Rather full after the Bryon Burger Challenge!

Parliament was bustling at the beginning of last week with many important debates and meetings going on.
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Burger

I was delighted to start my week with a fun interview with BBC Daily Politics. Following the Chancellor George Osbourne tweeting a picture of himself eating a Bryon burger and chips, myself and two other MPs were set the challenge of trying three specific burgers blind and judging the best. I couldn’t quite believe the size of the burgers! One was an expensive £20 one, the other a cheaper £6.50 Bryon Burger and the last from a fast food chain outlet and two of us believed the Bryon Burger was the best while the other MP preferred the MacDonald’s Burger.

Although a little full, I was then off to speak at an event hosted by the National Housing Federation. It was a great opportunity to hear of the fantastic work housing associations do. It is important there is an ongoing commitment to building stronger communities and I was pleased to meet Calico again to speak about their apprenticeship programme. I spoke of my experience in meeting apprentices up and down the country and highlighted the fact that to truly invest in the next generation of employees, companies must make apprenticeships one of their core organisational priorities.

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On Wednesday I visited Eastleigh with local MP Mike Thornton. The visit involved going in to Quilley School of Engineering and speaking to Year 10s and visiting two companies which currently hire apprentices – Prysmian Cables and Arlington Rail. It is important schools receive recognition for helping students into alternative routes – not necessarily basing it on their academic qualifications and I feel passionate that we all recognise the opportunities available for young people in Burnley and elsewhere. We were also fortunate enough to visit the Rail Engineering Site that supplies rail vehicle maintenance services.

Later in the week, I had my monthly update with local radio 2BR highlighting recent goings-on in Burnley. They were enthusiastic about my scanner appeal and offered to help in any way they can.

Friday was busy with constituent appointments in the office; and Saturday’s advice stall outside M&S in Burnley town centre was very busy.

On Saturday afternoon, I was at Lowerhouse Cricket Club as a guest which was great and I discussed various issues with them which included their concerns over taxation and cricket clubs. They have agreed that this Friday the bucket team can collect at the 20/20 match against Ramsbottom.

As normal, I have been inundated with casework and have been working with constituents on a wide range of issues. If there is anything I can help you with please do get in touch.