IT HAS been a busy start to September with events and visits across the constituency. Regular readers of this column will be aware of my concern around the volume of plastic waste being produced in the UK so it was a delight to be one of the keynote speakers at the Greener Bradford environment and climate forum.

This was a fantastic community event which brought together charities, local councillors, religious groups, businesses and schools to discuss the issues facing our climate and solutions which we can all take to reduce our carbon footprint and the amount of waste we produce. The issues of climate change and plastic pollution can only be effectively tackled if we all work together and so I was pleased all sections of the community took part.

It was particularly interesting to hear a Bishop from South Sudan talk of the environmental challenges from the perspective of a less economically developed country than our own and I certainly have many ideas to take back to Westminster.

I have been contacted recently by school children from across the constituency concerned with the issue of plastic pollution and so it was a pleasure to conduct the first of a series of school forums on the issue of plastic waste. I was impressed with the positive and innovative approach our youngest generation have towards tackling this issue and preserving our beautiful countryside, wildlife and environment for their future and generations to come.

I pledged when first elected to visit every school in the constituency as it is vital as MPs we are accessible to all residents and not just those of voting age and with environmental concerns top of many younger peoples’ agenda I look forward to the many more forums I have booked in this year.

As we celebrate the centenary of the first women to get the vote this year it was a honour to be photographed and take part in the 209 women project, profiling all women who have taken seats in the House of Commons. I had the pleasure of working with Rosemary Despres, a recently graduated photographer who took some beautiful pictures in and around the constituency. I was delighted to be paired with Rosemary for the project and to be able to support her as she grows her portfolio and business and I hope to get the opportunity to work with her again in the future.

If you would like to attend any of my surgeries or speak to me about any issue you may have please do get in contact with my office on 01249 704 465 or michelle.donelan.mp@parliament.uk