I simply cannot believe this is the pre-Christmas edition of the BVM. Where has this year gone? Even my children (youngest 13) are astounded as to how fast this year has gone. So, as we are on the cusp of the Season of Goodwill to all I am not going to give you a ‘political’ article. But focus on two things.
First, whenever I visit a school, or a local school comes up to Parliament I am always asked: what are the differences between MPs and their Parties. I used to jump straight into setting out the philosophical divides and how that shapes approaches to policy forming. Latterly, I begin my answer by saying, along the lines of: ‘I will answer that important question but first let me approach it from a different angle. Let me tell you what unites us’. There are 650 MPs in the House of Commons. All of us feel honoured to serve. Most of us see it as a vocation rather than a job. We are all, albeit while prepared to use different routes, set on the same objectives. We all do our best to help shape and deliver the best outcomes for the communities we represent in Westminster. We all want to see better health and education outcomes. We work to deliver safer streets and communities. We want to see a sustainably growing economy which contributes to individual and national wellbeing. We want to see dignity for our elderly and social mobility for our young. Most of us work towards a UK which fosters tolerance and has a role to play on the world stage defending liberty and the principles of freedom, democracy and the Rule of Law. None of us go into politics and public service with the intent on making things worse for people or seeing the dials of progress either frozen or reversed. At this Christmas time and against a backdrop of a more biting narrative; where finding what divides rather than unites is the main driver, it seems to me opportune to reflect on the basic decency and value of elected public service.
As we say ‘goodbye’ to 2025 what are my hopes for the coming twelve months. Like many, I have two children preparing for A Levels and GCSES in the summer. So, from a personal point of view I want them, and all our North Dorset young to do well. For all of our good we have to hope that the UK economy starts to show some signs of growth, and that business confidence stabilises. Future budgets and the quality of our public services depend on this. I believe the new Home Secretary is determined to meaningfully reduce illegal immigration and next summer will be her key test. I know and like her. I reckon she is up to the challenge. I hope too that the Government will listen more and ask people in the know before they launch policy initiatives. I know we all want to see victory for Ukraine and Putin being put back in his box. I also hope that tonally our political narrative remains passionate and robust but returns to being decent and respectful of others.
So, may I wish you, your family, friends and all who are fortunate enough to call North Dorset home, the happiest and peaceful of Christmases and the very best for the New Year and the exciting promise that heralds.
