Page 12 - Phonebox Magazine August 2016

Mark Lancaster MP
Change at the Top
Following the outcome of the leadership campaign, I am delighted that Theresa May is established as the leader of the Conservative party and our new Prime Minister. She is experienced, competent and very much capable of delivering Brexit and ultimately uniting the country.
I am con dent she will hit the ground running from day one, giving the country the stability it needs as we reshape our relationship with the EU and the rest of the world.
Whilst I have supported Theresa throughout, it is unfortunate that Andrea Leadsom decided to quit the leadership race. I have been able to get to know Andrea well as an MP in a neighbouring constituency and have great respect for her.
Prosperity for MK
We have witnessed one of the biggest democratic exercises in our history. I feel that we should be proud of our parliamentary democracy, but it is right that when we consider questions of this magnitude, we do not just leave it to politicians but listen directly to the people.
As you may know, I voted in support of Britain remaining within the EU. However, the British public, of which some 33.6 million voted, took the decision to leave. As the MP for Milton Keynes North, I will now concentrate efforts on ensuring a prosperous future for MK outside the EU.
In the meantime, there has been the creation of a new EU unit in Whitehall. This will bring together of cials and policy expertise from across the Cabinet Of ce, the Treasury, the Foreign Of ce and the Business Department. The new unit will sit at the heart of government and be led and staffed by the best and brightest from across the civil service. It will report to the whole Cabinet on delivering the outcome of the referendum, advising on transitional issues and objectively exploring options for our future relationship with Europe and the rest of the world from outside the EU.
Speed Interviewing at Ousedale School
A full day of “Speed Interviewing” was on the agenda at Ousedale School in Newport Pagnell.
Invitations to local businesses and organisations, including myself, asked that we sit for just 15 mins with Year 10 & 12 students to chat about our roles and gain a valuable insight into the world of work. This was the second employability event held at the school. Last year’s had been such a resounding success, not only in terms of building strong partnerships with local employers, but just as importantly it gave students direct contact with prospective employers. Employers who are passionate about their own careers naturally inspire the students and challenges any pre-conceived ideas they might have about certain professions.
On the ip side, employers said that being involved in the employability event gave them a snapshot of the calibre of students coming through the school.
I was absolutely delighted to have been involved and it was a pleasure to offer students careers advice on matters of business and politics. This is an innovative idea by Ousedale School to bring prospective employers face to face with their students. It’s clearly bene cial all round, I very much hope it continues and would encourage other schools to look at the options of adopting the same format.
12 Phonebox Magazine | August 2016