This week we have seen the State Opening of Parliament, an important occasion on which the Government lays out its plans for the future. While it is always a grand occasion this week’s ceremony was touched with sadness as Her Majesty the Queen was unable to attend in person. I know people across Fylde will wish her well and we all want to see her able to return to her duties, particularly with the Jubilee celebrations just around the corner.
The Government is focused, rightly, on the cost of living challenges so many families face. There are no easy solutions and we cannot simply spend ourselves out of this global problem. It is right to focus on growth and on developing the kind of high skilled, well paid jobs I want to see delivered here in Fylde.
Also high on the agenda is the ongoing response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Government has now imposed £4 billion of sanctions on the Putin regime and those connected with it. I myself have been subject to retaliatory sanctions by Russia and barred from entering the country. I have no issue with the Russian people, many of whom share my shock and anger at what is happening in places like Mariupol, but believe it is right the President and his backers should be held to account while we continue our support for Ukrainian forces.
It is also important we do all we can for those fleeing the conflict. Families are now arriving in Fylde under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, being offered shelter by local people who have opened up their homes and their hearts to refugees. I continue to support sponsors in Fylde and to work with them to ensure visas are issued as soon as possible. The process is not always easy but we must continue our efforts in these unprecedented times.
Away from Parliament I had the chance this week to meet with trade union members and managers at BAE Systems to discuss the latest developments and my continued support for Typhoon production at Warton. It is important to ensure the unique skills of the workforce are not only retained but passed on to a new generation. It is important to ensure positive discussions are followed up with commitments and I will continue to fight Warton’s corner on the domestic and global stage.
Strong connectivity is key to supporting and growing sites like Warton and I was pleased to hear this week of good progress on the delivery of the new Moss Road, a vital motorway link for Fylde residents. All the major preparations are completed on site and over the next year we should see the road really take shape, with a view to completion by the end of next year. I know many local people are looking forward to easier, quicker journeys and, having fought so hard to secure the funding, I am looking forward to my first drive along the finished route.