I WANT to pay tribute to all those who lost their lives serving in our armed forces. It was an honour to lay a wreath at the war memorial in Warwick on Sunday, following a Service of Remembrance at St Mary’s Church. We will always remember their great sacrifices.
Last weekend I also supported Barford residents, who travelled to Oxford to protest plans to build a dangerous and environmental damaging quarry within a few hundred metres of their village. The land for the quarry is owned by St John’s College – Oxford University’s wealthiest college. I joined the protest outside St John’s and spoke in support of Barford’s brave campaign. Warwickshire County Council should also stop these damaging plans.
I was also delighted to attend the Diwali celebration, watch wonderful performances and share the joy of the local Hindu community.
Finally, the Chancellor is delivering a statement this week to try and clear up the mess left by the Conservative’s kamikaze mini-budget in September – which has blown a £30-40 billion hole in the public finances, as well as hiking mortgages payments for many families in our community and de-valuing pensions. Let’s be clear however – we’re here because of 12 years of Conservative government of wasted opportunities and mistakes. Our growth rate since 2010 has been just 1.4 per cent – lower than the OECD average of 2.1 per cent. The UK is the only G7 (i.e. major) country to see negative growth in Q3 this year and is the only G7 economy that is still smaller than its pre-covid level.
Labour would have two priorities going into the Autumn Statement. Firstly, we would be making fairer choices. Instead of ordinary taxpayers footing the bill for Conservative mistakes, we’d introduce a proper windfall tax on energy producers, scrap unfair tax loopholes like non-dom status, and crack down on tax dodging by big business. Secondly, we would be putting forward a proper plan for growth. At the heart of that is our promise to invest in good jobs in British industries through our Green Prosperity Plan. We need a brighter future for Britain.
