When Westminster goes into ‘recess’ for the summer (i.e., does not sit), newspapers usually blithely report that MPs are “on holiday”.
I had a week in Crete (lovely thanks, if a bit too hot!) but enjoy the extra time the parliamentary break gives me in Southwark.
Recess is a crucial time to take stock, plan ahead and engage further in the local community.
I really enjoyed opening the new Time and Talents Marychurch oasis garden in Rotherhithe and it was important to check in with the Port of London Authority who are responsible for all things Thames in our community, including the controversial ‘OceanDiva’ vessel that could disrupt the lives of many riverside homes locally.
I get to spend more time in my Bermondsey office and out doing what I call ‘mobile surgery’ – knocking doors and listening to local people.
Last week I was on the Pynfolds Estate in Bermondsey and this week I am on the Tabard Estate near London Bridge. If you would like me to visit or hold a mobile surgery in your area, please drop me a line.
I’m also planning the next stages of my attempt to better protect British customers and companies by amending Government legislation.
The Digital Markets, Competitions and Consumers Bill is a step forward in establishing standards for online business and sales. Most people believe that what they buy online meets the same standards as if they bought on the high street. Sadly, this is far from the case.
Consumer organisations like Which? and Electrical Safety First want products that don’t meet UK safety standards removed from online sale. This would help British customers stay safe when shopping online, but also help British companies who do meet standards from being undermined by cheap, rogue imports that put people at risk.
I’ve tabled amendments to introduce a ‘takedown power’ to swiftly remove dangerous and counterfeit goods from online marketplaces like Amazon which should be welcome.
Indeed, Amazon supported a similar idea when the European Union introduced similar legislation. But UK Ministers are dragging their feet and harming British businesses with delays.
All the hype about ‘taking back control’ under Brexit looks like hyperbole when EU customers and companies are afforded better protection by their leaders than UK customers.
Jobs, investment, and manufacturing are all at risk if the sale of counterfeit goods continues.
Sadly, it feels like Tory Ministers have given up governing, with so many announcing their resignation or retirement plans ahead of an election.
Labour even came close to winning the former Tory Prime Minister’s Uxbridge seat in the July election, but this is no excuse for Ministers to switch off and ignore threats to UK consumers and businesses.
My amendment would help address concerns immediately and allow dangerous, dodgy goods to be quickly removed from sale.
It could help prevent accidents and deaths.
When Parliament returns, I hope my amendment is adopted by the Government – just as they have on four other Bills previously.
It would help customers and companies here in Southwark and across the whole country.