I’m always a constituency MP – but I’m also proud to serve my country

Pupils and staff from Thorpe St Andrew High School with, left, Norwich North MP Chloe Smith. Picture: Chloe Smith (Image: Archant)

Brexit definitely forms the main job in Parliament. I welcome one of the first Brexit items the government has put out - proposals for safeguarding the position of EU nationals living in the UK, and UK nationals living in the EU. It's the first priority in the negotiations to reach agreement on the post-exit position of both groups of citizens, and I welcome that the government is seeking to give reassurance to the EU citizens who have made the UK their home, and likewise for UK nationals who have done the same in countries across the EU. You can read full details here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safeguarding-the-position-of-eu-citizens-in-the-uk-and-uk-nationals-in-the-eu

The government will also introduce a number of further bills during the course of the next two years to ensure we are prepared for our withdrawal – and that Parliament has the fullest possible opportunity to scrutinise this legislation. You can find out more about the Great Repeal Bill and other steps the Government is taking here: https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/brexit. I've blogged more about this on my website and will keep that updated with plenty more as Brexit progresses. I see it as some of my most important work for you as your MP, to keep you informed and to ensure that the government is informed about what Norwich North needs in a good Brexit deal.

But there's more than just Brexit going on. Directly at home, I'm pleased that one of the government's first moves has been to provide £1m for the Norfolk & Norwich hospital, to support a better A&E service.

Locally, I've cracked straight on with my regular constituency surgeries as well as being out and about at the Mile Cross Community Festival and other events around the area, to continue to listen to residents. As your MP I work for everyone across the community, helping to solve problems where I can and often taking up the biggest issues with the government. Parliament doesn't sit during August, but the work of an MP doesn't stop – it means I can spend more time at home in Norwich.

As many people's thoughts will be with those stricken by the awful Grenfell Tower fire, and some may be directly worried about the issues of fire safety that it has raised, I've sought assurances that my constituents who live in tower blocks in Mile Cross and Heartsease are safely housed. The council and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service are acting and I'm grateful for that.

I've welcomed students from Thorpe St Andrew High School to visit Parliament and have helped youngsters at Heartsease Primary School back at home with their lessons about how Parliament works. I've discussed local crime issues with the police, and held a summit to continue my work getting rail investment for Norwich. If I can help you with any issue, local or national, please do get in touch.

Finally, readers may already know that I've been appointed as a government minister for Northern Ireland. I accepted it because I want to contribute in Parliament and Government to some of the biggest issues of the day including important aspects of Brexit, national security, and the devolution settlement. Of course I'll carry right on making sure Norwich North is fully represented, working hard for my constituents as I always do. There'll be no change there. I'm always a constituency MP – but I'm also proud to serve my country.

Finally, as we enjoy community events from the Lord Mayor's Procession to Norwich Pride, and as many people spend more time with their kids during the school holidays, I wish you a fantastic summer.