My Friday constituency visits were delayed last week as I spent the breakfast hours doing the media round, dealing with the breaking news that sacked US ambassador, Peter Mandelson, had failed security vetting but had still been appointed to the role, which allowed him access to top secret Government and national security information.
Prime Minister Admits Inaccurate Information to Parliament
The Prime Minister admitted on Friday that he gave inaccurate information to Parliament. I joined the leader of the Conservatives, Kemi Badenoch, calling on the Prime Minister to provide the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The Prime Minister must explain the inaccuracies in his previous statements and clarify the circumstances of the appointment, as a matter of national security and public trust.
Enjoyable and Busy Day in Brentwood and Ongar
However, once the media interviews were done, I spent a very enjoyable and busy day in Brentwood and Ongar, meeting a local charity which provides counselling and therapy for children and adults, and catching up with Brentwood Town Football Club and the Brentwood Food Bank.
Meeting with the Anne Frank Trust
It was then up to Ongar to meet representatives of the Anne Frank Trust for a chat about their amazing work in local schools.
Residents Fed Up with Lorry Traffic
And then to meet a group of Ongar residents who are fed up of the lorries using Ongar High Street as a cut-through when motorway traffic snarls up.
Looking Ahead to Future Updates
Last week's column MP Column April 14: Alex Burghart MP, Brentwood and Ongar. I'll be writing more on all of these visits in the coming weeks, so do keep an eye on my social media feed and website.
Thanks to all who took the time to meet me on Friday to share their stories and details of their great work in the constituency. The Brentwood Gazette covers areas including but not limited to Billericay, Brentwood, Hutton, Shenfield, and Wickford in Essex.
