PARLIAMENT is now in recess, marking my first full year in Westminster.

It has been a dramatic year in British politics, and working in a place that constantly reminds you of the 1,000 years of history that precedes you, means I never lose sight of the responsibility I have to fight for our constituency.

Although Brexit dominates the headlines, parliament has also been busy passing new laws on environmental protection (including bans on sale of ivory and protection of our seas), the introduction of electric cars, the establishment of British spaceports and introducing energy price caps to lower peoples’ energy bills.

A lot of people focus on the negatives of politics, but I’ve seen first-hand what a positive difference parliament can make.

However, it is not only important for MPs to be busy in Westminster, but also for parliament and government to be busy in individual constituencies, which is why I have pushed for more ministers to visit Scotland and Ochil & South Perthshire in particular.

On Wednesday last week, I was pleased to welcome Esther McVey, secretary of state for the Department of Work and Pensions, to Alloa.

Welfare is one of the biggest areas of spending, with some £200bn spent each year by our government, with billions more being spent of reforms such as Universal Credit.

The secretary of state visited Alloa job centre to meet the frontline staff who support people on benefits on a daily basis, so she could see first-hand what is going well and what needs improvement in an area that has had Universal Credit full service for just over a year.

Locally, I have been continuing to meet with local businesses and third parties to discuss ideas for the where the City Deal money should be invested, whilst also pushing forward various community campaigns, such as the Greenfield House redevelopment, where I have followed-up on the recent community meeting by writing to the developer and offering to support the council in any way I can.

The summer also marks the beginning of my surgery tour, covering over 40 locations throughout July and August right across our constituency. All surgery dates and times are online and displayed at local community centres. Surgeries are an opportunity to discuss individual and community issues face-to-face either at a local community centre or on your doorstep.

Finally, I was pleased to return as a judge for the Clacks Business Awards, sitting as part of a panel reviewing this year’s entrants in categories ranging from best non-profit organisation to most promising new comer. The awards are a great opportunity to showcase the talent and opportunities available in the county. I wish all the finalists well for the big night!

As always, if you have any issues or concerns, please contact me on luke.grahamoffice@parliament.uk or on 01259 764407 for the Alloa office.