What a busy whirlwind my first few weeks in Westminster has been.

In Parliament, the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill has been the main priority. The work within the House of Commons is mostly complete and the Bill is now with the Lords, currently on-track for completion and implementation by January 31. During the debate I took a specific interest in trading standards and post-single market opportunities, with questions in the House of Commons to the Secretary of State for exiting the European Union. My first concerned the enormous power that supermarkets lever on food supply chain prices; I asked what steps the Government will be taking to redress that imbalance and ensure a fair price for farmers. My second was on what measures will be taken to prevent sub-standard agricultural or food imports entering the country after the UK leaves the EU. You can see the Secretary of State’s responses on my YouTube channel via chrisloder.co.uk.

In addition to that, we have been debating the Queen’s Speech which will conclude next week.

I have also been drawn number five in the Private Members’ Bills Ballot. This gives me the opportunity to introduce a Bill on a subject of my choice, with a high chance of it becoming law and putting West Dorset on the map with a new piece of legislation. In that respect I’ve been canvassing constituents for ideas and thank you to all of you who have been in touch.

I very much enjoyed the carol service at St Peter’s Church over Christmas. I’m now planning to be based in Dorchester and look forward to being a closer part of the town’s community.

If you’d like me to come along and support any community events, please contact me at: hello@chrisloder.co.uk