Who said politics was boring? It was standing room only for Jeremy Corbyn¹s debut at PMQs. In fact, at 7:30 on Wednesday morning I joined the longest queue of MPs I¹ve ever seen hoping for a seat. The body language at the session was fascinating. The tradition of MPs giving their leader a cheer when he enters the chamber went out of the window. When Jeremy Corbyn sat down at the despatch box you could have heard a pin drop.
In the end, it was a rather muted affair. It only really burst into life when the DUP MP Nigel Dodds stood up and lambasted the new Shadow Chancellor for ³believing that terrorists should be honoured for their bravery². The one Labour MP who said ³hear, hear² to Nigel Dodds¹ question received a death stare from Labour¹s Angela Eagle.
In my capacity as member of the Justice Select Committee I also quizzed the Attorney General on Wednesday. I pressed him on the legal advice he gave the Government to justify the drone strike in Syria which killed a British-born jihadi. Now, I believe that decision was right. But I also believe it would help public confidence if there is the greatest possible transparency (consistent with national security) about the legal basis for action of this nature.
I have also asked a question in the House on what further steps can be taken to regenerate brownfield sites in Cheltenham. Our town is a beautiful place to live, but there are Œgrot spots¹ like the derelict Springbank Shopping Centre and the old Carlton Street post office which are letting our town down. We need to bring these sites back into use. That is particularly urgent when there is such pressure on our precious green fields in Leckhampton and elsewhere.
Other recent parliamentary events have included the Assisted Dying Bill. It was an immensely difficult issue, and the most moving Parliamentary occasion I have experienced since being elected. Listening to the several thoughtful contributions from MPs of all parties, I believe it showed our democracy at its best.
I am leading a debate in the House of Commons to push for increased protection for victims of stalking. Stalking is a nasty crime which leaves victims feeling scared and violated. But, as a judge at Gloucester Crown Court noted recently, repeat offenders who ruin lives are getting off too lightly. That¹s why I am taking up the case of a Cheltenham GP who was horribly targeted by a former patient. It¹s essential that victims like her should receive the protection they so desperately need.