Parliament has gone into recess for the political conference season but I have still had a very busy week at Westminster and around the constituency.
There has been a lot of media comment on the PM’s speech on how we can meet our environmental targets. I recommend people read the speech itself which is nuanced and balanced in its tone, unlike a lot of the commentary.
In Meon Valley we have many homes relying on off-grid gas and oil and I am pleased the PM confirmed that there will be no hasty moves to stop people using boilers. I took this up with Ministers when we were looking at the Energy Bill recently and I am pleased they have listened.
Heat pumps are not a magic solution for every home and we will be hearing more about other sustainable ways we can heat our homes affordably. I know this is something a lot of people are looking for reassurance about. The Conservatives get it.
The UK has shown very clearly that we can have economic growth while transforming our economy. Since 1990 we have reduced our carbon emissions by two-thirds while growing our economy by more than 250%. This is a far better record than many comparable developed countries and we will continue to lead.
I am a member of the Conservative Environment Network and the One Nation group, both of which strongly support our progress towards net zero and a healthier environment. We will still get there on time – the 2050 legally-binding commitment remains.
The challenges of Covid and the invasion of Ukraine have hugely affected our national finances at state and household level and the Prime Minister’s speech is a response to that. You can read the full text of the speech here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-speech-on-net-zero-20-september-2023
On Wednesday I was delighted to attend the careers fair at Kings School in Winchester with Cllr Jan Warwick. This was a very enjoyable opportunity to talk to students about their plans for the future and they are all keenly interested in politics and policy. This came as no surprise to me after having a very mature Meon Valley student who attends Kings doing work experience with me recently.
I am pleased to see the government talking again about reform of school examinations. It really is vital that this includes scrapping GCSEs which you will know is something I am keen to do, teachers are keen to do, and students themselves realise will help them prepare for the key challenges at age 18.
Yesterday I visited Matterley Farm to help celebrate British Food Fortnight. Milk from the cows here makes Jude’s ice cream which many people will know and enjoy.
Our farmers are great stewards of nature and they deserve our support. I have signed an open letter to the major supermarkets asking them to showcase their produce in a dedicated “Buy British” section.
Something you can do to encourage our rural businesses is to take part in the Countryside Alliance Rural Business Awards. Do let me know who you are nominating for these “Rural Oscars” – more details are here: https://www.countryside-alliance.org/campaigns/countryside-alliance-awards/the-countryside-alliance-awards-are-back
Today I met Chief Superintendent Clare Jenkins who is the commander of Hampshire Constabulary’s Eastern District now that the changes to the way the force is structured are complete. There will be a clearer link between police and the communities they serve and I know that will reassure people.
Clare has been on the force for more than 30 years working in the area she now oversees. Cllr Patricia Stallard joined me and we covered a lot of ground. I think the changes PCC Donna Jones and the new Chief Constable Scott Chilton have made will bring great benefits and make full use of the growing number of officers Hampshire Constabulary has.
We are now getting the changeable and showery weather we expect in autumn but I hope you find some sunshine over the weekend!
