Events in Ukraine continue to dominate not only the headlines but all our thoughts. Shelling of cities and indiscriminate attacks on civilians have created a humanitarian crisis unseen in Europe since the Second World War. I cannot imagine how those being forced to flee their homes, carrying only a handful of possessions feel or the challenges those dealing with the flow of people across international borders face. The resolve of those who have remained behind in Ukraine, to fight for their homeland, is astonishing and it is right the UK Government has stepped up its efforts to support their efforts.
Here in Fylde I have been amazed by the response to the refugee crisis. In just a few short days Fylde Aid for Ukraine was founded, bringing together volunteers, our local council and experienced fundraisers from the Bobby Ball Foundation. The collections in Lytham over the weekend proved the incredible generosity of the people of Fylde and as this newspaper goes to press vital supplies will be on their way to Poland where more than one million people have already sought shelter from this unprovoked war. Well done to all involved in this brilliant effort.
Even if you were not able to donate this weekend, there is still an opportunity to support the humanitarian response. The Disasters Emergency Committee appeal is now up and running and anyone can give money online at https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
The conflict in Ukraine has implications for us all, not least in the cost of goods and energy. Our national energy security has never been more important and there has been significant debate in the past week about how we achieve this. There has been a lot of talk of resuming fracking in the UK. It remains my view this is a non-starter here in Fylde where local geology simply is not suitable for safe operations within guidelines agreed by the industry. Cuadrilla has now begun filling and capping the well at Preston New Road, finally bringing to an end a ten-year saga. The decision to do so remains the right one. The Government is correct to focus in the short term on proven resources such as North Sea oil and gas and in the longer term on a new generation of nuclear power stations, hand in hand with renewables.
Back here in Fylde I had, last week, the opportunity to speak with the contractors appointed to deliver a regeneration vision for St Annes. I very much wish to see a masterplan for the whole town which ties in with the investment in our sea defences. With work progressing well on the new Moss Road, linking the town to the M55, now is the time to be thinking of how we deliver and promote new investment opportunities in St Annes, to make Fylde an even more fantastic place to live and work.