As the summer draws to a close, I hope you have all had the opportunity to enjoy some of the sunshine we've had recently and had some rest and relaxation over the summer months. I want to extend my best wishes to all those returning to school and education in the coming days and my thanks to all the educators who will be gearing up for another academic year. Thank you for all you do. 

Next week, Parliament returns from recess and MPs from across the country will be heading back to Westminster. 

In the second week of September, I will be hosting a debate on consumer affairs focusing on issues where consumers are being ripped off. I hope to share more about this debate and the issues I am hoping to highlight. One issue I will be raising is that of unfair pricing for consumers when buying their food shopping. 

Many of you will remember the price comparison shops I do most years, comparing the price of key items at the smaller shops (of big national stores) in the centre of our towns and the larger superstores on the edge of our towns that mainly require a car to get to. The price differences are often staggering and leave those without the ability to make it to a larger supermarket paying a premium for that. I will share further updates on this debate nearer the time. 

 Looking to national and international news, last week marked Ukrainian Independence Day, the fourth since the beginning of the war. 

Ukraine is in the news even more than usual at the moment and I am thinking of the strength of the Ukrainian people and all they have endured over these 3.5 years.  

 I remain incredibly proud of our towns and villages for all they have done, and continue to do, to support the people of Ukraine. From sending 50 plus ambulances and 4x4s over to Ukraine, filled with medical supplies, to supporting Ukrainian families who have made our towns and villages their home, the support has been phenomenal.

My thanks to all who have led and contributed towards these efforts and continue to do so. 

 Finally, I want to extend my congratulations to all those who have received exam results in recent weeks. I hope you got the results you needed for your next steps and if not, please do not be discouraged. There are many opportunities out there so please do take the advice and support available to help you decide what comes next. 

As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any issues or concerns you would like to raise with me. I can be reached at [email protected] or on 01926 882006.