THE House of Commons has now risen and we are into the summer recess, returning on September 5.

This means that the current round of Parliamentary business – including debates, questions and committee work (I am now a member of the Home Affairs Select Committee) - is put on hold through late July and August.

This provides an opportunity for MPs to step back, reflect on and take stock of what has been a tumultuous time in Parliament, and indeed in the country as a whole.

The snap General Election, which the Prime Minister Theresa May hoped would give her an increased majority and a popular mandate to pursue what I believe is her hard and reckless approach to Brexit, did exactly the opposite.

Having lost her majority, and with no clear mandate to pursue any of her manifesto pledges, she made a grubby billion-pound deal with the DUP to prop up her failing government.

We hear of increasing unrest within the Cabinet, the Government, and on her own backbenches, and it will certainly be interesting to see how things progress over the summer.

Of course MPs have dual responsibilities as both legislators in Westminster and constituency advocates, and in this latter role the work is never on hold.

The parliamentary recess periods are often very busy for MPs, as they concentrate on local matters and have a chance to catch up on visits that are impossible when the House is sitting.

My constituency work continues all year round, and my office remains open throughout the summer so that I and my staff are on hand to help people who find themselves, for whatever reason, in need of assistance.

I will be taking a few short breaks over the coming weeks to catch up with family and friends - something I’m looking forward to enormously.

However, if you find yourself in need of help during the summer, please don’t hesitate to contact my office by emailing stephen.doughty.mp@parliament.uk or by calling 02920 444 055.

On a final note for now, I will be taking a break from this column through August and until Parliament returns in September, so I will end this one by wishing all readers and constituents in Penarth and Cardiff an enjoyable summer!