The threat of conflict between Russia and Ukraine is a great concern, not just because of the
potential of loss of life there but because of the wider international community and the knock-on
effects in an ever more global economy. NATO stands ready to support Ukraine and on Tuesday the
Prime Minister pledged military support also.
We and other countries can impose economic sanctions on Russia but they are holding a strong card
in that they supply around 40% of Europe’s gas. Global prices are already very high and the main
reason behind the cost of energy concerns we have as a country. Whilst we get relatively little gas
from Russia, they could manipulate the international cost to rise even higher if they withhold
supplies and this would affect us as well as having an inflationary influence on the cost of electricity
and other utilities.
Although our country’s progress on reducing emissions and building up renewable energy sources
has been really remarkable over the last twenty years, I share the sense of some colleagues and
commentators that we have slightly taken our eyes of the ball in terms of how dependent we have
become on some quite unpredictable regimes for our energy needs. I very much doubt, as troops
assemble at the Ukraine border, that President Putin is getting to worried about his Net-Zero
commitments or the cost of heat-pumps. This is not to say that we should in any way reduce our
efforts to make clean energy cheaper and more efficient but it is a very stark message that we need
to secure our system for the here and now, whilst making things better for the future.
Much more positive news is that our international travel rules are changing from 11 th February. Full
details are on the Government website but essentially if you are fully vaccinated against COVID then
there will be no requirements to test or quarantine on arrival in the UK. If you are not then you will
be asked to do a test before and after travel but with no quarantine unless you test positive. I am
pleased that many have rediscovered how lovely it is to holiday in the UK and especially the South
West but this is a huge boost for the holiday industry more widely and also for families and other
travellers who might now be able to go abroad more easily. Do always check with airlines if
travelling to see what other countries requirements are though as some still have fairly high levels of
restrictions.
Locally I continue to get a lot of letters and emails about planning applications which just underlines
to me how we need reform here and at a national level. The application for a homeless shelter in
Hendford Hill and the Carnival Float facility in Ilminster are ones in particular that clearly need more
scrutiny after considerable local opposition has so far been ignored by the District Council.
I am also going to ask National Highways to engage once more with residents in Ashill who remain
concerned about detail of plans for the A358 dualling upgrade.
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