Much of last week’s business was overshadowed by the Government’s shambolic attempts to press on with their discredited and unworkable Rwanda scheme. This is something that I have challenged and questioned the Government on several times: it is an inhumane, nonsensical ruse of a policy, that has absolutely nothing to do with stopping illegal migration and everything to do with the electoral fortunes of The Conservative Party.

It wasn’t just Sunak’s approach to Rwanda that turned heads. On Wednesday the former Home Secretary Suella Braverman gave a highly unusual “personal statement” to address the House, in what was a broad and fairly blatant pitch for the Conservative leadership, where she set out her position on the Bill. We also saw the resignation of the Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick – a former Sunak ally who now argues this appalling proposal doesn’t go far enough. All of this points to a tricky path ahead for the Prime Minister and I for one will be opposing the Bill at every stage.

While the Chamber was dominated by one issue above all others last week, we also saw a quite incredible moment as my colleague Dame Diana Johnson’s amendment on the contaminated blood scandal passed in a shock defeat for the Government. This was yet another issue on which the Tories should never have picked a fight – it sets up the body through which to administer compensation payment, a totally reasonable step on what has been a long and traumatic road to justice. I was absolutely thrilled to see the amendment pass despite the Government’s opposition and it was exhilarating to be on the winning side for the first time since my election!

Outside of the Chamber I held a number of meetings with different charities, organisations and businesses, but my time was largely spent on the Media Bill Committee. This is the line by-line scrutiny committee of the proposed Bill, with two sittings on Tuesdays and two on Thursdays. It’s not especially contentious legislation, but it is very important, particularly as it relates to ensuring the continued prominence of public service broadcasters in a world in which people more routinely access their TV content online.

As entertaining as it was to watch The Tories imploding over Rwanda, it was back in the constituency that I had the most fun this week. On Friday I was delighted to be able to visit the new Marks and Spencer store at the Trafford Centre. M&S has taken over the former Debenhams store – a massive anchor unit that had been empty for too long. It was particularly interesting to hear from the store team about the work they had done with local employment and training to support organisations to identify the additional 180 staff they need in the larger unit. I also saw, firsthand, just how busy things are in the run up to Christmas.

On Friday afternoon I was pleased to meet the Rights Steering Group at St Matthew’s school in Stretford for a discussion about road safety. The children had earlier held a protest on the A56, about speeding drivers between the M60 and the gyratory. The protest attracted interest from the MEN about their campaign. They told me about the changes they want to see to better manage traffic and I will be writing to Greater Manchester Police and Trafford Council on their behalf.

The Christmas period is a great opportunity to support many community events and on Saturday it was lovely to pop into the Christmas Fair at Stretford Public Hall, which included a special singing performance from children at Victoria Park Junior School. Following this, I visited Trafford FC in Flixton to celebrate the “Pitching In” volunteer day. Trafford FC is our local non-league team, and a place where I spent many happy Saturday afternoons in my 20’s. I’m not able to get down to Pennybridge Lane so easily these days, but it was pleasure to go along, meet the volunteers who keep the club going, and to give out the November ‘Player of the Month’ award. There’s lots more festive activity in the weeks ahead and I am really looking forward to support all of the brilliant community events across Stretford and Urmston.