Well, another difficult year draws to a close. We always knew that there would be some consequences to the periods of lockdown during the pandemic. You can't just pause the whole economy and furlough people to stay at home for the best part of two years and then hope that everything will resume as before. The pandemic created lasting pressures and problems globally which governments around the world, including our own, are wrestling with and it has all been exacerbated by the energy price spike caused by Putin's war in Ukraine.
Despite all of the difficulties, it is good to finally be free of the restrictions of the pandemic. A few weeks ago, I attended the turning on of the Christmas lights in Camborne which saw a fantastic turnout and there have been similar events across Cornwall. People have bounced back in the most resilient way. It was especially good to see our local schools out in such strength. It is great to see people returning to these public events in such numbers.
As we turn the page on another difficult year, here are my priorities and hopes for the year ahead. Firstly, I hope for peace in Ukraine. The Russian aggression has been appalling and the bravery of Ukraine inspiring. We need to see this conflict end with Russia withdrawing its forces and leaving its neighbor in peace. Secondly, we need to get inflation under control. It erodes standards of living and incomes. Ending the conflict in Ukraine will help if gas prices fall but there were other supply chain disruptions globally before that which also need to settle. Thirdly, while our NHS focused on the pandemic, other health issues were put to one side, and we now have a backlog of operations exacerbated by staff shortages in doctors’ surgeries which are creating a real problem that must be addressed in the months ahead.
For my own political party, there is no getting away from the fact that it has been a very difficult year with two Prime Ministers falling from power in such a short space of time. The important thing now is to put those episodes behind us and focus on the future. The next twelve months will be a crucial period when we need Rishi Sunak to provide calm and balanced judgment as Prime Minister to navigate a difficult economic situation. It is not even a matter of politics at this stage. The next election is still two years away and people will have plenty of time to work out what they want in the future. For now, there is an immediate task at hand which is going to take all the attention of the government and MPs of all parties to get the right outcome for our country.
Nonetheless, we should also be looking ahead to 2023 and the chance to turn the corner, to put this year behind us. Despite the uncertainty we face, Christmas must be a time for hope and optimism. It is an opportunity to speak to family members and spend time with friends without the frequent pressures of work or normal life.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!
