I had a chance to visit an iconic local business recently when I visited Osborne’s in the historic fishing town of Old Leigh.

We were given a tour of their cockle processing factory on Cockleshed Row and we had good news for them because the new cockle licence should be approved by December, which is a big relief for the fishermen.

I am delighted we have been able to resolve the hold-ups I inherited and ensure the future of this traditional industry so the “Mary Amelia” cockle boat can continue fishing for years to come.

The improvements to Leigh Port, paid for by levelling up grants from the Government, should help safeguard the future of the port, by renovating the quay and improving access for the boats. The boost to the cockle trade could create millions of pounds of revenue from tourism, a real plus for businesses in Southend.

My surgery in Eastwood recently was well attended and busy. I met with lots of people. Solving people’s problems and meeting constituents is most definitely my favourite part of the job. It is a privilege to be MP for Southend West and Leigh and I do not take it for granted.

I am here to help and my monthly surgeries are a great way to get to know everyone. Please do get in touch if I can help in any way. In January we are holding our next S.O.S. surgery, building on our last one with partner organisations, like the police, the city council and Citizens Advice.

In parliament, you cannot have missed the debate concerning the Assisted Dying vote. I have been conducting a survey and hundreds of you have gotten in touch, with moving stories from both sides of the argument. Personally, I have reservations, but I do believe in choice, and I am minded to vote ‘For’ the bill so that the legislation can be properly scrutinised. I hope to speak in the debate and shall listen to all the arguments before finally making up my mind.

Finally, I urge people to get in touch with their energy supplier if they need assistance with their heating bills. Help is there for you if you need it.

An agreement has been struck between the government and the energy companies with £500m worth of funding for families struggling to heat their homes this winter. So don’t miss out!