Following my visit to Ukraine in February, this week I’ve had the privilege of welcoming Ukrainian MP Volodymyr Kreidenko to the UK – first to Parliament and then to Burnley and Padiham.
Alongside this I’ve also been engaged in my work on the HS2 committee, where we’ve been considering how best to construct the new station in Manchester – above or below ground. Because whatever your views on HS2, if it is going to be built, we want it done in a way that benefits the North the most. The decision we reach could have major implications on jobs, economic growth, and cost. So, it is vital we get it right.
And on Thursday I raised the impact cost of living pressures were having on hospitality businesses – including our pubs.
Contrast these important topics, which have been my focus this week, with the political games that some on the left have been stirring up. Having Volodymyr here has made the Westminster bubble even more pronounced than usual. So, whilst Labour sought to concoct pretend votes on Monday for a report that would have gone through unopposed, I decided my focus should remain on our area.
Part of that has been, of course, the debate about our economic prospects and performance. My priority has always been – and always will be – delivering the best for Burnley and Padiham and creating an environment for our private sector to thrive.
And looking at the underlying data, rather than the headlines, shows a much more positive picture for the UK than Labour would have you believe, and should give us hope that our economic prospects will turn.
Take growth - since 2016 cumulative growth has been 4% in Italy and 5.5% in Germany, whereas the UK has seen 6.8%. And looking across the G7, our growth in both 2021 & 2022 was the highest of any; and the Eurozone is now in recession where we are not. Exports are equally good where we saw, in July last year, British exports to the EU the highest not just since Brexit, but since records began. And even on interest rates, the UK’s rates are comparable with the USA, Canada, Australia, and most other developed countries.
The problems of inflation and interest rates are global, but our underlying economy is strong because it’s built on the foundations of brilliant businesses like those we have locally. That’s why we need to take tough but good decisions, and I will continue to do all I can to get on with the job.
