Last weekend I went door knocking in Newport. No, I wasn’t late trick-or-treating, although there were a few surprised faces.
But almost everyone I spoke to was happy to chat and talk about what matters to them.
For me, it’s really important to hear directly from constituents. Nothing beats a good conversation - or even the offer of a Biryani from one family.
Plenty of local issues got raised, but ones that are also national priorities of this Labour government - health care, NHS dentistry, education, transport.
Plenty also mentioned the B word. The Budget. But even then, the response was largely positive and nothing to spook people - or the markets.
Perhaps the biggest surprise for many is that this budget was delivered by a competent government which takes running the country seriously.
It’s no surprise all eyes have been on Rachel Reeves. She’s the first female UK Chancellor to deliver a budget. And the first woman to hold the office in its 708-year history.
It was also the first Labour budget for 14 years. I typed those points in that order deliberately.
There’ll be some reading this thinking “It shouldn’t matter that she’s a woman” or “Why make a fuss about it”.
And there are some who would agree. Including several prominent women in finance.
But history is full of firsts, especially on the road to equality. And we’ve reached a new milestone with Rachel as Chancellor, and with this budget.
Of course, this budget will be scrutinised, and rightly so.
It’s not one any new government would ideally want to make.
But it is one that will help deliver change by fixing the NHS and rebuilding Britain, while ensuring working people don’t face higher taxes in their payslips.
Labour has had to take action to fix the country’s foundations after 14 years of austerity under the Conservatives.
So, it’s a sign of progress in multiple forms. And it’s time for us to look ahead.
But as we work to bring communities back together after years of division, it’s important we reflect.
I recently visited the Defence Academy in Shrivenham, as part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS).
The AFPS, which has been going for 30 years, provides parliamentarians with an insight into military life and the brilliant work our forces do.
The Royal British Legion also works year-round to champion the interests of serving and ex-serving personnel. And many of you will be wearing a poppy to show your support.
I also placed a cross on behalf of Isle of Wight West in the Constituency Garden of Remembrance, in New Palace Yard.
So politics aside, take a minute to remember those who gave their today, for our tomorrow.
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