On Tuesday the State Opening of Parliament marked the start of the “parliamentary year”. The King’s Speech set out the Government’s proposed policies and legislation for this parliamentary session.
It contained a very full and positive set of proposals.
Among the measures announced was the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill which will bolster our energy security. We will also legislate to restrict the sale of marketing and vapes to children and ensure no one aged 14 or under will ever be sold cigarettes.
The Leasehold and Freehold Bill will empower leaseholders with greater rights and protections. In addition, we will imprison for longer those who pose the greatest risk to society.
Away from Westminster, I know that many in Horsham will be looking forward to Horsham FC’s FA Cup first round replay match against Barnsley next week after Horsham held Barnsley to an incredible 3-3 draw last Friday.
Many congratulations to Horsham on this tremendous result. I am delighted that many of the supporters who could not make it to Barnsley will now be able to watch the match on home “turf” (not that it is!) It will be a thrilling match and I wish the Hornets the very best of luck.
Horsham FC is one of those institutions which span many decades, with records of the club dating back as far as 1871. Horsham reached the first round of the FA Cup for the first time in 1947 and it is moving to think of those who played for the club and later died protecting our country and defending our freedom in the First and Second World Wars.
On Sunday we will be coming together to mark Remembrance Day and to reflect on the service and sacrifice of all those that sacrificed their lives for freedom in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. It is also a moment to think of those who continue to protect us through serving in our Armed Forces.
Remembrance Sunday events will be held throughout the area to commemorate those who lost their lives, including the commemoration held in Horsham’s Carfax from10.30am, followed by a service at St Mary’s.
