MEMBERS of Parliament are often asked to give annual reviews at this time of year; a summary of the last 12 months, and predictions of where the next 12 will take us. Given the prevalence and importance of the issues deriving from the vote to leave the European Union, I think many of these reviews will have one common theme for the next few years.
We all knew, or should have known, that the process of our exit from the European Union would not be straightforward. As Attorney General I have a particular insight into the intricacies of this process, advising the Government on how best to transfer the rules currently set in Brussels to our own statute book. I think it has been made clear by recent parliamentary events that the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill is not a simple “copy and paste” exercise. There will be further legislation next year, and further negotiations with the EU as to what our new relationship will look like. While difficult, the process has not been disastrous, as some in the press would have us believe. Hopefully the next 12 months of reports will not be so negative.
The terror attacks we have faced in London and Manchester this year shocked us all. I pay tribute to the work of those who keep us safe; both our emergency services who came to the aid of victims, and our security services who stop many attacks before they happen. I have also been impressed by the spirit of Londoners and Mancunians, who responded to adversity with remarkable resilience and resolve.
We were not perhaps expecting a General Election in 2017, but I always enjoy the opportunity to get out and meet people in the constituency through the events and public meetings a campaign entails. I’m thankful for the hard work of party volunteers of all parties, and to the voters who chose to support me.
In the past year I have had the chance to meet several of the successful businesses we have in our area, including Aston Martin, Thwaites Manufacturing and Repairtech. I have also spoken with other business leaders at the Chamber of Commerce, the Warwickshire at Parliament Day, Small Business Saturday and the MEPs Business Breakfast. I’ve also seen the hard work of our local teachers while attending a debate at Southam College, presenting prizes at Kineton High School and watching Kenilworth School attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the “Largest Human Image of a Bicycle”.
As with every year there have been high points and low moments to 2017, and I hope we all can have a few more of the former in the year ahead.
Jeremy Wright
