Last week I spent a full day in the Chamber of the House of Commons debating a number of issues important to Rugby, the country on the whole, and our continued economic recovery.
It was also an important day for me personally as it marked my first action in the Chamber as a Parliamentary Private Secretary in the Ministry of Defence as I supported my Minister as she answered questions relating to the welfare of Ghurkha soldiers.
The rest of the day was taken up debating how best to ensure job creation and in particular re-shoring, which is the process of returning jobs to the UK from abroad and something that is increasingly happening now that our economy is strong and stable once more; changes to employment law which retains key protections for employees but also fundamentally improves the way employers take people on and manage disputes, saving small businesses £40m and the taxpayer £84m every year; showing my support for the Big Tidy Up, which is Britain’s biggest every litter pick and an initiative Rugby Borough Council has been heavily promoting; and speaking up for Energy Intensive Industries such as Cemex here in Rugby. We need to ensure that we reduce our carbon emissions but also support our manufacturers who are essential to our economic recovery and growth and I am glad that the Government recognises this.
The one thing that was noticeable on the day was the smaller number than usual of Opposition MPs in the Chamber. Typically when this happens MPs from other parties are quick to point it out but on this occasion it was well understood on all sides that many Members were in Scotland to help ensure the continuation of the Union.
Today is of major significance to the future of the United Kingdom as today Scottish voters will go to the polls and the decision they make will affect us all. If Scotland votes Yes the UK will split and we will go our separate ways forever. It is a once-and-for-all decision and there will be no going back. Like the Prime Minister I believe that our family of nations are stronger together and I hope that Scotland will vote No and remain a part of the UK. We are stronger united and I hope that after the polls close in Scotland and the results come in we will still be a United Kingdom. Like many others I will be watching the result closely and hope that the right result is achieved.