I’m grateful to the Daily Echo for providing space for a regular column, where I offer my ‘View from Westminster’ and provide Echo readers with an update on my campaigns and news from across Southampton Itchen.
In case you missed it, here’s my latest column, which was first published in the Echo last Friday.
It’s been wonderful seeing the city come together this week to commemorate 80 years since the UK and our allies achieved victory in Europe. It’s a sobering reminder that peace comes at great cost, and many people paid the ultimate price in Southampton. I’ve attended events here and in Westminster to honour and remember their sacrifices. And from speaking to many of you, it’s clear that we all share a huge amount of pride and respect for the brave men and women on the home front and in the Armed Forces whose courage and determination still inspires us after 80 years.
We all know that our city played a significant role throughout World War II. Not only did the city endure heavy bombing during the Blitz, it was also the birthplace of the Spitfire, and the departure point for many brave soldiers bound for the Normandy D-Day landings – many of them never to return. With each year that passes, we are conscious of the debt of gratitude we owe to the ever-diminishing number of surviving World War II veterans.
That’s why it was a huge honour to able to mark this occasion with veterans at a special tea party hosted by the Lord Mayor of Southampton. These veterans are now in their 90s and older – commemorating events that they took part in when they were only teenagers – and it was a privilege to speak to them. There are still of course many chances to celebrate and mark this occasion, including at one of the many street parties being held across the city or at the public street party this Sunday in Carlton Place. I hope to see some of you there.
The VE Day celebrations are a timely reminder that we enjoy freedom and democracy thanks to former and current members of our Armed Forces. So the government’s announcement of a new UK-wide ‘Valour’ veteran support system with £50million of investment for support centres is good news. These will provide further support for veterans across housing, employment, health and welfare. This is a real step in the right direction for the more than 3,000 veterans in Southampton Itchen, adding to the work of the Royal British Legion and our own Southampton Veterans’ Trust. They had our backs when they were serving – so it’s right that we have theirs now.
Looking ahead, Parliament continues to be busy. Following a tough set of local election results around the country, the government must listen, and continue to be laser-focused on the hard work of bringing about the positive changes that people expect and need. My focus locally is on supporting the many constituents who get in touch with me every week, and I’ll keep on working to progress some of those important issues that you’ve raised with me – from extortionate service charges, to crime and antisocial behaviour. On that note, if I can help with anything, do please get in touch.
