Perhaps one of the most important local people to get to know is your MP, since he or she is responsible for representing your views in Parliament. We recently contacted David Davies, who gave us an insight into the work that he does.
“I was delighted to be asked to make a contribution to the Meet the Locals feature, so without being too political here is a short piece about the role I carry out.
MPs really have two jobs, the first is constituency based. We try to take up issues on behalf of people and businesses. I hold advice surgeries at which people raise a huge number of complaints on issues. Examples might be school provision, healthcare or a dangerous road junction. At the moment poor broadband coverage is a big concern and I have arranged a public meeting on the matter with the Chair of British Telecom at OLSM Church Abergavenny on 10th October at 2:45. Please feel free to come.
For about 30 weeks of the year we sit in Parliament debating new legislation or major issues of the day. This week we were back to discuss the violence in Iraq and I was amongst those who voted for airstrikes.
MPs will often be given other roles within Parliament. Some become Ministers but others will sit on Select Committees. These are the small groups which examine in great detail government policy. Since 2010 I have sat as the Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee. We have looked at issues such as the costs of the Severn Bridge, Welsh dairy farming, and the care of veterans. We have recently been looking at how to promote tourism in Wales and took evidence from Mike Morgan the owner of the award winning Llansantffraed Court Hotel.
Because of Britain’s major role in World affairs MPs will occasionally travel to some unusual places. Visiting places such as Syria, Iran and the West Bank as well as Israel has greatly increased my knowledge of the complicated politics of the Middle East which was useful in the recent discussion about military action in Iraq.
Outside of Parliament I have worked for nearly 9 years as a Special Constable in London which has been a great contrast to walking the corridors of Westminster. It has been highly useful to me in discussing legislation relating to policing matters.
MPs choose to either live in London visiting their constituencies or vice versa. For me it is an easy choice. I live with my wife and 3 children in Monmouth and stay in London only when Parliament is sitting, working the rest of the time out of an office in Usk.
I have been very lucky to have represented Monmouthshire firstly in the Assembly then Parliament for nearly 15 years.”
