In her new year message Theresa May made clear her intention to reunite the country in 2017. We will no longer be the 52 per cent who voted Leave and the 48 per cent who voted Remain, but instead, a great union of people and nations that has a proud history and a bright future.
As we look to exit the European Union and respect the democratic will of the people, Theresa May has confirmed her commitment to get the right deal for everybody – not just for those who voted to leave – but for every single person in this country.
After all it is unity that has allowed us to achieve so much. A unity that stretches from each corner of the UK and that can be seen throughout local communities.
I am lucky to be in a position that allows me to be able to see the union of people in action – from sports teams to armed forces; businesses to charities; schools to hospitals; and, above all, through our union of communities and families here in Swindon.
Elsewhere the baubles and Christmas tree has now been taken down (trees collected on the same day alongside your wheelie bin!) and most people are now back at work. It is always hard after the festive period but as ever I have thrown myself back into constituency meetings this week as well as returning for the start of Parliament.
I will be especially busy preparing for a debate which I have secured in Parliament next Tuesday on the implementation of the sugar levy and how we can ensure that it directly benefits school sport. Many will know that I have always supported and campaigned for more activities (whether it be sports clubs, Scouts, Girl Guides etc) for our young people.
This is grounded upon the fact that I managed to stay out of trouble when I was younger (unlike many of my school friends/class mates) simply because I was too preoccupied playing sport. I am also very aware that we now have an obesity crisis in this country which is affecting many of our nation’s youngsters. If we do not act now, we will be doing a huge disservice to young people across our country.
That’s why I welcomed the former Chancellor’s announcement that he would be raising funds for school sport through a levy on the soft drinks industry. Crucially though, I want to make sure that the money raised will make a tangible difference and have a visible impact on school sports; rather than allowing the revenues to be swallowed up by existing budgets. This is why I requested the debate to allow myself and other MPs to ensure that the Department of Education listens and produces new initiatives and projects as a result of this funding.
Finally, today I will be meeting with Forward Swindon.
Many will know that I have been critical of the organisation which is tasked with delivering (much needed) town centre regeneration, especially at a time Swindon Borough Council has difficult decisions to make to meet the rising costs of Adult Social Care.
Savings aside, I am still to be convinced that the cost of their work is more helpful to securing regeneration than directly incentivising new retailers to our town centre. It is new shops, not more strategy meetings we need!
