intervention and its commitment to ensuring affected customers are treated fairly and receive the compensation they are owed.