Dear Constituents,

Thank you for writing to me about the current situation regarding the UK's negotiations with the EU. As you might imagine, I have received many emails with a large number of differing views. This is clearly a fast-moving situation.

 There is much concern in our national newspapers about knife crime. In Chelmsford and Maldon there were four violent incidents involving knives last year. This is four too many, but it is much less than in many other parts of the UK.

Monday  Spend the morning with Science and Technology Select Committee looking at how Government is using digital technology to deliver services. We are doing an in-depth inquiry which I hope will lead to better services and better use of tax payer money.

Vicky Ford MP has declared a victory for postal workers campaigning to prevent Low Level Letter Boxes.

Apprenticeships appeal to those looking for alternatives to university. They often take a more practical approach to learning and enable students to earn as they learn. By focusing on training for a specific career, young people can learn a trade by actually doing the job.

Monday  Start the week meeting Professor Roderick Watkins, the new Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University, with my colleague Stephen Metcalfe the MP for Basildon who sits on the Science and Technology Committee with me.

Last week the usual Parliament February recess was cancelled due to the large amount of Brexit related legislation that needs to be scrutinised and voted on.  I had been due to join a cross party group of MPs on a trip to China and Hong Kong, but instead was in the House of Commons where I have b

Monday  Strange week as Parliament was meant to be having its traditional February “recess”. I was supposed to be in a mission to Hong Kong and China to discuss our relationship post leaving the EU, but the trip as been cancelled and parliament has been recalled.

Monday 11 February  Start the week by meeting First Bus Essex.  I’ve been working with Cllr John Spence to get improvements to Chelmsford buses.  I am delighted that the company promises action on all our requests, including a new evening service to Chelmer Village, extra buses to Great Baddow, G