In a historic moment this week King Charles III set out the Government's agenda for the next Parliamentary session in the first King’s Speech in 70 years. It was a privilege to be there, to see the pomp and ceremony which sets our country apart on the world stage. It really does make you proud to be British.
The speech focused on delivering long-term solutions to the problems families and business face. Driving down gas and electricity bills with domestically produced energy; safer streets with a tougher approach to the worst criminals; growing the economy; and taking the biggest single public health intervention in decades to create the first smoke free generation. There was a lot to unpack.
For too long governments of all colours have ducked the serious challenges and taken short-term decisions. And although we’re already making great strides locally with investment pouring in to set us up for the long-term, transforming our area was never going to be an overnight job.
The legislation coming to Parliament over the next few months will face challenge, in particular the plan to get us to a position of self-sufficiency in energy production. It’s critical this is achieved and is why I’ve consistently spoken about it. The Labour Party would have us cut off all new domestic oil and gas. But this would be nothing short of self-inflicted damage. It would mean importing the same oil and gas from abroad, leaving us at the mercy of foreign dictators. That approach, like most from Labour, just isn’t sensible and is why I’m supporting the pragmatic approach laid out by the PM.
There was so much covered in the speech that this article was never going to be able to cover it all. But whether it’s supporting the permanent banning of transporting live animals thousands of miles for slaughter. Or getting behind the police to ensure they have the powers they need, criminals are getting the punishment they deserve, and as a country we’re all protected from terrorism. I’ll be using our voice in Parliament to support long-term decision making which I’ve said was needed from day one.
Finally, this week I was honoured to plant a remembrance cross for Burnley and Padiham in Parliament's Remembrance Garden. It means that all those from our area who gave their everything will be remembered, not just here at home but in London too. And of course, I’ll be at the services taking place across our borough this weekend to pay my respects.
