Mail Weekly Column: 10 October 2022
I spent a fair chunk of last week at the Conservative Party Conference, listening, discussing ideas and debating our country’s future. You will have no doubt seen some of the headlines about what was discussed or, if you’re wise, kept your head well down. Behind the scenes, last Sunday I visited the Chancellor in his room to discuss my views on the proposed cut to the 45p rate of tax. I was candid about the message this sent and laid bare my objections, to both the policy and the communication of it. Explanations are vital not only for politicians and constituents, but also for the markets. They all need confidence in decisions and the rationale behind them. I’m glad that the Chancellor listened and withdrew the proposal. Levelling up must be bottom up, not top down.
Headlines are headlines though, and bad news travels. So the ‘top end’ tax issues totally overshadowed the amazing work done to help reduce people’s outlay on fuel, or on supporting those in need of support.
Only recently, the Government intervention in the energy crisis ensured that average families will pay no more than £2,500 a year for fuel. Without intervention, households would be facing bills of at least double that. This was a massive call, and a welcome one. This Government has also lifted millions out of tax altogether, increased the UC taper rate, and presided over a sustained drop in unemployment. These are measures that I am very proud of, but ones that were completely overshadowed lat week.
Moving on, I will continue to work to ensure that we listen closely to those most affected. Whatever policies are included within the Chancellor’s statement in November, I shall be pushing hard for the measures that youwant to see.
Aside from the drama, the Conference was all about future policy. For example, I spoke on a panel about insulation, explaining that solutions for our traditional rural properties are completely different from those needed for newer terraced houses. Knowledgeable technicians with the right skills are vital to ensure that a properly tailored product is used for each installation. I discussed disinformation campaigns with the BBC World Service; cybersecurity with the new Security Minister; and discussed with Scouts, Young Enterprise and the Duke of Edinburgh Award how best support can be provided to amazing local volunteer organisations like The Well and Women’s Community Matters. I also talked to the Australian High Commission about AUKUS and the importance of defence and our submarine programmes. And finally, I stood alongside our new Minister to discuss how crucial renewing our Town Centres is to the levelling-up agenda. Conference is frustrating, exhausting and invigorating in equal measure. But it is a pleasure to sit alongside Ministers and shine a light on what constituents from across Barrow and Furness tell me is going right, and where they need help to succeed. Next week I get back to doing more of the same from the chamber of the House of Commons.
