Monday

I had a briefing from Feminista on the development of policy to protect those being harmed by sexual exploitation. I caught up with local case work and caught an evening flight to London.

Tuesday

My select committee took evidence from Professor Meg Russell, director of constitution unit at University College London and Lord Norton of Louth, chair of campaign for an effective second chamber. They were both excellent witnesses and made clear the need for reform in the House of Lords.

I also questioned them on the role of members of the Lords within government. This isn’t new and ex-prime minister David Cameron is just the most recent example. I believe there is a very good argument to end hereditary peers and the automatic inclusion of bishops and archbishops.

I attended a drop-in to hear about fuel poverty, which is affecting more working families than before.

Wednesday

I attended both Scotland questions and prime minster’s questions, neither were particularly exhilarating.

My select committee met for a second time this week. This time it was a pre-appointment meeting to hear from the government candidate for the position of chair of the committee on standards in public life. It was interesting to hear his views on the Nolan principles given the evidence we are hearing day in day out from the Covid enquiry.

I was chairing the all party parliamentary group on commercial sexual exploitation and taking evidence from three expert witnesses but unfortunately I was dragged away to vote. I say unfortunately because we have the technology to vote remotely which would allow me to multitask, but we don’t use it.

In the time I was in attendance I heard about the increase in street prostitution triggered by the Olympic Games being hosted and the major increase in women being trafficked to Germany because of the war in Ukraine.

Rather than gather detailed information I spent nearly two hours voting. I caught the 2030 home. Unfortunately, it was delayed and I got home about 11pm.

Thursday

Up early to catch the 6.50am bus to Glasgow and then a second coach to Edinburgh Airport. My final destination was the Faroe Islands. On arrival I met with Dennis Holm, minister for fisheries and infrastructure. He gave a fascinating presentation on the tunnel system used throughout the islands and also their plans for the future.

With a population of 52,000 the Faroese have a magnificent mindset and their development of tunnels and broadband are the envy of many states. In the evening I met Tummas Dam, the British Honorary Counsel. It was a pleasure to hear his take on the Faroe Islands and their place in the world.

Friday

I visited the Sandoy Tunnel and met the CEO, Teitur Samuelson. I then met Jon Sigurdsson and Niclas Joenson to discuss tunnel construction. I had a meeting with the chief executive of Bakkafrost, Regin Jacobsen.

Saturday 

I shall be meeting representatives of the Faroese telecoms industry and ship building industry.