These last few weeks, I’ve been talking poop. Even more than usual! As Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesman, I’ve been scrutinising the Water Bill, which involved much discussion of sewage outflows!
I’ve followed the bill through the Second Reading debate before Christmas, five meetings of the committee which discussed the bill line by line, and back to the Commons for Report and Third Reading. It now goes back to the Lords, where it began, and will ‘ping pong’ between the two Houses until they agree, before the King gives Royal Assent and it becomes an Act of Parliament.
The nuts and bolts of legislation receives scant attention compared to set-piece Commons debates like Prime Minister’s Questions. But passing good law is a key part of an MP’s role, and as a Christian, an important way to serve God and my neighbour.
Our Redeemer doesn't wear a rosette
Over the summer, British politics usually takes a break. Parliament is in recess, MPs are working in their constituencies, and …