The New Year has always been regarded as a time for hope and optimism. For some, it is a chance to turn over a new leaf, stop smoking or start exercising. For others, it’s a chance to take up a new hobby. As this particularly challenging year draws to a close, it is important that we reflect upon it, but also look ahead to 2023 as an opportunity to get things back on track.
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. 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.
A year ago, the government had a difficult decision to take as Covid cases soared. The strain circulating at the time was far more virulent but also had weaker impacts. The government had to decide whether to succumb to demands for a third lockdown or, instead, accept that the impacts would be far lower and that we had to learn to live with it. Although much of the advice was to be cautious and go for a third lockdown as some other countries did, the Cabinet decision to stay calm and carry on was ultimately vindicated and all those Covid restrictions now seem a distant memory. 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.
This year we have seen incredible bravery and fortitude from the people of Ukraine. President Zelensky and the Ukrainian army have shown extraordinary courage in fighting for their country and the invasion has not gone as President Putin planned. While there have been some horrific images of civilians being caught in the fighting, it is positive that Ukraine has made consistent steps to restoring of their territorial integrity. We can only hope that 2023 will bring a new round of peace talks and a lowering of the threatening rhetoric.
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.
So, as we close the chapter on 2022, let's look ahead to 2023 with hope and optimism. I wish you all a very Happy New Year!
