Dr Luke’s Weekly Update – 17th July  

One of the best parts about being an MP is being able to get out and about in the constituency to visit some fantastic people and places, something which sadly has not been possible during the pandemic. With restrictions continuing to ease, however, this week I was able to visit Kings International Ballet Academy in Barwell to watch a rehearsal of their amazing Summer Dance Show, and I was so pleased to hear that all of this year’s graduates have secured contracts when they leave this weekend. Congratulations to them all!  

Over summer recess, I plan to get round all corners of the constituency to see the great work which everyone has been doing over the last 18 months, and I am very much looking forward to it! 

Other work this week included: 

• Raised with the Home Office Minister concerns over the duty and responsibility social media companies have to deal with racism, bullying and also the likes of body image. You can view my question here: https://bit.ly/3rbJQpy 
• Drew the Transport Secretary’s attention to the new 10 Point Plan for Greener Growth, put together by the Midlands Engine – supporting 293,000 jobs in the midlands. I was pleased to hear his response, and I look forward to meeting the Minister for the Future of Transport as follow up. You can view my question here: https://bit.ly/3hJRjsU 
• Spoke in Parliament on the new Health and Social Care Bill a plan made by the NHS for the NHS, which will bring together local NHS services with local government, and is an important evolution for our healthcare service. You can read about the Health & Social Care Committee's response and recommendations here: https://bit.ly/3hHWl96 
• Met with the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, to discuss knife crime and implementing a fair immigration policy 
• Met with the Bar Council Chair to discuss problems in the Justice and Courts system and how to solve issues
• Met with the Chair of the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) to raise workforce burnout and problems with GP access
• Attended a Vaccine Briefing from the Vaccines Minister, after hearing from several constituents that vaccines are being wasted due to missed appointments I was able to ask him about DNA (did not attend) rates. In response, the Minister told me that the Government will consider publishing DNA rates, and I will work to raise awareness that cancelling appointments can lead to wasted vaccines.  
• Questioned NHS Cancer Services Leaders on the Health and Social Care Committee to discuss their plans to deal with the Cancer backlog from the pandemic. 
• Met with Hinckley & Bosworth Council Leader and CEO to discuss planning, Twycross zoo, the A5, business grow and the on going response locally to the pandemic
• Met local constituents in my surgery, this week included: mental health and schooling, vaccination policies, and development in the constituency. 

If you live in the Bosworth constituency and have a question or need my help, then please do email me at luke.evans.mp@parliament.uk with your name and address.