After our Easter break, which consisted of time spent on constituency casework and visits and a brief holiday in Hampshire, we are back in the House. For some bizarre reason, the authorities deem it a good idea to hold all statements about the preceding fortnight on the first day back (rather than spreading them over a few days for better consideration).

My day started as usual by boarding the early train to London. Fearing a late night, I opted to drive to Tunbridge Wells and walk the last mile to the station, a feat I can now achieve having finally dispensed with the crutches.

I spend my morning dealing with constituency casework and meeting a national campaigner for litter, who I was put in touch with by a constituent who was appalled at the rubbish left on the A21. I use the suggestions made when sitting later that day on the Transport Select Committee. It seems as if some simple rule changes could deliver returns so it is agreed that I can lead this push. The remainder of our transport session is spent quizzing the Roads Minister and the CEO of Highways England about the plans to create a huge lorry park in Kent to help with Operation Stack (where lorries park on the motorway due to cross-channel disruption). 

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister is setting out the new rules on tax declaration to the House of Commons. I managed to fit in his statement before my committee kicks off at 4pm but I latterly find out that Dennis Skinner MP has completed his usual trick of getting kicked out of the chamber for using language, and refusing to apologise, unbecoming of the chamber. As I have written before, the Speaker should throw MPs out of the chamber if they hurl abuse so I am glad to see this occurring. The Prime Minister takes the view that he and the Chancellor should publish their tax returns but MPs should not. Any outside interests and payments as well as any shares and property interests have to be registered and any constituent can view my entry in the Register of Members Interests online. 

Following the emergency debate on steel, I manage to make it from my committee to attend the debate to discuss the Government's decision to publish its arguments to stay in the EU. As readers will know, I am holding 8 debates across the constituency where I will explain what a reformed EU would look like if we vote to remain and what the process for exit will be if we leave. We will then hear from speakers from either side and the audience will have its say. To chair with balance, I am not declaring my views on the vote and I sit in the House of Commons wishing others would calm down; this is a vote for the people after all. 

We then finally move to the legislation in hand which is voted on after 11pm. I rush back for my train (which is part bus due to Southeastern's decision to undertake engineering work after 9pm on Monday and Tuesday) and finally get home to Five Ashes at 1.30am. This gives me 5 hours sleep before getting up for a full constituency day.