The visual image of Parliament is always one of confrontation: the two sides of the chamber (reputedly, if inaccurately, described as being two sword lengths apart), the "bear pit" of Prime Ministers Question Time. Actually there is quite a lot to be said for the British system of testing every point by argument- even when Governments have large majorities and are likely to get their way the confidence with which a concept is propounded and the reaction in the House can be a leading indicator as to what will gain acceptance and stand the test of time and what proposals are actually resting on sand.
The Chamber is though only one aspect of the MPs role. "Select Committees" of MPs hold the Government to account. Ordinary MPs of every party work together to scrutinise a department. These are cross-party efforts in which the committee can serve to be a candid friend - making suggestions, nudging the debate forward. It can also serve as a fierce critic - both of the department and (as Rupert Murdoch and the former bosses of RBS uncomfortably discovered) of those less used to being called to account. Not every MP puts themselves forward for a select committee, it is extra work and it may mean facing election (for the Chairmen across the whole House and for members within their own parties).
Having worked in the Treasury and also as a volunteer for a Homeless Shelter and a Credit Union (providing an local "ethical" alternative to pay day lenders) I strongly believe that protecting the most vulnerable, while encouraging everyone to participate in economic success, is incredibly important. I am therefore delighted to now be serving on the Select Committee on the Department for Work and Pensions. Welfare, the living wage and employment are going to be at the heart of political debate for the next five years and I hope I can play my part within that debate.
The committee is chaired by Frank Field, a Labour MP and former Welfare Minister. I am very familiar with the work his charity undertakes "The Foundation Year's Trust" and I look forward to serving with him. The committee contains Conservative, Labour and SNP members. We won't always agree but there are people of goodwill across the political spectrum and I am sure our efforts will be constructive. Our first report explores the availability and adequacy of advice for those who have taken control of their personal pensions. We are all keen to avoid the consequences of "miss-selling". We are working on the report over the summer to get it out next month.
On this as on other topics I am drawing on the invaluable experience of being the constituency MP for Horsham. Small steps but we hope to make the marginal improvements that can make a lot of difference to those who require our help and support.