I find myself writing this article on the final day of 2014 in a quiet moment of reflection over the year that has passed.
2014 was a very positive year for our town. Unemployment dropped by a staggering 56.8% and youth unemployment fell by 55.7%. This means that as we end the year, there are 2,737 more people in Swindon with a job, and 7,400 more people in work since 2010. Our town centre is also on the up as it begins to look ahead to regeneration, something which is visible in the £16.5 million Regent Circus project which is due for completion in the New Year.
In Parliament, I was proud to be made a Parliamentary Private Secretary to Ed Vaizey, the Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, whilst Financial Education was taught in schools across the UK for the first time, after the campaign which I had led secured the subject into the National Curriculum. I was also delighted to be rewarded as the 3rd most helpful MP, out of 650, in terms of helping local residents and dealing with casework.
Nationally, 2014 marked a year that went to the heart of what it means to be British. We marked the Centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, and our United Kingdom thankfully remained united after the outcome of the Scottish referendum.
In 2015 we will see the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, the foundation of modern day democracy, as well as one of the most pivotal General Elections in a generation, as voters go to the polls in May to determine the next Government. For the sake of our economy, our ability to increase spending in our NHS and schools, and our right to have a say on Europe - I hope that it will be a Conservative Government.
For me personally, I have enjoyed every minute of being the MP for my fellow residents here in North Swindon. It has been a huge privilege and I hope to be able to continue the honour after May. I will be working tirelessly over the next few months to demonstrate my endless enthusiasm for promoting Swindon and my determination in helping local residents.
For now, let us be grateful for the events of the past year and remember those who may no longer be with us. For the first time since the First World War and since the withdrawal from Afghanistan, 2015 may mark the year where the British Army is not involved in official combat. Let’s hope that this mark of peace can set a precedent for the year to come. I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
