Environment and security are key topics for MP Iain Stewart

After the summer break, the new term in Parliament has started.
MP Iain Stewart visits TVPMP Iain Stewart visits TVP
MP Iain Stewart visits TVP

I have been given a promotion by the Prime Minister and I now serve in the Government Whip’s office. It carries a wide range of duties, including helping to steer legislation through Parliament. One of the Departments I now work for is DEFRA - the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. I will be responsible for making sure key Government policies to improve our environment, such as reducing the amount of plastic we use, become law.

Previously I have spent a few Saturday nights patrolling with a Thames Valley Police (TVP) team that covers the night time economy, so it was good to spend a day with TVP officers undertaking proactive neighbourhood policing. I observed a couple of meetings where intelligence was discussed such that it could be used to target the use of resources. After that I went out with officers to patrol around various communities, meeting community workers and the public. It was great to see how the officers were always seeking to improve cohesion in the neighbourhoods by discussing local concerns with the residents. Everywhere we called we were met by people who knew the police officers and freely shared their views.I met with UKInbound, the trade body for companies bringing visitors to visit the UK, and one of my constituents, Mr Yi Liang of Emmeline Holidays. Each year Mr Liang’s company, Emmeline Holidays, arranges for between 600-800 Chinese students to visit the UK to learn English, do some sightseeing and engage with schools to show the students aspects of the British education system. The inbound tourism market is worth around £24 billion per annum, so it was good to discuss the local economic benefits.

Another meeting I enjoyed was with residents of Shenley Retirement Village, where we discussed many topics both national and local matters, and it was good to be accompanied by Dan Gilbert, the recently elected councillor for Loughton and Shenley. I will be running more sessions like these so look out for them or if you have a matter you want to raise with me call 01908 686830 or [email protected].

When I visited IrisGuard, in Shenley Pavilions, I was impressed by the technology they have developed and some of the uses it is already being put to across the world. IrisGuard is an excellent example of an entrepreneurial and innovation led company that we have many of in Milton Keynes; the number will grow as the Corridor is established over the coming years. I have introduced IrisGuard to several organisations, to explore new opportunities, something I would happily do for companies in my constituency.