“I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in Rugby and Bulkington a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
There is no doubt that 2016 will be a year not soon forgotten. 2016 saw the passing of many inspirational, larger than life, figures including Muhammad Ali, David Bowie, Victoria Wood and Terry Wogan to name but a few. We also tragically lost MP Jo Cox who was brutally murdered on the streets of her constituency in Batley and Spen on the 16th June. Jo’s death was a stark reminder that terror threats come from all directions and in many guises.
Recent events across the world have once again shown that we must be vigilant at all times and it is particularly poignant at this time of year to pay tribute to, and to thank, the brave members of our Armed Forces who work tirelessly throughout the year to keep us safe. Many of these brave men and women will not have the luxury of spending the festive season with their loved ones and I know I speak for everyone in Rugby when I thank them for the sacrifices they make every day for our country.
2016 was a tumultuous year in politics. Our biggest political news was without doubt the referendum on our country’s membership of the European Union and our decision to leave. Although I campaigned for us to remain within a reformed European Union, I have not once considered attempting to frustrate the will of the British people in their decision to leave. The country spoke on the 23rd June and we as MPs must listen; we will leave the European Union.
One of the saddest consequences of the vote in June was the resignation of David Cameron as Prime Minister. David was a brilliant leader for our country who oversaw the rebuilding of our economy to create the conditions for record employment, tackled the out of control welfare state making sure that it always pays to work, protected pensioners, put record funding into the NHS, cut taxes for the lowest paid to to their lowest levels in history and provided more good and outstanding school places than ever before. David was a truly remarkable Prime Minister.
As a nation we were fortunate to have an equally extraordinary leader waiting in the wings to take the reins from David. Theresa May has the steel, the determination and the vision to forge a new path for our country and has repeatedly outlined her one-nation vision for the United Kingdom. I have no doubt that she will continue David Cameron’s legacy to build a country that works for everyone
Here in Rugby it was also an eventful year. The opening of the World Rugby Hall of Fame has cemented our place on the map, reaffirming our standing as the birthplace of the game. The very first time that I stood up in the Chamber of the House of Commons after becoming elected as Rugby’s MP I called for us to do more as a town to promote our unique links to the sport and it was a proud day when the Hall of Fame opened its doors in November.
2016 also saw unemployment fall to historic lows in Rugby thanks to the Government’s long-term plan to secure our economic revival. There is still more to do but we are certainly on the right track.
Looking ahead, 2017 will be a big year for our country, and a big year for Rugby.
The Prime Minister has already announced that we will trigger Article 50, and begin the formal process of leaving the European Union, by the end of March. There will be many challenges ahead as we prepare to leave the EU but there will also be many opportunities. We have always been an outward looking, global, trading nation and I am convinced that we will thrive in the years to come.
Here in Rugby, 2017 will see the first residents moving into the former Radio Station Rugby site. The 6,200 new home development will be central to Rugby’s growth over the next 20 years and having visited the development on a number of occasions over the past year I have every faith that Houlton (as the development will be known) will be an asset to our town.
We also have vital local County Council elections in 2017 and local residents will be faced with a very clear choice between the major parties when they go to the ballot box; stable, fiscally responsible leadership and a strong record of delivering for local families under the Conservatives or a return to the bad old days of financial mismanagement and tax and spend under Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour.
I spend most weekends on doorsteps speaking with local residents and I know that most Rugby residents are pleased that the Conservatives are in control at Warwickshire County Council. Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour are not a credible alternative at a national or a local level and when the County Council elections take place in May I know Rugby residents will not risk letting Labour take control of Warwickshire’s finances.
Although there will be obstacles to overcome next year promises to be a good one for us here in Rugby & Bulkington and I hope that you all have a happy, safe and prosperous 2017.”