What do political big beasts and Bond girls have in common?
Both, it turns out, can be found prowling the corridors of Parliament. This week I tracked down Michael Gove, Jeremy Hunt, and even Honor Blackman (of Goldfinger fame) as I pressed on with my campaigns for the people of Cheltenham.
First, I held a one-on-one meeting with Michael Gove, the Justice Secretary, to make the case in person for giving greater protection to the victims of stalking. At the moment the law simply goes nowhere near far enough, as I made clear in a debate I led in Parliament recently. I took up the case after learning of the ordeal of a constituent, a Cheltenham GP, who was targeted in a sustained and terrifying campaign. Gove seemed sympathetic and his officials are now working up a formal response. I'll keep plugging away.
Second, it was déjà vu all over again (as the recently-departed Yogi Berra once said) as I met Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary. This was my second meeting in as many weeks, and this time for an extended session. Again, the issue of junior doctors was raised – in particular the crucial importance of ensuring that any new contract does not leave them worse off. Junior doctors are the spine of our health service and they must be treated fairly.
Third, I met with Honor Blackman (aka Pussy Galore) together with campaigners from Cheltenham and the South-West to show support for those left high and dry by the Equitable Life pensions debacle. Many are getting older now, but the campaign goes on.
In the Commons itself I quizzed Michael Gove about the criminal courts charge, a controversial levy Cheltenham's magistrates are forced to impose. It risks blatant injustice and I believe it needs to be radically reformed, if not scrapped.
But my favourite moment of the week was welcoming to Westminster so many Cheltonians with disabilities from the inspiring Butterfly Garden on the outskirts of our town. It was a really happy occasion and one I won't forget.
Back in Cheltenham, in addition to my surgery I visited the Cheeki Monkeys Baby and Children's Market, joined in the Black History Month celebrations and visited Cheltenham's newest gin factory, Brennen & Brown. I also met residents of Thirlestaine Park care home (alongside Angela Rippon OBE) and visited the Charity and Culture Event in the Town Hall.
Cheltenham is such a vibrant and exciting place to live. Big beasts and Bond girls should pay it a visit.