Michelle Donelan Mp

Yesterday (07 Apr 16) I spoke to BBC Radio Wiltshire about the results of my recent traffic survey that took place in Bradford on Avon.

#bbc #wiltshire #radio #corsham #station

Pushing the case with the Department of Work and Pensions to help the self employed with an Auto Enrolment Pension scheme. Amongst other things I have been pushing for more support for savers, our pubs, the self employed, women and pensioners in the budget.

We need to tackle the gender pay gap head on. I hope to see more in the budget. I asked The Business Secretary to offer more support to small businesses to train women re-entering the labour market after significant career breaks post children.

On #BBC Sunday Politics West talking about the skills shortage, planning, the Archbishop's comments on immigration and the budget. #bbcsp

Yesterday I intervened in the debate about allowing local councils to decide whether to extend Sunday Trading hours. Currently stores are subject to reduced Sunday Trading Hours if they exceed 280 square metres or 3,000 square feet in size. I would have liked to speak but this was a very popular discussion. I am disappointed that it did not go through and believe that this is a great shame for high-streets in Wiltshire and local democracy. A great shame when our high streets are dying and need help. My key concerns was that those opposing the relaxation to Sunday trading failed to explain why it is fair and right to ensure that we offer Sunday protection for those working in retail but not any other sector. Workers in a number of sectors work shifts on Sundays - the care sector, the NHS, tourism, hospitality, transport and catering to name a few. The point about it impacting on family time was laboured in the debate but the reality is only 1 in 10 people work in retail and a proportion of those are alread

Asking the Minister of State for Schools to join with me in recognising the value of the vastly improved scientific based Design and Technology GCSE, launching next year. This will help inspire the next generation to go into technical and engineering careers and in turn help our local and national skills gap and boost productivity.

Yesterday I asked the Treasury to offer more pension support for the self employed who do not benefit from the auto-enrolment scheme. This is crucial given the ageing population and the fact there will be 4.7 million Britons self employed by 2021.

Asking the Prime Minister at PMQ what more can be done to fulfil our moral duty to the desperate Syrian refugees in the camps #pmqs #primeminister

Today I asked the Prime Minister what more can be done to help address the 'Ticking Time Bomb' that is the STEM skills shortage and combat the stigma surrounding STEM subjects and careers

Talking about local concerns over leaving the EU and also staying in on Heart Radio this week [02 Feb 16].

Today [03 Feb 16] I raised the important issue of PSHE in the Education Committee.

In the Education Committee questioning the Minister of State for Children and Families Edward Timpson MP

This morning I spoke with BBC Wiltshire about the continuing problems facing haulage firms in Calais, such as Broughton Transport located in the constituency.

Discussing the Range not coming to Chippenham and our local jobs needs on BBC Wiltshire today

Earlier today I spoke in a Westminster Hall debate about the importance of increasing diversity in STEM careers for the Chippenham constituency and country.

Earlier this afternoon I spoke with BBC Radio 5Live about how important it is to safeguard our children from the dangers of extremism.

Questioning the Treasury about support for local Engineering & Manufacturing jobs in my constituency - we must address the skills gap!

Home Office Minister Richard Harrington MP has agreed to meet with Broughton Transport (a haulage business in my constituency) to discuss the issues that transport firms are facing in Calais.