Since I last wrote we’ve had the latest chapter in the perennial crisis of Boris Johnson’s premiership, and also the latest chapter in the rather longer, rather more placid story of HM The Queen’s reign.
The Queen’s Speech sets out the Government’s plan for the year ahead, and the five-day debate that follows it is an opportunity for MPs to say what they think the priorities should be.
On Friday David Scott tied a sack over my head, bundled me into the boot of his car and drove to an undisclosed location somewhere on the edge of Salisbury Plain. I exaggerate, but this is the secret breeding place of the Great Bustard.
I spoke in the Commons on Thursday in the debate on Labour’s motion to ask the Privileges Committee to investigate whether the Prime Minister lied to Parliament.
It’s obviously a great privilege to be in Parliament, and not just for the opportunity to make speeches on the things that interest you. You are also a privileged spectator of people who genuinely do make history.
When I became the MP for Devizes in 2019 my first priority was to get to know the Army. I’ve spent a day or so each month since with the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, which takes MPs to military bases to see first hand what our soldiers, sailors and airforce personnel do.
Beneath the shrill discordant arpeggio in Westminster this week was a more harmonious tune, to me at least. I have had that rare experience of feeling that I’ve made a difference - and not just once but three times.
I’ll come to Boris Johnson and his future in a moment. The most important policy question (rather than political question) in Westminster right now is whether Covid restrictions will be lifted when they are reviewed by the Government on 26 January.
