PARLIAMENT is due to rise today (Thursday) after a tumultuous and difficult year that has ended with a new Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, installed in Downing Street.

Regular readers will know that I strongly object to the views of the new PM on a whole range of issues, and firmly believe his ‘do or die’ approach to Brexit risks a truly disastrous outcome for the UK and Wales.

I will be working hard with colleagues behind the scenes throughout the summer to try and prevent a massively irresponsible no-deal Brexit, and I’ll be continuing to campaign for a People’s Vote.

These are uncertain times politically, and we simply cannot predict what will happen over the next few weeks – but rest assured I will continue to fight for what is right and best for my constituents here in Cardiff South and Penarth and for people across the UK as a whole.

The summer recess lasts around six weeks, with MPs due to return to business at Westminster on September 3.

Therefore the usual Parliamentary business – including debates in the Chamber, questions to Ministers, and committee work including the important work of the Home Affairs Committee of which I am a member - is on hold.

But 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.

While I’ll be taking some time to catch up with family and friends over the coming weeks – which I’m looking forward to hugely as it’s not always possible to find the time when the House is sitting – of course my constituency office remains open throughout the summer and we are on hand to help people who find themselves, for whatever reason, in need of assistance.

So if you find that you need my help, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with my office by emailing stephen.doughty.mp@parliament.uk or by calling 02922 677904, and we will do our best to assist you.

On a final note, I’ll be taking a break from this column through August and until Parliament returns in September, so I will sign off this one by wishing all Penarth Times readers and constituents a very enjoyable summer!