Weekly Column
After the intensity of the general election campaign, along with other MPs I re-elected the Speaker and then had to wait until this week for the King’s Speech and the government to set out its new legislative programme.
That hasn’t stopped ministers making decisions in the first few days of the new administration though on planning, early release of prisoners, defence, water investment and other issues.
Now Parliament can begin scrutinising those measures and ministers coming to the House of Commons to defend their actions is vital for accountability. I look forward to playing my part in holding them to account.
One area where Labour has already made key announcements is their approach to planning reform. On housebuilding, energy, or other developments the intent is clear – to largely override local concerns to deliver projects. Just look at the rapid approval given by the Energy Secretary to three controversial large-scale solar farms. Such a top-down approach is unlikely to be popular compared to working with communities and striking a balance between national and local priorities.
When I spoke to people during the general election campaign about housing schemes locally, they all underlined the importance of having the schools, GP, dentists, or other services alongside. As a prime example that means having the A10 West Winch Housing Access Road in place for new homes and I have asked the Transport Secretary to continue the previous government’s support and approve funding for this essential scheme.
Often as I knocked on doors, people spoke about improvements they would like to see to their local areas. Now there is an opportunity to capture those good ideas and help shape how £20 million of funding that Lynn was awarded over the next ten years is spent. Strong public input is key to deciding which projects it could be used to fund focused around safety and security, high streets heritage, and regeneration; and transport connectivity. So please have your say at visionkingslynn.co.uk/have-your-say/
One of the questions people asked me throughout the campaign was what was the reception like on the doorstep? Well, it is quite intrusive to knock on a someone’s front door, talk to them about politics, and then ask how they are thinking of voting. My experience was largely positive, however, and where people did not wish to engage they were usually, if not universally, polite.
Sadly, that was not the case everyone. Candidates in other parts of the country faced harassment and intimidation – as did many MPs during the last Parliament. That behaviour has no place in our politics at whatever level. Across the pond we have just seen an attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
These are stark reminders of the importance of debating our differences in a robust but civilised way and respecting the outcome of elections. There can be no place for intimidation or violence in politics. Being able to change a government peacefully after millions of people mark a cross on piece of paper with a pencil as we have just done is the essence of our democracy. We must defend it.
First published in Lynn News, 19 July 2024
