IN this week's column, Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols discusses a range of matters including the hybrid Parliament.

Like everyone else, I am sure lockdown has been making me square-eyed with all the meetings over Zoom and Microsoft Teams, so the first tentative steps towards normality in Parliament have felt quite refreshing.

The building itself feels very lonely without the normal hustle and bustle in the corridors and communal areas, and I remain unconvinced by many of the new procedures (not least how voting currently takes place), but it feels good to be back after a few months away.

I’ve even missed the train backwards and forwards from Warrington, something I never thought I’d say, which may be to do with the fact I’m currently reliably able to get a seat which makes a nice change!

One of the most frustrating aspects of the Hybrid Parliament has been the ballot to speak in debates, as only a very small number of MPs are selected and there are so few opportunities to speak.

I hope we will be back to much fuller debates soon and Parliamentary business back to normal, and I’m sure by the time I pen my next column things will have improved considerably on this front.

In the meantime, as part of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Select Committee, I have been taking evidence this month for the inquiries on the Impact of Coronavirus on Businesses and Workers, and Post Pandemic Economic Growth which has been enlightening and will help shape my work supporting local businesses to meet these challenges.

Alongside my colleagues in the Shadow International Trade team, I have been working on scrutiny of the Trade Bill at Committee Stage to ensure support for the diverse range of businesses locally who import and export, and that trade standards for consumers are retained.

I have also written to the Government regarding the Energy White Paper, which will be vital for our local economy.

Just this week, Bilfinger have secured a contract for Hinkley Point C which will bring millions of pounds of investment and hundreds of jobs into Warrington North, so securing a Government commitment for new nuclear will be crucial in supporting this key local sector.

Demand for casework advice and support continues to be high, and I’ve had a lot of correspondence this month on issues as wide ranging as the conduct of Dominic Cummings, to Chester Zoo, Black Lives Matter, school reopenings, and support for the hair and beauty industry.

I want to pay tribute to my team who have been working incredibly hard in providing support to those who have contacted my office throughout recent months.

Finally, as this week is Carer’s Week, I want also to pay tribute to the unpaid carers in our community. I will continue to push for more support and visibility for the vital contribution they make which so often goes unrecognised.