It’s been a busy and fairly satisfying few days up in Westminster. As usual the press are reluctant to look beyond personal issues and speculation but there has been progress on a number of issues already this week. It started with the Rwanda Bill, as it has become known, passing after a great deal of back and forth with the House of Lords. Amendments suggested by the Lords can be helpful and the result of careful deliberation and expertise but in this case they did seem to have a political edge. Conservatives do not have a majority in the House of Lords and the impression was clear that opposition Lords hoped to wreck the Bill to score points against the Government.
The Bill is not about deporting huge numbers of people but rather to act as a deterrent from making the illegal trip to the UK in the first place. Of course this is partly to reduce pressure on our systems but also with the safety of the migrants in mind. Tragically another five were killed in a dinghy earlier this week. Asylum applications need to be heard quickly and fairly for everyone’s sake.
Tuesday saw the second reading of the Football Governance Bill. It will set up an independent regulator, introduce more complete testing for the suitability of owners and directors and set a minimum level of engagement with fans on club issues. It’s probably safe to say that the finances of football clubs have not always been as straightforward and transparent as they could be over the years so these all seem like sensible ideas. It’s something I first discussed with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport a few years ago. More certainty around finances will be reassuring for the players too, especially in some of the less well funded leagues.
On Tuesday morning the Prime Minister announced a commitment to raise the defence budget to 2.5% of GDP by 2030. This may not sound huge but it will represent a big increase in funding as we strengthen our defence capability in an uncertain and volatile world. I will, of course, work hard to ensure that Somerset continues its significant contribution to our nation’s Armed Forces, not least by Leonardo supplying a new fleet of AW149s. The Government is urging other European countries to match the commitment which would represent a massive upgrade in capability across the continent.
Finally, I continue to be concerned about the Integrated Care Board’s plans to restructure hyper- acute stroke services in the area and I know that many local people agree. I have spoken to Minsters about this over the years and more recently I have written to the Health Secretary and also had the chance to discuss with her in person so I hope there may be some scope to look again at the effect that losing provision at Yeovil Hospital may have.