Over the last two weeks, the Prime Minister Theresa May has set out the Government’s key negotiating objectives and provided the British people, and Parliament, with the clarity that we need as we begin the process of leaving the European Union. Yesterday, the Government introduced The European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill which will give the Prime Minister the authority of Parliament to trigger Article 50 by the end of March and get on with seeking the best possible deal for the United Kingdom.
This will include the greatest possible access to the Single Market, working closely with our friends in Europe on defence and security issues and – as early as possible – seeking to guarantee the rights of our friends and neighbours from Europe who now call Rugby their home, as well as the rights of British citizens now living in Europe.
As we look toward a new future outside the European Union, I believe there are a lot of positive signs in our country and our economy that show that Britain is a great nation. This week’s annual growth figures show that, in contrast to many of the predictions ahead of the referendum, the UK economy was the fastest growing major economy in 2016. The evidence for this is apparent in the growth across our economy, with construction and manufacturing both growing at the fastest rates for over 6 months.
Employment also remains at its highest level on record, with more people in work than ever before. I remember hearing many concerns from those who did not support the Government’s plans to rebalance the economy that a reduction in those employed by the public sector would lead to an increase in unemployment, as there was no hope that the private sector would be able to provide enough jobs. In fact, whilst public sector employment has fallen by 1 million since 2010, the private sector has created over 3 million jobs which has demonstrated the confidence that business has in our country.
Closer to home, we are also seeing significant growth and investment. Many of you driving on the A428 Crick Road will have seen the great progress taking place at Houlton, on the old Rugby Mast site. One of the great concerns with development is the impact on local infrastructure, but Houlton represents a blueprint for acknowledging the challenges that come with building a new community. As the first houses are competed, the upgrades to the A428 will be finished including a new foot and cycle path, as well as the new St Gabriel’s Church of England Academy, a brand new primary school which will open in September. As Houlton grows over the coming years, it will bring key infrastructure improvements as the new homes we need are opened. This will include two further primary schools, a secondary school and a medical centre and a new link road to Butler’s Leap, which is important to the A428 in Hillmorton to mitigate additional traffic travelling to Rugby Town Centre and due to be completed by the end of next year.
I believe that taken together, this shows that the outlook for Rugby, and the whole of the UK, is positive as we begin 2017.