Away from Westminster it has been an exciting start to The Ashes series. I hope it can stay a tight contest and great display of grit and talent and that we see England having those close moments going their way. Cricket is unique in that test matches are over five days and while it can be hard to understand compared with the short intensity of a football game or perhaps hockey or rugby the building tension of a closlely matched contest with bowlers and batsmen able to use their full range of experience and skill is for me one of the pinnacles of sport. If you haven’t watched much before this is the place to start.
During the week I went to an art exhibition in London by Jane Phillips from Hinton St George. Her landscapes were very impressive and she is a great example of the talent we have in Somerset. Thanks to Jane and everyone involved. I'd love to see this exhibition in Somerset too.
I’ve had useful and productive meetings this week including with the Great South West All Party Parliamentary Group and the Local Enterprise Partnership. I am keen to make sure Yeovil and South Somerset can benefit from funding avenues for redevelopment such as the Growing Places scheme.
I also chaired a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Central Bank and Digital Currency which is a topic that is getting more and more important. I would be interested to hear views on this but it seems that the rapid move to a world where money is online presents a range of risks and is not for everyone and some people could be left behind or even censored. With the current problems in the financial system it may be tempting for some central banks or governments to use new technology in ways that aren't preserving of individual freedoms and rights and we need to be positive about preserving access to cash and designing appropriate bearer equivalents in the digital world.
There has been some research published this week about processed foods and how as a country we are slightly behind some others in terms of diet and nutrition. It’s something I was already getting the Education APPG that I chair to look into, having already had really good discussions about things like outside space in schools and exercise with specialists in those fields. Here we probably do have a healthier approach than some parts of the country though and it’s a good time to remind ourselves to buy healthy and local where we can and support local producers and shops.
Finally there has been some positive news about small boat migrant crossings this week as numbers are estimated to be down by 20%. The crossings are dangerous for anyone involved and have put a huge strain on our services and whilst there is more to be done, and we need to make sure our country stays a safe place for refugees, it is a sign that measures are working.