Last month as I wrote my column, Tamworth was cheering our British team in Tokyo – and what a fantastic Olympic Games our whole team had. The GB Paralympic team are now in Japan, and with these Games underway, we will all be cheering them on with the same energy and enthusiasm.
In August I held our Town’s first ever Senior Fair, it was fantastic to see almost 30 exhibitors attend and over 300 residents! The overwhelming feeling from residents who attended was that they found it be very useful, they had discovered groups they did not know existed and after a very difficult 18 months, everyone appreciated the opportunity to meet friends old and new over a free tea or coffee (thanks to Morrisons for the free cafe!). Stall holders have asked if I can make this an annual event as they had high numbers of new member signups – I think this is a brilliant idea and I hope to hold this again in the future.
Whilst the House of Commons is in recess, Members of Parliament are still working. I have continued working meeting constituents, organisations and businesses. I have also continued my departmental work as Housing Minister. This summer, like some others recently, The House of Commons was recalled to discuss Afghanistan, and I travelled to Westminster as a Government Minister,. As you will be aware, in 2014, we ceased all combat operations in Afghanistan and brought the majority of troops home, re-orientating our role and involvement in the country. However, with the announcement from President Biden in April that all US forces would leave by September at the latest, our NATO allies decided they were unable to continue this US-led mission without American logistics, air power and technology. However, even as many countries left quickly, our troops have been bravely securing the airport, rescuing British nationals and interpreters and whilst some ambassadors left when Kabul fell, the British Ambassador stayed to personally help sign visas. For twenty years our actions have helped keep fanatical terrorists from our shores and off our streets. We must never forget the 457 British servicemen and women who lost their lives in Afghanistan in that effort. The effort to prevent terrorism and protect the British public must continue – and it will.
The House of Commons resumes on 6th September so I will be in London again to continue my job representing you. And from 6th September chamber will be back to normal as we emerge from the pandemic. It will be good to be back and even better to get back to normal. I am sure you are looking forward to getting life back to normal too.
As always, my team and I are always here if you think we can help or represent you in any way, so do not hesitate to get in contact with us either by writing to us or emailing me at christopher.pincher.mp@parliament.uk.
