ON Tuesday morning last week I flew to Singapore to join the Home Affairs Committee, meeting with their Government, Police, regulators and businesses to discuss the issue of fraud.

I’m not a great traveller at the best of times and I must confess that the 7 hour time difference and humidity has been a challenge, but it was fascinating to learn more about their approach to tackling what is fast becoming one of the world’s biggest threats - organised fraud.

When I hosted the Global Anti Fraud Summit in Lancaster House a few months back, Singapore were very open and engaged partners and extended an invitation to see them in action.

What has perhaps been most fascinating during this visit is learning just how similar our approaches have been despite largely developing independently with a distance of 40,000 miles between us.

That said, there is much that they are doing which I believe we can learn from, and I will take those lessons back to the PM in my role as the Government’s Anti-Fraud Champion.

While in Singapore I took the time to visit the Commonwealth War Graves in Kranji, laying a wreath and paying tribute to the thousands who gave their lives protecting liberty between 1939 and 1945.

Dozens of headstones carry the names of young soldiers from Lancashire, resting so very far from home.

The War Cemetery is a peaceful and deeply humbling place, exposed on a hill amidst a bustling and compact city, dominated by grand Singapore Memorial that sits at its heart, with its iconic design paying tribute to the Air Force, Navy and Army – the wings of a plane, the fin of a submarine, and the rows of soldiers stood to attention.

Before setting off I caught up with the Council about Ulverston Library and Pulse 3G pitches. I’m glad to confirm that Westmorland and Furness Council will be coming forward with more information for the public shortly. I made sure to land the point that there is rightly a huge amount of concern on the future of the library, but they reiterated - I’m glad to say - that their starting position for the future of the library is ‘the same or better.’  

For the 3G pitches at Pulse the Council have told me that the pitch repairs are now done, and work is now being undertaken on the nets and boards. They are on track to open back up again in Summer and are working with local clubs to get fixtures booked in already with local clubs. If you want to speak to the Council on this, please reach out to: sportandleisure@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

In my column last week, I wrote about the exciting new gigabit broadband that is coming to Walney Island and I am very excited to be hosting a drop in this week on Friday at Walney High School from 2-5pm, for any residents to come and have a chat about the new broadband service. Do pop along and meet with me and the Voneus team if you can.

Finally, my team and I are currently planning a community fair for the over 50s. The event is going to bring together local businesses, activities, advice services and groups and will provide and invaluable opportunity to help local people meet one another and get involved with some great community activities.

The event will be held at St Mark’s Church on Buccleuch Street in Barrow-in-Furness between 10am and 2pm. As part of the event, there is an opportunity to take part in three competitions, an art, photography, and craft and crochet competition.

These competitions are now open, and any entries can be dropped off at my office on 132 Cavendish Street or emailed to me at simon.fell.mp@parliament.uk  Please do get in touch for more information about this event and competitions.