POLITICS is a pretty angry and turbulent place at the moment, with the government teetering on the brink and wild disagreements over the best way ahead on Brexit.

But whatever their views, our constituents want to see their MPs putting disagreements aside when there is a need to come together to push for what our community needs.

So it was good to join forces with fellow Cumbrian MPs and councillors yesterday to address the future of two issues that are critically important to our local economy.

In the morning I was with Tim Farron and South Lakes council leader Giles Archibald to meet the global head of manufacturing for GSK who had chief responsibility the deeply disappointing decision to pull the plant from the steriles part of its antibiotics business at Ulverston, with the loss of 190 jobs.

A union representative and the head of the GSK Ulverston site were present for what was a frank but hopefully constructive discussion about how let down people feel and the importance of the company making good on its pledge to support the community and workers losing their jobs.

Regis Simard made clear he understands there is an issue of trust after so much that was promised and he has pledged to go above and beyond the company’s usual approach in support to mitigate the losses.

Next week I will chair the GSK Ulverston task force where we will discuss how to make those words a reality in a concrete plan. I will obviously keep you updated.

Straight after that I joined my neighbouring MP Trudy Harrison and Carlisle MP John Stevenson to meet energy minister Richard Harrington to discuss the future of civil nuclear at Moorside.

As you can imagine, we put our case forcefully that the government must commit to action to find a new investor who will bring a new power plant to West Cumbria given the unique nuclear skills base in the community.

Again, there is a long way to go and much of the commercially and internationally sensitive discussions will need to go on behind closed doors, but rest assured I will continue supporting Trudy to do whatever it takes to turn this situation around.

All roads lead to Ulverston this coming weekend for one of the most colourful events in the local calendar.

From fairly modest beginnings 17 years ago the Dickensian Festival has grown into a spectacle that attracts thousands of people - many of them dressed in Victorian garb - who help to create the atmosphere of a traditional market town at the time of Charles Dickens.

In the cobbled streets, pubs and cafes you are likely to bump into Ebenezer Scrooge, Little Nell, Miss Havisham or Oliver Twist – to name but a few.

Brass bands add to the festive cheer and my office at 24A Cavendish Street will be open for anyone who feels like dropping in for a Dickensian cuppa.

There is no need to make an appointment, just pop along on Saturday from 12 midday until 2pm and let me know of any issues you would like to discuss.