By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
There are concerns an opposition Gloucestershire MP who sent a question in advance of Prime Minister’s Questions is “cosying up” to the Government.
A question South Cotswolds MP Roz Savage intended to ask the Prime Minister was photographed as it was carried in a transparent folder into Number 10 Downing Street.
The Liberal Democrat says she was going to ask about the unrealistic housing targets being imposed on the Cotswolds.
But after the question was photographed she chose instead yesterday (October 22) to ask about the Government’s plans to roll out mandatory digital ID.
However, Conservative councillors in Cotswold District are concerned she had let the Government know in advance about her original question.
Tetbury with Upton Councillor Laura Hall-Wilson (C) said: “It’s encouraging that Roz is using her high profile position in Parliament to raise awareness of issues that are of real concern to residents in her constituency.
“Politicians of all political persuasions at Cotswold District Council have pulled together to appeal to the Government to reconsider their ill thought out housing policies.
“It just seems a bit odd, that as an opposition MP, she’s chosen to let the government know her question in advance.
“I hope that after cosying up to Labour ministers over her ill fated climate and nature bill, Roz has not forgotten she’s in opposition and not part of this dreadful government, otherwise its voters will have questions for her.”
However, Dr Savage said the issue was a “non-story” and that MPs from all parties often let the Government know which local issues they intend to raise at PMQs.
“It helps ensure we get a better-informed answer for our constituents,” she said.
“After the question I had originally intended to ask was photographed as it was carried into Number 10, I chose instead to ask the Prime
Minister about his plans for a mandatory digital ID scheme – and whether we can trust this Government to keep our data safe – if they can’t even keep mine private.
“My original question would have picked up the theme from a debate I led in the House of Commons earlier this week, in which I raised serious concerns about the unrealistic housing targets being imposed on the Cotswolds.
“With so much of our area made up of protected landscapes and flood plains, I urged the Minister to ensure that growth is planned sensibly, with proper infrastructure, and with respect for the views of local residents and our environment.”