Week in Westminster

The Autumn Statement delivered by Chancellor George Osborne a couple of weeks ago was a grim reminder of the fragile state of the world economy but it also highlighted the recognition by our Government of the need for growth and jobs in this corner of Lincolnshire and, as the Telegraph recognised in its ‘Opinion’ column last week the visits by key ministers to the area over recent months has certainly played a major part. Indeed Business Secretary Vince Cable acknowledged the fact in the House of Commons last week when I complimented the Government on delivery two Enterprise Zones, the Immingham Bypass project, successful Regional Growth Fund bids and, of course, the halving of the Humber Bridge Tolls.

It’s also worth noting that the meeting I, along with my colleagues from Scunthorpe and Brigg, had with David Cameron in late July to discuss how best to boost jobs and give a lift to the local economy has delivered – we had a wish-list when we went into the meeting and only one item as yet to be delivered – the upgrading of the A160 into Immingham Docks and all the indications are that it will be brought forward from its post-2015 start date.

 

Collectively these announcements will provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.

Last Tuesday I was able to attend an Awards Event at Central Hall, Westminster where schools within the Oasis Trust were gathered. It included The Immingham Academy from my own constituency and the Wintringham Academy from Grimsby.

It’s remarkable what these young people have achieved with various campaigns and initiatives. It’s very easy to tar all our youngsters with the same brush but here was evidence of what so many of them contribute to our communities.

The event was hosted by the founder of Oasis the Reverend Steve Chalke who was in Grimsby only a couple of weeks ago to address a meeting.

On Monday I was privileged attend an Advent Service in the Chapel at Lambeth Palace – the Archbishop of Canterbury’s official residence. It was a beautiful service replete with those hymns with haunting tunes so familiar during the Advent season.

From there I rushed back over the Thames to the Palace of Westminster for the annual Wilberforce lecture being given on this occasion by Education Secretary, Michael Gove. Michael is well on the way to transforming our education system with scores of academies being set up, and free schools established. The schools landscape is changing before our eyes.

It was William Wilberforce who led the battle that resulted in the abolition of slavery in this country. In politics you very quickly learn how difficult it is to change things – anything! Michael is making dramatic and much-needed change. Margaret Thatcher made real long-lasting changes and, in his early days, so did Tony Blair. Whether or not you agree with the changes you must admire those who succeed and make a difference.

As I write this article whilst travelling home from London I am reflecting on the debate that took place earlier today in advance of the European summit. We really are facing dramatic change. Two schools of thought have emerged about the outcome. There are those who subscribe to the point of view outlined in one of this morning’s newspapers. It suggests that if the summit goes wrong the scale of the disaster cannot be exaggerated because every bank in Europe will be bankrupt, output will fall, thousands of jobs will be lost and our standards of living will take many many years to get back to where we are now. It is therefore, so the argument goes, essential that the British Government do everything possible to save the Euro. Others argue that we should stand back, keep our distance and if it collapses so be it. After a couple of years in the doldrums our economy will pick up and all will be well. The problem is no one knows which is right.

By the time you read this the Summit will be over and we may know which course our leaders have taken, what we won’t know is whether or not it was the right one.

When I arrived at King’s Cross this evening to catch my usual 19.03 train the departure board was awash with that dread word delayed. No train had left for almost an hour, so no chance of my usual connection at Doncaster. It must be the weather I thought. All day the radio has been telling us how bad things are in Scotland.

But then the announcement came over the p.a. system – someone on the line has been struck by a train. This is the second time in a week something similar has happened. Last week my train came to a sudden halt near Grantham because the driver suspected he had hit someone. On that occasion all was well someone had had a very close escape.

This week the news is not as good a train has indeed hit someone. Was it an accident or suicide? Is the unfortunate person alive or dead? And what about the poor driver who, though he could have done nothing to prevent it, will have to live with the outcome.

Of course it’s annoying to be late, people want to get home after a long day but so many did not seem to be giving a thought to the reason they were being delayed and the people involved.