Today is Remembrance Day and I am sure many of us will take a moment to think about the sacrifices made and also attend a service on Sunday. It is so important not only to remember the courage of those involved but also to make sure the fog of division and hatred never reaches those levels again. I will also reflect on what an amazing figurehead for our country the Queen has been over so many years, after what has clearly been a very difficult year for her.
It has been a very turbulent time in Westminster, but the Government and Her Majesty’s Opposition are all missing the point. The emphasis should always be on effective delivery and implementation. “What does this mean for me and my family and who is going to pay for it?” These are not selfish thoughts: it is the way most people think and rightly so.
The attempts at point scoring from some corners have come more quickly than I feel is appropriate. Sir David Amess was murdered less than a month ago and Owen Paterson’s family will never recover from the death of Rose. Yet some in the press and opposition are out to attack MPs again and try to make things that aren't, political, which is a shame because it really just distracts time and effort from trying to help our constituents. The huge majority of colleagues I know in the House of Commons are there for absolutely the right reasons, whatever their political views. The rules and processes do need updating and clarifying and that needs to be done in a calm and rational way.
As mentioned earlier, a good Government is based on sound policies well implemented. I continue to have concerns about some commitments made around the Net-Zero agenda as they may become disproportionately expensive for households, whilst making a very marginal difference to the global situation. There has been positive news coming from COP26 in Glasgow though, and the international will to get behind solutions to harmful emissions is real, but we need to see the detail of what the proposals will mean and keep focused on incentivising human ingenuity to come up with solutions rather than damaging people's quality of life.
Plans to move to a Somerset unitary local authority are progressing well and I am in talks with central Government about supportive County and towns deals which could help in a number of ways. One thing I hope all involved can work together to effect is better scope and resource for the unitary to deal with flooding and phosphate issues. At the moment too many different agencies are involved leading to delay and confusion, whilst homes and businesses are suffering. Delivering good new homes in the right places is another key aim I want to make sure the unitary can deliver.
I have had a few emails from local people unsure about how to get COVID booster jabs. I am assured by the local NHS that these are available and I'm sorry if you have had to wait. The best way to book is via 119 or the national online booking system.
As always, if I can help, please do get in touch by emailing marcus.fysh.mp@parliament.uk or call 01935 314321.
