A comment on Mims' activities through the week, and the latest news from Parliament.
As I write this latest article we are approaching the final days of 2017, an opportunity to reflect on events across the Eastleigh constituency, as well as the country as a whole, whilst looking ahead with optimism for the year ahead.
One story has led both the national and local news, and as something that will effect each and every one of us, it is unsurprising that Brexit has continued to be a focus within many of the discussions that we have had. At the start of the year a resounding majority of MP’s backed the European Union Bill, and while, since that time, MP’s on the opposition benches have moved to frustrate the will of the British people, I am pleased that the Prime Minister has remained on course to deliver the result of the EU Referendum, this month receiving confirmation that Brexit talks can now move forward to Phase Two, with reassurances gained on citizens’ rights and the Northern Ireland Border. This is good news for my constituents, and I look forward to further progress in the New Year.
As I have always maintained, we are leaving the European Union, not Europe, and this was demonstrated by the show of support from our European neighbours, as well as others around the world following the tragic terrorist attacks that hit our nation this year. Westminster, Manchester and London Bridge were all targeted, with many lives - including those of children - lost far too early. We remain strong in our resolve that terrorism will never divide us, and the concert that followed in Manchester was testament to this.
Meanwhile, my thoughts remain with those affected by the Grenfell Tragedy. Recently I attended an event in Parliament to mark six months since the disaster, and had the opportunity to listen to some of those affected. I join the Prime Minister when she says that such a tragedy can never happen again, and I welcome the steps that the Government has taken to ensure that this statement is more than just words. The firemen on the scene showed true courage as they battled to save lives, and I will be forever grateful for the work that all of our fire, police and emergency services, and of course our brave servicemen and women, carry out 24/7, and thank all of those that continue to put their life in the face of danger to protect us.
As they have done for many centuries, the Royal Family provided comfort to those that had been affected by these tragedies. Members of the Royal Family are truly selfless and hard working in the duties that they carry out on our behalf, supporting thousands of charities, communities and giving us all reason for celebration, even in our darkest days. I joined my constituents and people across the country in welcoming the news that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their third child, congratulated the Queen and Prince Philip on their 70th Wedding Anniversary, and was overjoyed to hear of the engagement between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. 2018 will most certainly be a year for national celebration.
More directly within my role as your MP, I have been pleased to push forward an agenda focussed on health equality and LGBT rights. I have written in this column recently about my work on issues raised with me by constituents, including on Primodos, Valproate, Mesh Implants and Group Strep B, and most recently asked a question of the Prime Minister at the last PMQ’s of 2017. I know the Prime Minister to be a strong advocate for those that have faced injustice, and following my work with constituents on the Contaminated Blood Scandal - which the Prime Minister launched an inquiry into earlier this year - I look forward to further progress being made on health equality in 2018. Similarly, I have been pleased to work with my constituent Tara, among others, on LGBT issues, and in particular transgender rights, and look forward to my meeting alongside Tara with the Equalities Minister next month, ahead of the Governments welcome consultation on changes to the Gender Recognition Act 2004.
Animal welfare and the environment has also continued to be a main feature within my post bag throughout 2017, and I welcome the huge steps forward that have been made since Michael Gove was introduced as the new Environment Secretary. We have seen a ban on harmful pesticides to protect our bees, an increase in sentences for animal cruelty, a cut in single-use plastics, CCTV being made mandatory in all slaughterhouses and a ban on the ivory trade. I also welcome the Environment Secretaries acknowledgement that we need more woodland cover across the UK, and look forward to seeing how he plans to move this forward in 2018.
Christmas is rightly associated with charity, and as many constituents will be aware, I am a keen runner, and have taken part in a number of running events. This year, having supported Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and Wessex Heartbeat, I decided to run the London Marathon in aid of these two amazing charities, and on behalf of my constituents who have worked so hard to raise vital cash for these organisations. I would like to personally thank all of those that supported me in this, which raised a phenomenal £1000, doubling my target.
And finally, I would like to recap on what 2017 has meant for the Eastleigh constituency. The Botley Bypass – which will cut congestion and improve local air quality - received planning approval from Hampshire County Council; Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg chose Southampton Airport as the first in the country that she would visit, demonstrating the Department for Transports support for their important work as a regional airport; two Budgets by the Chancellor have seen local people benefit from a rise in the Personal Allowance and a cut in stamp duty for first time buyers; meanwhile, the Government has provided more cash for education, and enabled Police and Crime Commissioners to accrue more money to spend on local policing. All, I hope you will agree, positive news in which to enter 2018.
We are fortunate to have many great communities in our area, and I am pleased to have been able to again attend a number of Carol Services across the constituency throughout this festive period. They are always a great opportunity for members of the community to come together, show appreciation for what we have, and be mindful of those facing difficulty. I would like to thank all of those that have arranged these important community events this year, and those that have supported them.
All of my updates can be viewed on this website or on social media, and as always, I look forward to keeping you updated via this local column throughout 2018. In the meantime, I would like to thank all of those that have supported me over the past year, and wish you all a very Happy New Year.