This afternoon, I had the privilege of speaking in the debate on the King’s Speech. As residents may know, this outlines the Government’s legislative agenda for the forthcoming parliamentary session. As this was the first such speech since the recent General Election, there was much interest by MPs on all sides as to its contents. Within it, there were some welcome announcements around carry over motions that had failed to be enacted prior to the dissolution of Parliament in May. These motions completed the vital work being undertaken by the last administration and included, amongst several other measures, legislation to safeguard the UK’s domestic football competition. I was, however, concerned to hear that the new Labour Government has decided to push through some of its most controversial commitments so soon.
I am primarily concerned with planning reform and a new tax on education. Constituents have been contacting for some time now about the concerns which they have about these measures and the impact that they could have on both our local communities and the families who call Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner home. I was eager to put on record my disappointment that the new Government hasn’t stopped to listen on these two vital issues, but the bulk of my remarks focused on crime and immigration as that was the theme of today’s debate.
The overriding concern when it comes to immigration, is the lack of a clear plan and I am also worried that much of our excellent work from previous years will be undone as the new Government seeks to rip up the existing rule book for political purposes.
You can watch my full remarks through the video at the top of this page.
