The final week before recess has seen new government legislation introduced, with the Second Reading of the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill and the Second Reading of the Budget Responsibility Bill. 

This will enable them to come back in September for their remaining stages in Committee of the Whole House. That will mean nothing to anyone other than the real political anoraks, who will have instantly spotted that puts the Deputy Speakers up front and central as Mr Speaker is not allowed to Chair Committees of the Whole House.

We also had the very sombre statement after the dreadful attack in Southport in which three children lost their lives and many more were injured. On occasions such as that the whole house comes together in a mood of unity rather than division.

As we are now on recess I have been in Southampton talking to Awaaz Community Radio and enjoyed a trip to New Forest Show this week. The weather has been glorious for the show, we can all remember occasions when trade stands and visitors alike were towed in and out through the mud, but not a day for dogs as the temperatures hit 30 degrees. The RSPCA has issued its annual advice about not walking your dogs in the heat of the day and making sure not to leave them unattended in cars. Just a few minutes in the car on a hot day can see temperatures soar to lethal levels. So Alfie and Luna didn't get to go to Brockenhurst and are on very early walks at the moment, it makes them happy but I am less than keen at getting up at 5am.

I have also had a number of meetings this week about Southern Water and the ongoing problems with its aged infrastructure in the Anna Valley. Far from stepping back from constituency casework I prefer to step forward all through recess, it is a great opportunity to catch up on things that were postponed as a result of the election being called somewhat unexpectedly. So it is back on the case with Southern Water and seeking to support individual businesses that were impacted by burst mains back in the early part of the year. 

Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP,
Member of Parliament for Romsey and Southampton North,
Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons