As a huge number of people from across the country have gathered outside the Houses of Parliament to pay tribute to our Queen, it has been a time to reflect on her legacy and also our values as a country and Union. However, I do not think she would wish us to do so for too long , given what a pragmatic and practical person she was. She would know as much as anyone how things need to continue after such a difficult few years to kickstart the economy and get business back to normal.
I recently read the Queen described as our nation’s greatest diplomat. Without wishing to discourage other diplomats, I am sure this is right but is a great understatement. She never said the wrong thing, charmed people from all over the world, and was so interested in the people she met, from whatever background and whatever country. King Charles shares these qualities also and connects with different groups of people amazingly well.
Our political system is by nature adversarial and often it works well. A good opposition can make a good Government in a way. The cut and thrust of sessions like Prime Minister’s Questions can be useful and hopefully help to engage people with our politics.
In looking though at lessons we may learn from the Queen, a huge thing seems to me to always seek to understand people’s views, appreciate they may not be the same as your own, and to build constructive relationships. Her extraordinary dignity and grace, reflected in the way she was admired across the world, are a huge loss to our country.
What cannot wait is getting further measures in place to make sure we address the problems of cost effective energy supply and other issues arising from COVID and the war in Ukraine. I’ve been calling for lower and simpler taxes for a long time now and hope to make progress with Government policy soon.
The usual business of Parliament has been suspended this week and I know a lot of local Somerset events have been cancelled too. This must be tough especially for volunteers or small business who were planning things. I am sorry to have had to change a few things at the last minute to be in Westminster for various formal events to pay our respects to Her Late Majesty and express our condolences to King Charles and his family. Our country has a great tradition of coming together and coming through difficult times and this process confirms that we will again.
I know also that some will have been finding the news very hard, perhaps having lost a family member or friend recently. If you would like to speak to someone please do get in touch with a group like the Samaritans or call my office for details.