14/05/2010

Robin Walker, the new MP for Worcester returned from his first week in Westminster to a busy day of constituency engagements today.

Robin's office has been taking bookings for his first surgery, which will take place at Worcester's Guildhall tomorrow, and by the end of Friday, all the appointments were fully booked.

He attended the Guildhall and Crowngate for the unveiling of a new plaque to commemorate the heroics of Private Fred Dancox VC, who won the Victoria Cross for his bravery during the First World War but never made it back to receive his civic welcome. He met members of the Dancox families, local historians and veterans from the Worcestershire and Sherwood Forresters.

He then joined other newly elected MPs from all across Worcestershire for discussions with the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Acute Hospitals Trust about the future of the NHS in the County and how MPs can work together with the trust to ensure better outcomes for their constituents.

This evening he will attend the Guildlhall launch of the Army Benevolent Fund's fundraising appeal under its new name of "The Soldier's Charity".

Robin said

"It has been a fascinating time to become an MP and this week in Westminster it has sometimes felt as if I have already been taking part in history. It was wonderful to come back to Worcester today to commemorate one of the great heroes of our City's history. On my first day as a candidate in Worcester I witnessed the last march of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Forrester's regiment through the streets of Worcester before they became the second battalion, Mercian. Today I was able to join in the celebration of one of their iconic heroes and it was all the more moving to be able to do so with many members of his family there."

"While British soldiers are still serving on active duty, this morning's event and this evening's for the Army Benevolent Fund are strong reminders of the duty that our government has to support our soldiers and with the Mercian Regiment due to return to Afghanistan before long, of my duty as an MP to make sure they have the support that they need and a clear mission to accomplish."

"Our new coalition government will have to make this a priority just as it will also make fixing the economy, supporting the NHS and delivering fairer funding for schools. I am looking forward to supporting that government in the challenging weeks and months ahead. I know that I will do so all the better by staying in touch with local issues, speaking to constituents and remaining accessible to everyone in Worcester. That is why I am delighted that I have been able to organise my first surgery to start tomorrow. There is no time to be wasted and it is straight to work for me on behalf of the people of Worcester."