It has been a momentous time over the past few weeks. I was in a committee in Parliament when a colleague informed me that the Queen was gravely ill. Obviously at that point we all hoped she would improve, but sadly, we have lost our longest-serving person in public life, and with it, probably the wisest person in the country. While some may not support the monarchy as an institution, I have found it fascinating how many leaders of republics have keenly mourned the loss of the Queen. Perhaps mulling over how valuable it is for a country’s politicians to have the steadfast advice of someone who understands the world in terms of centuries and who can offer a more objective view.
In a week where we said farewell to a Prime Minister and welcomed a new one, and then losing a Queen and proclaiming a new King, MPs didn’t sit in Parliament but we continued to help constituents. Although the previous week was a little quieter while the country mourned, I continued to speak with ministers about a range of issues: energy prices for homes and businesses, and immigration in particular.
The statements from the Secretary if Satiate for Health, Therese Coffey outlined her focus : ambulance waiting times, backlogs, care, GP appointments and difficulties getting a dentist. We particularly have difficulties in Grimsby with dentistry because we just can’t attract enough dentists here. I am working with other Lincolnshire MPs, led by Dr Caroline Johnson MP, for us to have a dentist school in Lincolnshire. Research shows that dentists tend to stay in the area they trained in and we have no dentistry training centres linked to universities anywhere along our side of the country.
The Chancellor’s statement is a plan to stimulate growth. Tax cuts are only part of the story. Capping the cost of energy bills is a welcome step with more to come from the Chancellor in the coming months. Our area is also one of the listed Investment Zones - similar to Freeport’s - but can be over a much larger area. Freeport’s are already stimulating investment coming into the area. I expect the Zones will continue that growth.
While Parliament is in recess, I am out and about with our local councillors, talking to residents about a wide range of issues. Please do get in touch if I can help.
