High Peak MP has ensured the area's voice has been regularly heard in Westminster

Last week, I gave my maiden speech in the House of Commons. However, I have been far from silent on your behalf, writes Robert Largan MP.
Robert Largan, MP for High PeakRobert Largan, MP for High Peak
Robert Largan, MP for High Peak

According to the records, I have, by exploiting every possible loophole in the rules on asking questions, spoken more often in the chamber before giving my first official speech, than any other MP in Parliament.

By questioning ministers, I have already managed to force the publication of the report into the partial collapse of the dam at Whaley Bridge, pushed for stronger environmental protections and put issues like the Mottram Bypass, investment into the Hope Valley railway line and the campaign for Gamesley station, all firmly back onto the agenda down in Westminster.

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I used my maiden speech to highlight the struggles of local self-employed people during this pandemic and to call on the Government to take urgent action to support them.

Many self-employed people, often with families to support, face an uncertain future and desperately need help.

The complexity of the challenge should not be underestimated, but the Government has a responsibility to meet it.

I am glad that the Chancellor has listened and acted.

The Government will pay self-employed people a taxable grant to cover 80 per cent of their average monthly profits over the last three years, worth up to £2,500 a month.

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This support will be available for at least three months, starting from June at the very latest, but can be extended if necessary.

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Since this crisis began to touch our community, I have tried my best to support everyone who lives in the High Peak.

While I’m unable to do face-to-face help and advice surgeries right now, I am spending my days on the phone and responding to hundreds of emails from local people looking for support.

I’m still raising a huge number of cases directly with the Government and the council, as I’m pushing for more help for our area.

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I also used my maiden speech to repeat my promise to put the High Peak ahead of party politics and to work hard to represent everyone, no matter who they voted for.

It is a promise I will keep so long as I am lucky enough to be your MP and I will do everything I can to help you through this crisis and work to make the High Peak an even better place to live.

Robert Largan is MP for High Peak.