It’s been just over 1,100 days since the 2019 General Election and, as has become custom, I’m using my final column of the year to look back over the last 12 months.
One theme that has ran throughout 2022 has been my unrelenting focus on education. Because for me education is everything. Just as you can’t build a house without foundations, or a car without an engine, we can’t truly level up and improve life chances without great education.
At the beginning of 2022 we received confirmation that Burnley College would become part of a newly formed Lancashire Institute of Technology. Since then the College and wider Institute partners have been working to deliver this exciting change. And to go with this the Government has since provided millions of pounds to Burnley College to allow the development of new buildings and equipment purchases, including a record award of £5.8 million just this month.
Our college is nothing without great students though, and I’ve been visiting schools right across the constituency throughout the year to run my ‘mock parliament’. Through this, children learn valuable skills from public speaking and debating, to confidence, whilst also learning about our democracy too.
On healthcare we have seen additional investment go to Burnley Hospital to rollout more diagnostics, and the future is just as bright with Government having agreed to meet me and the NHS Trust to discuss what could come next.
Our levelling up of Burnley & Padiham’s infrastructure has continued at pace too. Padiham’s flood defences are now well into the construction; Pioneer Place is more than halfway through development after Government funding; Newtown Mill is transforming before our eyes; and more than £3.4 million has been awarded to Burnley as part of the UK wide Shared Prosperity Fund.
And, most importantly for me, I have got out and about speaking to thousands of residents at my 43 surgeries throughout the year. The vast majority of these were open for anyone, without appointments, and advertised well in advance. And to me, that matters. Because surgeries, pop-ups, coffee & cake sessions and all the other formats I use are vital for me, giving me the chance to hear views, help with issues, and get out of the Westminster bubble.
As 2023 approaches there remains much to do, and I can’t wait to keep going as your Member of Parliament with lots more of what’s covered above, and some new things too. And so, can I end by wishing everyone a very happy new year.
