THIS is the last week of the parliamentary summer recess, with the House of Commons returning next week, and it will be straight back to business – with the contentious Trade Union Bill and Assisted Dying Bill both on the order paper in the first couple of weeks.

The summer seems to have flown by. For me it’s been a very busy few weeks, with a chance to catch up with a whole host of things.

I met with constituents, local organisations and businesses and I held busy surgeries in Penarth and Butetown. I’ve caught up with police officers from both parts of the constituency (Cardiff and the Vale) and I’ve been out and about meeting people on the doorstep and at a number of local events, including at Pride Cymru and at the Butetown Carnival.

It was a pleasure to join Bro Radio for their recent broadcast from Penarth, when they interviewed a number of local businesspeople and town representatives on air, broadcasting live from the Esplanade.

The show highlighted the great things going on in Penarth; from successful small businesses and restaurants, to the wonderful Pier Pavilion, to efforts being made by local elected representatives and staff at the Town and Vale Councils to deliver positive developments for the town – such as for example the National Theatre Live screenings at the Paget Rooms, and this coming weekend’s Penarth Picnic street food event which promises to be another fantastic addition to the Penarth calendar.

I also had a chance during the summer to catch up with friends and family, which is a bit of a luxury for me as it just isn’t possible to see people as often as I’d like when Parliament is sitting. Between debates, votes, committee work and meetings in Westminster, and constituency days which are always extremely busy, it can be really difficult to find the time; so it was good to be able to pay a visit to see my parents in Cumbria, and to spend a few days in west Wales with friends. I hope readers have also found a little time to relax over the summer.

If you need my assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can email me at stephen.doughty.mp@parliament.uk or call my constituency office in Cardiff Bay on 02920 452072.