I hope you have had a good summer.  Since my last update I have been active in Westminster and then (after a short holiday to recharge) during recess I have been busy in the constituency.

 I am so honoured to have been elected to represent you and whether you voted for me or not I promise to do my best to stand up for you and our brilliant community.

Here’s a summary of what I’ve done in the last few weeks. You can also read my recent piece in the EDP on my first month as an MP.

In Parliament

• I raised the dentistry crisis here in Norfolk in the House of Commons and have secured a meeting with the Health Minister Stephen Kinnock when parliament returns to discuss how we can get a dental school here. I know how much people in Norwich North want to see improvements and I will continue to push for action.

• Along with other MPs, I met with Bridget Phillipson MP (Secretary of State for Education) to discuss the SEND crisis raised by parents and teachers in our region. I know how critical this is for our county and I will continue to push for action.
• Parliament sits again on the 2^nd September and I hope to make my maiden speech in the first few weeks and will also be raising questions in the house on planning amongst other issues

In the Constituency

• I promised to be a visible and accessible MP and have so far held face to face surgeries in Drayton, Mile Cross and Sprowston. There will be one in Crome shortly and then continuing with at least one per month across the constituency on Saturdays. I will also be setting up telephone surgeries in the next couple of weeks.
• I’ve been busy setting up my office and now have a number of staff in place in the constituency – we are working through the many emails we have received from constituents. Please bear with us as we fully embed systems and processes to help you.
• Along with other MPs from the region, I met with Norfolk County Council and look forward to a strong working relationship with officers and councillors there to get the best for our region.
• I attended a residents meeting regarding concerns around the situation in Bangladesh.

• I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting local community groups and gaining a greater understanding of the work they do including Sweet Briar Marshes with Norfolk Wildlife Trust and the fantastic Big Norfolk Holiday Fun activities being run by Natural Wonder.
• I have been fortunate to attend several events such as the opening of Lauren Hemp Community Pitch at the NEST and Norwich Pride.
• I would also like to thank local businesses such as The Colman Group who have invited me to visit and discuss what can be done to back British business.

Follow me on social media to stay updated – alicemLabour

Please do get in touch with any issues, questions, or to make an appointment at one of my local or telephone surgeries  (Please include your full postal address) via alice.macdonald.mp@parliament.uk or via my website – alicemacdonald.org

Best wishes

Alice