Victoria Atkins

There has been much to debate and decide, both at home and abroad in the weeks since Parliament returned from Conference season.

The government is in the final stages of passing the Investigatory Powers Bill. This bill will give the security services and the police the modern digital powers to fight serious crime and terrorism.

I have worked on the bill for over a year and am pleased that we are nearly there.

As the hacking of Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust (NLAG) hospitals this week has shown, computer hacking and viruses pose a real threat to our day-to-day lives and our police and security services need these powers to protect us.

I also took part in the moving debate on baby loss. The heartfelt speeches from a number of my colleagues, from all sides of the House, touched us all.

We now need to work together to secure the changes to make sure that the support for families suffering this loss is improved in the future.

At the start of the new academic year, I asked the Prime Minister in Prime Minister’s Questions about the issue of so-called “safe spaces” in our universities undermining the fundamental British value of freedom of speech.

She agreed with me that that so-called “safe spaces” in British universities restrict lively debate in our places of learning.


Away from the main chamber, I joined Lincolnshire colleagues in Westminster Hall to speak in a debate, called by Stephen Phillips QC MP, raising the importance of cycling in our constituencies.

I paid tribute to the work of the Louth Navigation Trust, East Lindsey District Council and Sustrans in their efforts to reopen the route along Louth Canal for cycling, walking and other activities.

At home, I held the first Louth & Horncastle Jobs & Apprenticeship Fair to help increase employment locally, support successful businesses and develop skills in training and apprenticeships.

Many prominent local and national companies, including Luxus, Polypipe, BAE and National Grid, educational establishments and other organisations were present to offer advice, encouragement and, hopefully, jobs and apprenticeships to local people.

I held my most recent surgery in Mablethorpe. The ability to help constituents with the difficulties they are facing is one of the most important – and fulfilling – responsibilities of being your MP.

I hold regular advice surgeries throughout the length and breadth of the constituency so if you would like my assistance do contact my office at [email protected]

I’m pleased to begin the first in my series of columns for Lincolnshire Reporter at the beginning of a new chapter in our country’s history. We have the opportunity to forge a new relationship with Europe and the rest of the world, while creating for better deal for ordinary, working people here at home.

Party Conference season has drawn to a close and Members of Parliament have returned to the House of Commons with much to debate and decide, both at home and abroad.

I wrote this before I went into the chamber for an emergency debate on the onslaught of cruelty in Syria and its consequences across the world.

The rise of international travel and the internet means that the world feels smaller than ever and, sadly, the violence in a country thousands of miles away has consequences here at home, through the refugee crisis and terrorism.

I was therefore pleased that the Prime Minister took the opportunity at Conservative Party Conference to set out her vision of our country’s place in the world.

Securing the best terms for our exit from the European Union is an important part of this.

The Prime Minister’s announcement that Article 50 will be triggered by the end of March 2017 proved the government’s commitment to delivering Brexit.

The Prime Minister seemed to have Lincolnshire in mind as she described her plans for our country and for working people.

Her determination to create a country that works for everyone through hard work and merit will have struck a chord with many people locally.

She also highlighted the need to improve broadband in rural areas – one of my key campaigns.

I took the opportunity at Conference to meet Internet Service Providers and associated organisations to discuss poor broadband and possible solutions for the hardest to reach areas.

In the words of the Prime Minister, “It’s just not right… that half of people living in rural areas, and so many small businesses, can’t get a decent broadband connection.”

The issue of local broadband and “notspots” will be discussed at my broadband summit, to be held on the January 20, 2017.

This will be your chance to raise your concerns directly with providers.

If you wish to attend the summit or require assistance on any other matter please email me [email protected] I look forward to hearing from you.

At home, highlights of the last few weeks have included being made Honorary Chairman of the Coastal Community Team for Mablethorpe and Sutton-on-Sea, seeing the world-famous Davis Cup at a packed Horncastle Tennis Club and opening a pub in the constituency.

Life is never dull as your MP!