Last week in the Commons I supported the Home Secretary giving the police the time they needed to do their work after the appalling attack in Salisbury. Especially in circumstances that are so horrific it is too easy to jump to conclusions. As a country we are known for the professionalism of our police and our determination to follow proper process and come to deliberate conclusions. With work completed the country, our allies and above all Russia know that the Prime Minister was speaking this week with total authority. It is possible, if unlikely, that Russia had “mislaid” these military grade nerve agents, otherwise the conclusion is obvious. The Prime Minister is responding today: we cannot allow others to attempt murder and put at risk citizens in our country. There are many ways to influence debate, murder isn’t one of them.
The Chancellor put on another example of calm deliberation this week in the Spring Statement. I welcomed the expected increase in wages above inflation this year and the improvement in productivity that this country has seen over the last 6 months.
The Government deficit has fallen faster than anticipated, our exports are at the highest level for 30 years, unemployment is lower than at any time since the 1970s and productivity is improving. Our national finances are finally getting back to being sustainable. In 2009 the Government borrowed £1 in every £4 it spent, this year it will be £1 in every £18, from next year our national debt will start falling in relative terms – important because we currently spend £50 billion each year just in interest – more than the amount spent on the police and armed forces combined.
However we have to recognise that the economy won’t always grow (others have thought that you can avoid ever having a recession – sadly experience suggests otherwise). There are plenty of challenges ahead and the Chancellor is right to hold fire through the summer and reassess where we stand in the autumn budget. Ultimately though it is a strong economy that enables us to invest and spend more on our valued public services. That will remain the Government’s focus.
Photo caption: With the team from Billingshurst’s Dementia Cafe which brilliantly brings together people living with dementia and their families. Also great to see the Billingshurst firefighters there - the Cafe usually meets in Billingshurst URC but is also planning a visit to the fire station.