Evesham’s MP Nigel Huddleston writes for the Observer…..
I WAS deeply honoured to be appointed as the new Financial Secretary to the Treasury by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the recent government reshuffle.
While I thoroughly enjoyed my previous role as Minister for International Trade—in which I collaborated with an excellent team led by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch MP—I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I am now working closely with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt MP and the new Treasury team. Within just 15 hours of being appointed, I was answering Treasury Questions at the despatch box in the House of Commons and working on the Autumn Statement.
Earlier this month, I attended the State Opening of Parliament, during which His Majesty the King outlined the government’s key priorities and legislative agenda for this parliamentary session. It was a very grand affair—befitting the first King’s Speech in over 70 years—but along with the pageantry came some serious content.
There was a focus on measures to grow the economy and keep people safe, including introducing tougher sentences for the most serious crimes.
I was also pleased to see commitments to introduce bills on policy areas that I have personally worked on in my recent ministerial roles, including a bill resulting from the fan-led review of football and a bill to bring into force our new membership of the Indo-Pacific Trade bloc called CPTPP (the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership).
While many of us are looking towards Christmas and planning time with loved ones, we are acutely aware of the crisis and conflict throughout the world—including in Ukraine and the Middle East. Many constituents have reached out to me to express their support for the people of Israel following the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October, and to also raise concerns about the humanitarian situation unfolding in Gaza.
I back the Prime Minister in supporting Israel’s right to defend itself within the boundaries of international law and while taking every possible step to avoid harming civilians. The government has also committed tens of millions of pounds of humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza.
Over the coming weeks, I will be busy getting settled in my new ministerial role and getting out and about across Mid Worcestershire, visiting businesses, schools, and charities. A highlight will be Small Business Saturday on 25 November, an annual event to help promote, celebrate, and support our small businesses. I call on my constituents to ‘shop local’ to support these vital businesses that do so much to sustain our community.
As ever, if you have specific concerns then please do contact my office at [email protected].
