Back to Parliament and a packed programme starting with the government’s plan to deter illegal and dangerous small boat crossings. There will be further exchanges with The House of Lords in an exchange known as ´ping pong’ but next week should see this brought to a conclusion.
There were also votes this week on legislation designed to bring in a ‘smokefree generation’ by prohibiting the future sale of cigarettes to those born from 2009 and, to address the very real challenge of under-age vaping.
The proposed law is not perfect but it addresses what is a significant public health issue, a cost to the country as well as added pressure on the NHS.
I understand the argument about the state intervening – there was a similar one when the smoking in public spaces ban was proposed - but I don’t think anyone would like to see that reversed 17 years on. It feels like another world looking back but I remember how you smelt after a night out like it was yesterday.
On vaping, it is undeniable that vapes have proved hugely effective in helping smokers to quit a far worse practice, but it reminds me of that Japanese proverb, “today’s solution is tomorrow’s problem.” People - many underage - who have never smoked are addicted to vaping. The number of users has exploded, and the health risks are unfolding; popcorn lungs is one of the most vivid descriptions of their potential damaging effect.
The Finance Bill completed the main Chamber business. One measure – of 24- is reform to child benefit to better reflect household income, something raised with me very recently by single earner households in discussion over childcare support.
I’ve had a run of meetings from Parliament this week including with the LTA over our tennis tournament and with national representatives of the WASPI campaign. It has already been so many years in the endeavour to see some justice for this group of women in Eastbourne and across the country, but the Ombudsman’s report is the closest we’ve ever come.
Back at home and I get to meet residents at Sovereign Lodge Care Home and children at The Haven.
