Kids for CRY  Spring 2002 - Update Brochure Issue 32

1.  How long have you been an MP?                                                                 

Since May 1997.  I am in my second parliament.

2.  Did you find your way around easily when you first started working in the Houses of Parliament?

No, I didn’t.  I got several blisters as there are lots of staircases and sometimes we’re in a hurry and I couldn’t find the quickest way.  You only have 8 minutes to vote after the bell rings.  I’m still finding my way around.

3. Whereabouts do you sit in the Houses of Parliament?

I sit in on the Government side – to the right of Tony Blair.

4.  It must be very hard to be an MP.  Do you like the work?

I love the work; both here in my constituency, Harwich and in London.  I feel I’m very lucky to do a job I like.

5.  What do your duties involve?

All sorts of things.  My first duty is to my constituents – looking after their needs as best I can.  My other duties are working with the Home Office and the Home Secretary – David Blunkett.

6.  Do you ever get to speak in the Houses of Parliament?

Yes and I usually speak on things that affect my constituents e.g. on health and on employment issues.

7.  I know that a statue of Sir Winston Churchill is by the door of the House, do you believe touching his shoe brings you luck?

It’s a tradition - which most people still do.  The foot is really shiny.

8.  Have you ever been on the Prime Minister’s question time?

Yes – about local employment and shipping problems.

9.  How did you first hear about CRY?

Through Caroline when I played football with Clacton Police to raise some funds for CRY.

10.  A lot of CRY’s patrons are involved in sports.  Do you like sport?  If so, what is your favourite sport?

Yes I do like sport and my favourite sport is football.  I think sport is very important to everyone.  I play in the House of Commons football team.

11.  What did you think of the recent Reception for CRY?

I thought it was one of the most hard-hitting events organised in the House of Commons that I have ever seen.  Real stories by real people.  It was very touching, and it was good to have the announcements of the grant and to see some campaigns were coming to fruition.  By taking CRY to the House of Commons more MP.s are now aware of its existence and the campaign.

14.  Had you heard of the Gard family before?