Let's give 'em something to talk about

Started out being a sunny day when I was walking to the KP tube station. Yet a few hours later, not so much sun. Luckily, there was enough to keep us busy in the office. Plenty of response letters. Bells going off, phones ringing, conversations heightening, shouting around Parliament Square – sheer madness. Witnessed an arrest happen across from Parliament Square; a man was sitting in the middle of the road (protesting? we’re not quite sure.) and was being very stubborn with the police. Ended with almost 8 bobbies going back to the station with the man, originally 2 arrived. Another thing about the police: Two men were arrested and detained by the police in the UK near the home of singer Joss Stone on suspicion of conspiracy murder and rob.

Delivered questions for Monday to the Table Office today. As I was walking down the staircase of the Table Office’s building, I got a moment of being slighty star struck. In front of the door entering a hallway, there are signs of whose offices are in that direction. I read the signs and saw, “Rt Hon David Cameron MP, Prime Minister.” David Cameron has great charisma, charm and freshness. A little after 12o’clock we geared up to watch the coverage of Prime Minister Questioning. David Cameron faced his weekly grilling from Labour leader Ed Milliband and backbench MPs. Ed Milliband argued that government welfare reform plans would leave cancer patients worse off. David Cameron responded saying benefits would still be paid to patients for at least a year.

From hearing “Mr. Speaker” countless times during Questioning (and having flashbacks to SAGA), I asked Laura about the Speaker role in the House of Commons. The Speaker is an MP who has been elected to act as Chair during debates in the House of Commons. They are responsible for ensuring that the rules laid down by the House for the carrying out of its business are observed. It is the Speaker who calls the MPs to speak and maintains order in the House. He or she is elected by MPs in the Commons but then ceases to be involved in party politics – renouncing all affiliation with his former political party when taking office but remains an MP. Its nice having people in my office that I can ask about Parliament procedures, roles, and such. Makes discussing and understanding much easier and rewarding.

Later in the afternoon, I attended two events with David and two students who were coming in for a day of work experience. The first was CLIC Sargent for Children with Cancer. As the UK’s leading children’s cancer charity, CLIC Sargent is the only organization to offer families with children with cancer all round care and support. The organization offers support every step of the way. 1. During treatment: providing specialist nurses, doctors, and play specialists. 2. In hospitals and at home: offering specialist social care, youth services, holidays and grants. 3. After treatment: helping survivors, and continual research.

Following the CLIC reception, the four of us spent some time on the Terrace. David first provided some background about the “most sought after terrace in London” and the hot spots of Parliament visible from the Terrace. We had a lovely time chatting, laughing and better acquainting ourselves with one another. Next was the Action on Smoking Health (ASH) reception. ASH is a campaigning public health charity that works to eliminate the harm caused by tobacco. While the charity aims for work to be innovative and agenda setting, its policies are always give evidence based. David introduced us to multiple chaps there who were delightful and a pleasure to take with. While chatting with one of the chief executives for ASH I commented on his Moleskin notebook. He got all excited and asked me which ones are my favorites to use. #lifeofastationarysnob

Attending these events and passing by some others made me distinguish a theme of the week’s receptions: cancer research. It was announced yesterday that the Government has accepted the main recommendations made by the independent NHS Future Forum. Cancer Research UK was delighted with the proposals concerning research in the NHS. Mr. Kumar, CEO of Cancer Research UK said the government now needs to give further thought on how different paths of health service will be held accountable for improvements in cancer outcomes. 

On our way back to the office after the ASH event, a number of individuals greeted David who then introduced us to them. They were each very nice, and you could tell they each respected David very well. Attending the two events and the introductions made the time fly by! When I got back to the office, I quickly snatched my purse and jacket and bee lined for Westminster Hall. Justine and I attended a Roman Catholic mass service that is offered each Wednesday in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft. Even as it was a very quick mass, the celebrant was both a great homilist and vocalist. Following mass, the two of us walked across Westminster Bridge and around the Waterloo area. Music in and around the tube stations is almost always very good so we enjoyed that on our walk. Strolled through the station, stopped into Marks and Spencer and then headed home to KP. Today's Evening Standard was fantastic so we were both excited to read our copies on our way home!

I am completely knackered – I am falling asleep at my Mac. Cheers everyone!