The run up to Christmas is always a busy time in Westminster and this has been more so than usual. I think though that a lot of mainstream media continue to focus on personalities and potential divisions rather than what actually matters to people and their families.
The legislation on Rwanda is designed to reduce illegal immigration, acting as a deterrent to people being sold the UK as their best option by trafficking gangs. Negotiations with France have not proved successful and every time a small boat goes into the Channel all of the passengers’ lives are at risk, which is a key reason we can't just stand by and pretend it isn't happening.
It is important to point out that not all migration is illegal and we need some economic migration for a healthy economy and should remain a welcoming nation. In my view though the pull factor should not simply be that we have a comparatively good welfare system or soft touch legal appeals process. It is also crucial that there is respect for our norms and integration with our existing communities, as well as a sufficient level of growth and resourcing to handle it.
The small boats issue is very hard to address given there are no international waters between us and the continent and the way that directly and immediately engages our legal system. This is the reason there has been such focus and debate, through our sometimes messy democratic process, on precise legal details that can seem arcane even irrelevant to many. But the Government is taking action and I haven’t seen any realistic proposals from opposition parties. Indeed they have opposed all attempts to deal with the issue sensibly.
Despite persistent global challenges things continue to get better in our economy, with inflation down and wages up. Getting more opportunity to our communities to move up the value chain to more productive work is the best way to help transform our area and meet the aspirations of all for a better life and this will always be my lodestar.
I receive a lot of emails and letters about the situation in Israel and Palestine which is understandable given the awful reports from the region. It is not straightforward always to get accurate detail on the conflict but I can say that our Foreign Office is doing everything it can to support a resolution. Hamas though will not follow international law and cannot be trusted to stick to any agreement made which makes negotiations very challenging.
I am very much looking forward to Christmas. The effort that people put in to all the lovely events and decorations is wonderful. I hope winter flooding issues will abate but I am certainly monitoring and engaged with the long term strategies we have to deal with it. Obviously we can’t stop the rain but working with Somerset Rivers Authority, Highways and other groups can make it more manageable.
Finally I would like to thank all the brilliant volunteers we have here who are especially important at this time of year. Even little things like checking in with a neighbour who may be on their own make a huge difference and we are lucky to have so many kind people living here.