The indescribable carnage across Paris overshadows any local gripes and groans that we may have locally. Coming on the back of the downed Russian holiday jet and indiscriminate bombs in the Lebanon, the timid approach that the West has thus far taken has to be well and truly over; now is the time for the world to come together to stamp out this evil for good. Coming just after Remembrance week, it is clear that hate, death and conflict is still very much with us.
On other foreign policy matters, the Prime Minister’s approach to re-negotiation of Britain’s membership of the EU has now been fully aired. My personal view is that he should be asking for much more, and from a position of strength, with a buoyant economy and a strong political mandate. Britain is no longer the sick economy of Europe and the EU in its current form is sclerotic, over-bearing and irrelevant in the modern global world. The entire Schengen open borders policy shows only too clearly its inability to act when a clear and present danger exists. The EU issue has many more miles and months to run before the referendum is held, and I welcome constituents views in the debate.
The Work and Pensions select committee has taken evidence and published a report, with some criticism therein of the short term effects of Tax Credit changes due to come into force from next April. Whilst I remain convinced that fundamental change to the system is necessary (it will go entirely once Universal Credit is fully rolled out by 2020), the immediate losses to working families on low earnings requires mitigation, which is what the report calls for.
Kent MPs went in force to meet the Chancellor with a well considered and costed solution to Operation Stack, requiring, in our view, a £100m investment for a permanent M20 lorry park and facility. Operation Stack doesn’t just affect Kent, it is detrimental to the entire UK economy and needs a permanent answer.
On a lighter note I was pleased to visit The Broadstairs Town Shed, a fantastic project aimed at getting the older generation out in the community with woodworking projects. The idea was founded in Australia and combats loneliness in a unique way. It will be open during Broadstairs Christmas Fayre from December 5th; worth a look.
Outside of usual Parliamentary business in the Commons and in committees I am continuing to pursue options for the Port of Ramsgate and Manston airport. It is clear that Thanet District Council have simply given up on these unique local assets: I haven’t.