AS I look to 2015, I reflect that my first four years as an MP have flown past. The 2015 General Election campaigning is already under way, but it seems like only yesterday I stood on the balcony of the White Hart and stood up in Parliament for the first time.
The machine of Government never seems to stop turning and it constantly feels like there is so much more to do – even with an election on the horizon.
When the Coalition was first formed, many were sceptical that it would stay the course. In Government, we had to make tough decisions about spending and ensure that we lived within our means.
We will leave behind the fastest-growing economy in the G7, with 1.7 million more people in employment. In Salisbury, unemployment has halved and youth unemployment is down by two-thirds. With pay rising above inflation for the first time this year, I am optimistic that the recovery will flourish next year, enabling hardworking local families to feel the benefits of rising prosperity.
As Parliament comes to an end, I will still be working hard to deliver on issues that remain a priority. Firstly, I want to ensure that the money that has been allocated for the long overdue A303 upgrade is protected to reassure those who might be sceptical that a future unsympathetic Government will withdraw it. Secondly, I will fight to ensure Porton Down remains a world-class hub of scientific excellence and that the best possible future can be achieved for it. In particular, I want to see its full potential finally unleashed and will continue to lobby Ministers right up until May to make sure they recognise its true value. Thirdly, I will continue to work as vice-chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Hunger and Food Poverty to advocate that the recommendations of our recent report should be implemented and to see more surplus food redistributed to charity.
There is, of course, more to do, both nationally and locally, and I will be fighting hard for a Conservative majority Government in 2015 to finish the job we started.
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