I hope you had a safe, enjoyable and peaceful Christmas. Let me begin by wishing everyone across the North Dorset constituency a happy New Year. I hope we all keep up whatever resolutions we may have made.
So we stand on the cusp of a new year with all of the expectations and feeling of newness and fresh opportunities that that brings. We know that at some point over the next twelve months there will be a General Election. Let me confirm that I have been readopted as your Conservative Candidate and will be standing for re-election.
Many of us will be hoping that 2024 feels better than 2023. Recent and continued falls in inflation coupled to a reduction in National Insurance should make a difference to many. Inflation coming down certainly eases pressures on interest rate increases and we must anticipate a holding of the rate for the next few months followed by a reduction. An increase in economic security is good for everyone. The employment market looks set to continue recent buoyancy and the ongoing reductions in youth unemployment is especially to be welcomed. Recently the Works & Pension Secretary has reiterated, rightly, the overall benefits of being in work. It is unquestionably beneficial to one’s mental health and feeling of self-worth. It benefits families, communities and local businesses. We must also continue to deliver new housing opportunities to allow the next generation of local families to remain close to where they call home. Such intergeneration living provides stability as well as maintaining demand for school places (particularly important for our villages) as well as trade for local shops, pubs etc.
On the international stage there is so much that needs resolving this coming year. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine must not become ‘yesterday’s story’. The horror on our doorstep continues and our resolve to support Ukraine to victory must continue unabated. International collaboration on Climate Change and the challenges of massive movement of peoples must be non-fossil fuel turbo charged. Neither are issues that can be put on the back burner. From my post bag, and from my own reflections, I know the real sense of despair that the situation between Israelis and Palestinians is causing. I perceive an evolution in the thinking of governments and I believe the brokering of a ceasefire for humanitarian purposes will gather speed. The role of the US is vital to this endeavour.
I know that there are many voluntary and membership groups across North Dorset doing phenomenal work. If you are planning your annual programme and would like to visit the House of Commons or possibly would like me to come and take your questions about life as an MP and Government Minister I would be really happy to do so. My talks are never party political but more a ‘week in the life of’ type of thing. If you would like to arrange something please email [email protected]
