I’M writing this article as I sit on the train on my way back to Somerset after my first incredibly busy and exciting week in Parliament, where I have been familiarising myself with life in Westminster and standing up for my constituents.

My week began on Monday morning, when I travelled up to London to be formally sworn in as the MP for Somerton and Frome.

During the day I also had interesting meetings with the Speaker of the House, the Chief House of Commons Clerk as well as my many new colleagues.

Immediately after swearing in, I returned to the Chamber at the very first opportunity to press the Secretary of State for Education on the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) crisis.

It is totally unacceptable that children may be missing out on vital time in the classroom due to their school literally falling apart.

The Government response has also been hugely frustrating for many of the affected families as poor communication and a lack of accountability have been evident.

I called on the Secretary of State to apologise to all the schools, children and families affected by this crisis – it is time this Government stepped up and took responsibility for their failings.

I also had the opportunity to vote for the first time this week.

Thankfully all went smoothly and now I’m looking forward to giving my maiden speech in a week or so.

I was delighted to attend the Cider All-Party Parliamentary Group (CAPPG) reception, where more than 120 cider makers, MPs and those connected to the cider industry gathered to celebrate the importance of cider.

The event also repeated calls on the Government to commit to no further excise duty increases for at least 18 months.

The cider industry is incredibly important to our region and the country, supporting more than 11,000 jobs, bringing in more than 1 million tourists a year and is worth £2.95 billion.

I am determined to use my position in Parliament to champion the cider industry, which is synonymous to Somerset.

I also went to the launch of Alzheimer’s Research UK’s new report and to mark World Alzheimer’s Month.

While at this event, I was able to speak to people with lived experience of dementia and share my own experience of caring for a loved one with the disease.

I will continue to campaign on this vitally important issue throughout my time in Parliament.

Over the course of the next few days, I will be holding more surgery sessions with constituents to discuss important local issues and I am attending the fantastic Frome Cheese Show where I will be showing some of my pedigree Shetland sheep and I’ll be tasting and judging the many delicious cheeses on show from around the world.

As always, if anyone has any issues that they would like to get in touch about, or if you would like to arrange a time to meet with me you can contact me on sarah.dyke.mp@parliament.uk.

SARAH DYKE
Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton and Frome