EVESHAM’s MP Nigel Huddleston writes for the Observer..
It has been another rather turbulent month in Westminster. Rishi Sunak was elected as the Conservative Party leader and, on the 25th October, he met King Charles III and was asked to form a government as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. I am proud to say that in addition to reconfirming my role as Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury (Government Whip), the new Prime Minister also appointed me as a Minister in the Department for International Trade. I have known Rishi Sunak for a long time and have every confidence that he has the skills and temperament to lead us through the difficult times ahead.
In addition to getting stuck into my new brief at the Department for International Trade – including oral questions in the chamber of the House of Commons and visits to various export conferences and events – I have also been pleased to attend a number of events and meetings on behalf of my constituents in Westminster. I am proud to represent so many excellent farmers and growers in Worcestershire, and so a particular highlight this month was marking ‘Back British Farming Day’ in Westminster with the National Farmers’ Union. I was also very pleased recently to host a group of journalism students from the University of Worcester in Parliament.
We recently marked Remembrance Day. In addition to attending a moving service of remembrance in the constituency this year, I was honoured to place a cross on behalf of all of my constituents in Parliament’s Constituency Garden of Remembrance. We will never forget the sacrifices that have been made in the service of our nation.
Finally, I know that times are tough for many at the moment. The twin economic shocks of the coronavirus pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have had an enormous impact on the global economy and our national finances. For example, the Government’s fiscal response to Covid-19 amounted to more than £400 billion. On 17th November, the Chancellor delivered a vital Autumn Statement along with a full Office for Budget Responsibility forecast. The Statement outlined government’s tax and spending plans and will no doubt impact every household in some way. In the meantime if you are struggling with the cost of living you can find details on what support is available on the gov.uk website where you can also find information on income and disability benefits, allowances, childcare, housing and more.”
