Article originally published in the print edition of the Herts Advertiser.
As I sit and write this column, it is difficult not to reflect on the challenges that 2022 has brought our country. I wanted to touch on some of those as we look forwards to 2023.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has unleashed chaos upon the interconnected global economy – in particular with regards to the shock it caused to the cost of energy and the resulting inflationary effects that has had across the world.
The cost of living challenges we face are partly also the cause of longer-term structural problems, but the Russian invasion has certainly accelerated and exacerbated them. For a long time, I have been a leading voice in Parliament on the need to move to cheap, homegrown and secure energy supplies. This would protect us from global price shocks and allow us to insulate our energy supply chains from hostile actions abroad. We are now seeing a renewed awareness of that and I will continue to work to protect Hitchin & Harpenden residents from rising bills in 2023 and beyond.
In British politics, we have seen significant turbulence. In July I resigned my position as Conservative Party Vice Chairman at the start of a short, but intensely, series of resignations which brought an end to Boris Johnson’s time as Prime Minister. Boris leaves behind a legacy of which he can be proud, but integrity and trust are critical and a point had been reached where those could not be restored.
Restoring trust is critical and I know that the events of the last year have not shown my Party and our politicians in the best light. We made mistakes, but I am pleased that we are now working under Rishi Sunak to rebuild that trust. I will continue to work hard every day to show that we deserve it.
Perhaps the biggest challenge that our country faced this year was the loss of the figurehead who had guided us for the better part of a century. Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II represented what it means to serve – to serve your family, your community and your country. I know that the Queen’s passing caused great sadness for many in Hitchin & Harpenden – myself included – and her example stands as the finest for anyone in public service to aspire to. We must continue to aspire to it.
Locally we have had a number of our own challenges and I will continue to support everyone in Hitchin & Harpenden who needs it and to tackle the problems our communities face. Being your Member of Parliament is a privilege I do not take lightly. In 2023, I will continue to work hard with local residents to deliver for and improve our area.
