Spring has arrived, marked by the familiar signs of lambs frolicking, daffodils blooming, and more politically - the unveiling of the Spring Budget. With world economies still reeling from the Pandemic, war in Ukraine and disrupted shipping, our Conservative Government has navigated tough decisions to safeguard economic prosperity. While acknowledging the financial strains felt by many, adherence to our economic plan has yielded the lowest inflation in years, huge tax cuts benefiting 29 million workers, and a £900 increase in the state pension.
Having actively participated in the Budget proceedings, voicing support for its measures, and voting in favour, I wholeheartedly endorse the outcomes. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt through tough decisions are revitalising our economy.
Behind the scenes, I advocated for various initiatives, resulting in crucial support for our hospitality industry, such as an alcohol duty freeze and extended relief measures. Additionally, I helped maintain the fuel duty freeze, made all the sweeter with news the A66 upgrade which I have been pushing for since my election has been approved. The faster and safer route will be just the boost our region needs.
As many of you will know, I have fought for a long time to retain the Triple Lock on Pensions to give retirees dignity in their old age. Since 2011, the Triple Lock has helped lift 200,000 pensioners out of poverty and so I’m delighted it has been retained and boosted so pensioners will have £900 extra in their pockets this year.
Away from Westminster, I engaged extensively at the local level during the Easter break. Discussions with Cumbria Police's Chief Constable underscored progress in combatting crime and antisocial behaviour. I also met with the Chief Executive of the Cumberland Building Society at their much loved and used branch in Penrith to speak about work to keep fully-staffed banking services on the high street. I also visited the brilliant team at Waterfoot Park near Pooley Bridge to champion our visitor economy following English Tourism Week.
Bringing a slice of Cumbria down to Parliament again was Andy Airey who won Petition of the Year Award for the 3 Dads’ transformative campaign to get age-appropriate suicide prevention into schools. Their resilience and compassion remain deeply inspiring, turning personal tragedy into a beacon of hope.
In other news from Parliament was a major debate on Food Security following three Reports from separate Select Committees, including the EFRA Report which I instigated. Having long highlighted the link between food security and national security, it was a chance to drive home the need to support our brilliant British farmers amid ongoing international instability. We've already made great strides forward with the announcement of an annual Food Security Index, the visa programme to support British horticulture, more support for small abattoirs, standing firm on food standards in trade deals and a huge expansion of the ELMs scheme; that said, there is always more to be done and I outlined a range of policy areas I'd like to see action on.
In a similar vein, our EFRA Committee held a session on fairness in the food supply chain where the necessity of equitable outcomes for consumers, farmers and supplies was driven home to me. There is a path to tread, but we need cooperation and communication. Huge manufacturers attended, such as Unilever, Arla and Kraft Heinz and I was keen to reinforce
that they absolutely have a duty to pass on savings to consumers at the checkout and profits to farmers and growers.
Being the only vet in the Commons, I do try to boost animal health and welfare policy. On this front, I’ve been busy this month, foremostly having chaired a special EFRA session into issues facing the veterinary sector. Grappling with staffing shortages, outdated legislation, and mental health resilience I was keen to raise awareness beyond Parliament, speaking in the national media. What shone through is that to ignore these issues is to potentially open the door to huge problems from the food we eat to the nation's biosecurity and human public health.
Finally, on charities, I thought it important to highlight just how many organisations I engage with on a regular basis. This month I have had meetings with the HALO Trust, Marie Curie. Parkinson’s UK, Mental Health Foundation and Breast Cancer Now. I think I join everyone when I celebrate what a vibrant charitable sector we have, with so many good-hearted people doing their best for our nation and the world. Thank you everyone.
