DR BEN SPENCER MP
In my previous article I wrote about the delight of shops and pubs reopening. Since then even more restrictions have lifted and we can enjoy indoor hospitality, going to the cinema, and seeing friends inside. We can now meet friends and family and socialise in comfort!
From the letters and emails I get from constituents, to the end of the last Parliamentary session and the Queen’s Speech marking the start of the new, the general feeling is that we have turned a corner and from months of uncertainty we are now able to focus on planning for the future.
While there is undoubtedly a lot to do, supporting education and health services recover from the disruption and delay experienced, drive forward our local priorities of getting our flood defences built and improving local infrastructure, underpinning all of this is the desire to improve lives and invest in our community. And to do this, we must ensure a strong economy, both locally and nationally, to create the jobs and opportunities that drive growth and prosperity, and allow us to invest in and improve public services.
I am delighted that this was reflected in the Government priorities set out in the Queen’s Speech, especially the focus on ensuring lifelong access to education and training, enshrining the Lifetime Skills Guarantee in law. This will help those most affected by the pandemic through loss of jobs or opportunities and deliver a skilled and flexible workforce which attract further business and jobs.
Runnymede and Weybridge is a great example of the opportunities available when you combine great people, great business and great infrastructure, but by planning for the future and prioritising skills I believe we can be even better.