Following a swift process, we now have a new Prime Minister in Rishi Sunak whom I was pleased to have supported from the outset. With his sound record as a former Chancellor where he demonstrated his expertise by quickly and effectively introducing the furlough scheme during the pandemic, I know that he will be the steady hand we need to steer us through challenging times. He makes no bones about the seriousness of our economic situation. Economic stability delivered with a compassionate approach is the main priority. And whilst the Prime Minister is honest about the fact that difficult financial decisions lie ahead, he is clear that our focus will be on the things that really matter to people: cost of living, a stronger NHS, better schools, controlling our borders, protecting our environment, levelling up and supporting our armed forces. He’s well aware that the South West has to be part of the levelling up agenda so that businesses are increasingly attracted here, the right skills are offered, leading to more jobs.
In Westminster I called for reassurance that the Retained EU Law Bill won’t weaken the UK’s environmental protections. Locally it was great to attend the launch of the poppy appeal in Taunton, it’s good to see a fund-raising shop open again for the first time in three years and many thanks to the army of people who give up so much time for the Royal British Legion.
I was also pleased to take part in the Citizens UK conference on the proposed cycleway from Taunton to Wellington. Detail was shared on the proposed route, challenges, costs, and benefits. With a potential cost of £9m this is a significant project, but my experience gained from chairing the Wellington rail project committee shows that with planning, preparation, all relevant parties pulling together and being ready to apply for Government funds at the appropriate time, chances of success are more likely. There may be opportunities to apply for Government Active Travel grants in future and I shall be making our case in Parliament. In the meantime, please help by signing the petition.
