If my recent round of local school assemblies is anything to go by then the future of UK politics is in safe hands. I’ve enjoyed recent visits to Haydon Wick & Rodbourne Cheney Primary Schools where pupils have enjoyed my school assembly in which we recreate Parliament, and pupils get to pass a school parliamentary bill based on what they would like to see – on both occasions it was more school sport. In only one assembly did the King choose not to grant royal assent, though thankfully changing his mind when met with a chorus of disapproval, thus narrowly avoiding a school constitutional crisis!
As many will know, I am passionate about supporting independent businesses and I recently met with the Nationwide Caterers Association on behalf of the many local restaurants, cafes, and takeaways I have been engaging with. It gave an interesting insight into how we can better support independent businesses who are competing with the big national chains, and how Government can further support them too. I will continue to raise these issues in Parliament as I have done in the past and will continue to meet with the NCA to discuss the latest, topical issues.
Thank you also to the Swindon & Cricklade Railway for hosting an introductory meeting for their very exciting plans for new facilities which will incorporate the restoration of General Steam Navigation. The Swindon & Cricklade Railway is a much loved and popular local service, so I have no doubt there will be strong local community support. I have fed in several suggestions on how to strengthen the bid including working with a wide a range of local community groups, including all the local schools, Parish Council’s, and the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. As someone from a family of steam enthusiasts, they had my support from the off!
Unfortunately, this week has been overshadowed by the horrific events that we witnessed over the weekend in Israel: Teenagers murdered at a peace festival, women raped and dragged through the streets, homes invaded, children kidnapped, and babies beheaded. All perpetrated by Hamas – a proscribed terrorist group whose aim is the destruction of the only Jewish state.
What has made these events even worse has been the demonstrations on the streets of UK cities, many of which have appeared to be celebrating these horrific, medieval acts of brutality, and expressing solidarity with terrorists. Every single person who expresses support for Hamas, as with any other terrorist organisation, should feel the full force of the law. It is a disgrace that in 2023 Jewish people are still living in fear. This situation is much more complex than those taking to the streets and screeching ‘solidarity’ can ever begin to get their heads around. It involves strongly held religious beliefs on both sides, and complex territorial issues which is rooted in a history that goes back thousands of years.
It is important to distinguish between Hamas and Palestinians. Hamas, like ISIS, should absolutely be rooted out – they have instigated one of the worst Jihadi attacks in history. If not, they will continue to reign terror. In its response, Israel must ensure that innocent Palestinians are not harmed. Protecting civilians – both Israeli and Palestinian – must be the priority. The rest of the world must ensure this happens. Enough innocent men, women and children have been senselessly killed.
