As we mark Remembrance on Sunday, I have been impressed by the knitted poppies and other displays across North West Norfolk to make the occasion. It underlines the tremendous respect for all those who served, serve today, and their families. Locally we are fortunate to have the Royal British Legion, Scotty’s Little Soldiers, Bridge for Heroes, and other groups supporting veterans and their loved ones.
In the House of Commons, I planted a cross in tribute to people from North West Norfolk in the Garden of Remembrance in the shadow of the Elizabeth Tower. This is an opportunity to honour the courage of all who have served and to think about the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy. With RAF Marham on our doorstep, it also underlines the important role of our area in the defence of the UK and the great careers available in the services.
This year marks the 80 anniversary of the re-opening of the House of Commons Chamber after it was bombed during the Second World War. Churchill insisted it was rebuilt in the same style as before its destruction and craftsmen from across the United Kingdom played their part in the works with support from Commonwealth countries providing the Despatch Boxes and other items.
As it happens, I was at the Despatch Box this week for Treasury questions. Every six weeks there is a set piece opportunity to question the Chancellor and her ministers and which as a Shadow Minister I play an active role. This session took place after she gave an unusual pre-Budget speech in Downing Street. The intention was to soften people up for the inevitable large tax rises coming at the end of November.
After a summer of speculation that continues today over which taxes will increase, no one is surprised the government looks set to impose higher taxes. Sadly there was no recognition that the choices she made a year ago to increase the costs of employing people have meant fewer jobs in the economy. Nor that increasing spending far above the levels pledged at the election, has also seen borrowing of £100 billion in the last 6 months ago.
This position is not sustainable and people will rightly be unforgiving if the government breaks its pledge on income tax as appears increasingly likely.
I used my opportunity at the despatch box to highlight the impact that the family farm tax will have in putting generations of farming at risk. It is extraordinary given the level of opposition and concerns from rural areas that the Chancellor has apparently not met with the National Farmers’ Union or other bodies to listen to their concerns. There have been reports that some changes may be made but she gave no hint of that.
I also had the chance to talk about the pressures on retail, leisure, and hospitality businesses from increased business rates. Through identifying savings in welfare and other spending, my party has committed to abolish those costs for pubs, restaurants, and shops to support our high streets and villages. I offered this as a tax measure for Rachel Reeves to take up but I am not holding my breath.
To return to the theme of Remembrance and what it stands for, ultimately, there are strong passion in Parliament – reflecting those in the country – over the big choices we face as a country. I am very fortunate to be part of the House of Commons where those debates take place. And I will always remember and honour those who fought for our democracy.
