Political opinion with Alison Griffiths MP: Westminster may pause, but the work at home continues

In her weekly column for Sussex World, Alison Griffiths MP reflects on her work in Parliament so far this year, and looks ahead to spending more time across Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, and our villages over the summer. 

This week, Parliament rises for the summer recess.

For some, that brings thoughts of Westminster winding down. For me, it means something rather different: more time in Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, and our villages, meeting residents, visiting businesses, and spending time with the people and organisations that make our area what it is.

Since January, I have used every opportunity in Parliament to raise the issues people here have brought to me.

I have pressed Ministers repeatedly on the future of Zachary Merton Hospital and asked the Health Secretary to call in the decision to close its inpatient beds. I have challenged the Government over planned changes affecting our coastguard volunteers, spoken up for tourism and hospitality businesses facing higher costs and new employment rules, and raised concerns about maternity services, hearing loss, meningitis, and access to healthcare.

Those interventions matter. But Parliament is not the starting point.

The starting point is a conversation with a resident. A business owner explaining why they are holding back from hiring. A family worried about travelling further for care. A volunteer asking whether the system values the time they give. A campaigner refusing to let an important issue be ignored.

That is where the real work begins.

Westminster can sometimes feel a long way from everyday life. My job is to close that gap. Every question, speech, letter, and meeting should carry local voices into the room and bring something useful back.

Over the coming weeks, I am looking forward to being out across the constituency even more. I will be visiting businesses, charities, community groups, and local events, continuing our campaigns, and hearing directly from residents about what needs attention next.

I cannot think of a better way to spend the summer than working alongside the communities I serve.

Parliament may be in recess, but the work for Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, and our villages continues.