Letter from Westminster

Written by Stephen Williams MP and published in Clifton Chronicle on Mon 23rd Jan 2006

Just for a change, instead of a description of my week in Westminster I'll give you an insight into my role as a constituency MP. I normally take the train back to Bristol on Thursday evening. This week it was a little later in the day as I was a guest on ITV's 'The West this Week' which is recorded in London.

The programme discussed two hot topics, bullying in schools and drug rehabilitation centres. Bullying has been a long-term interest of mine. I was bullied myself for a short while at school and experienced the misery that a bully can inflict on a victim. Evidence that we have taken at the Education Select Committee shows that bullying and safety head the list of children's concerns about schools. This week saw the confirmation that Bristol's state schools are bottom of the league. A robust anti-bullying policy is vital to make our schools safe places to learn so standards can rise.

The second topic of drug rehab was raised by the Conservative MP for Weston Super Mare. He is concerned at the number of privately run establishments in his constituency and the lack of care exercised by some authorities that refer people to Weston. As Clifton Chronicle readers will know, there is controversy over the siting of a new drug rehab centre in Mortimer Road. At least the NHS will run this one and I'm sure to a high standard. But so far Avon & Wiltshire NHS Trust has not covered itself in glory in its dealings with local residents. It is inevitable that residents will have concerns and I am working to make sure that they are addressed.

On Fridays I usually visit a variety of local organisations during the morning and early afternoon. I then hold my weekly advice "surgery". This week had an educational theme. I started off giving a talk and answering questions from sixth formers at Redland High School for Girls. Then it was off to the Ashley Down site of the City of Bristol College. I saw a variety of vocational training work including hairdressing (I know my own coif would not present much of a challenge!), brick laying, carpentry, plumbing and catering. After a superb lunch prepared and served by students I can safely say that the city's future hospitality workers are being well trained. The Ashley Down site is coming to the end of a multi-million pound refurbishment partly financed by the government and part by the new housing on the site. Then it was off to Filton College's new site near Parkway. There are fantastic new facilities for sport, art and drama.

On Saturday I saw more achievement by Bristol's young people at the election for our two representatives in the national Youth Parliament. I hope the energy and enthusiasm of the teenagers survives into later life and who knows, I may have met a future competitor for the real Parliament!