Parliament returned from Conference season under a cloud this week. The senseless murder of Sir David Amess, Member of Parliament for Southend West, has shaken the country to its core. Sir David was doing his duties as a constituency MP, like we all do week in, week out. He was hosting a surgery when he was cruelly taken from the people who loved him so dearly. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. The UK Government is now undertaking a review of MPs security, but I want to reassure you that I will not be intimidated by this attack on our democracy. The role of an MP is to listen to people and that means being in the community we love.
As we look towards the future and how we can be kinder towards each other, I’m determined to make the real change women need with menopause support. That’s why on Tuesday I attended the ‘Healthier Together’ partnership of health and care organisations in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) conference to talk all things menopause revolution. I cannot stress how important it is for us to talk openly and honestly about the menopause. We must break the taboo which sadly still surrounds it. There were some fantastic speakers at the event, such as Dr Tracy-Louise Appleyard, Katharine Gale and Andrew Bazeley. I’m hoping we can continue with these sorts of events to learn more from each other.
With only a week to go until my Menopause Bill enters Parliament for its Second Reading, I’m continuing my mission to reach as many people as possible to get everyone talking about the menopause. That’s why I joined MPowered Women for an Instagram Live chat about the Bill. It was absolutely fab to be able to speak to so many people from different backgrounds and, for me, a new and exciting platform to do that on!
What you learn from trying to reach so many people on different platforms is how much we have in common. People’s concerns, hopes and lived experience all have similarities that show how the system isn’t working as it should. That’s why I’m so determined to change things.
On Wednesday I held the next round of APPG on Menopause meetings. This meeting focused on the world of work. It was timely as on Monday Timpsons announced they would become the first UK business to enable their employees to claim back the cost of their HRT NHS Prescription charges on expenses. This inspirational step was just what we needed to show that businesses are ready and willing to take action to support women employees and I hope the UK Government was watching closely.
To round off the week in Parliament I secured a debate in the Chamber on World Menopause Month. I was so proud to be able to speak up on behalf of all the women who have shared their experiences with me, and I was delighted that colleagues from across the political spectrum spoke alongside me. I am more confident than ever that we will secure the reform women deserve.
You can keep up to date with Welsh Government announcements and information on their dedicated coronavirus page. As always, if you have any issues or concerns to raise with me as your local MP, please get in touch by emailing carolyn.harris.mp@parliament.uk – my team and I are here to help.
