As I sit down to write this month’s edition of View from the House, I can see the Defence Secretary Ben Wallace MP in the Commons Chamber updating MPs on the deteriorating situation in Ukraine. We all feel deep concern at Vladimir Putin’s continual efforts to bully and intimidate a people who enjoy freedom and democracy. Yet we can also feel pride at the way Britain has responded. Many, especially in the national media and on the opposition benches, decided to do Britain down and said we wouldn’t be able to stand on our own feet post Brexit – instead we are leading the world’s efforts in supporting the Ukrainians. We have stood up for what is right and will continue to commit to the security of Europe through NATO. I will continue to support the Government that gets the big calls right and understands what it takes to keep tyranny at bay.
As many of us know, global factors are affecting the cost of living across the United Kingdom and I have welcomed the Chancellor’s decision to introduce measures to ensure that everyone is cushioned against price rises, including energy bill and council tax rebates. There is also of course the excellent news that we are now looking to live with COVID, dropping those last restrictions in law but ensuring those of a certain age or immune status get the testing they require. Our ability to beat the Omicron variant, through our world-renowned vaccine programme, has been a fantastic success. Many local people have suffered during this crisis. But we can be proud of what we have achieved.
In this busy month at Westminster, I am honoured to serve again as the Deputy Chief Whip, where I shall ensure that this Government continues to get on with the job Tamworth and the country elected us to do. I will look back fondly on my time in Housing, especially my decision to give veterans priority in social housing. The Armed Forces deserve our support and admiration, and I was pleased to contribute through my work for the Government.
It was great to meet the team behind Jobs 22 in Ankerside this month, and to see how the Government backed scheme to get people into work is getting on. Having sat with the team for a part of their day, it was clear they all have a huge passion in helping residents find work and I want to thank them for their dedication. Alongside my visits, I have written to eighty local charities to thank them for their work in the community and let them know that new National Lottery Funding has been made available – I want Tamworth to be getting a good slice of that! It will be exciting to see what projects any applications create and, as always, my team and I are here to help and represent you, so please do get in contact with us if you feel we are able to. Please do this by emailing me at christopher.pincher.mp@parliament.uk.
We can now look forward to spring and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Her Majesty’s seventy years of selfless and dedicated service to us, her people, is an example and inspiration to us all. We should give thanks and celebrate
