Rachel spent last Friday visiting vital public services in Leeds, and finding out about how they are coping in the current climate of cutbacks.

Rachel visited Abbey Grange, and gave a speech to sixth formers about 'your money or your life', speaking to them about the choices they are going to have to make when they leave the school, and sharing her experiences with them of life in Westminster. She asked for their opinions on Vince Cable's proposed graduate tax, before quizzing BIS ministers on their plans this week.

She then met with the leader of Leeds City Council, alongside other Leeds MPs, to discuss how the Council will cope, before having school lunch with Swallow Hill Community College's school council. The school council are concerned about the food on offer in their canteen - queues, prices, quality and choice. Rachel suggested that the school council invite caterers to talk about improving the service. Rachel also talked to them about the free school meals debate with which she was involved, and expressed her concerns about who can eat properly while at school.

After school lunch, Rachel visited one of the country's finest children's cardiac surgeries at the LGI.  Rachel said 'The facilities at the LGI for children's cardiac services are extremely impressive. The concentration of knowledge and skill in one place provides a vital service for a wide region, and I want to make sure that these facilities remain in the city. The consolidation of childrens heart services needs a central geographic location - Leeds is perfect to serve a very wide area.'

Rachel then held a surgery in Kirkstall. The next surgery is after parliamentary recess. Please contact the team for details on 0113 263 0411, or email rreevesmp@gmail.com.  

Rachel is pictured with Swallow Hill's school council.