Since my last update, like every other Conservative MP eligible, I took part in the confidence motion on the PM's leadership earlier this month.
I had not submitted a letter calling for a vote, and was not involved in any whipping operation against the Prime Minister - nor am I aware any such coordination took place, rather I believe the vote was a spontaneous reflection of the mood of the parliamentary party.
I had previously expressed, both to the PM personally and in public comment, that while his leadership has been characterised by making many of the big calls correctly, it has also been buffeted by many challenges, too many self-inflicted. I believe we need to restore integrity, rebuild competence and refresh our vision to meet the significant difficulties which lie ahead for our country.
So when faced with a vote, I voted against the Prime Minister. But the result was clear – that a majority of the Conservative parliamentary party still feel the Prime Minister is the right person to lead this Government.
He may be able to draw a line under current concerns, and he now has another opportunity to prove to me, and the other 147 MPs with sufficient reservations to have voted against him, that he is willing to change and act accordingly. I sincerely hope he does so.
I have received several comments from constituents about the Prime Minister and the impact of the by-election results in Devon and West Yorkshire, which follow on form the loss closer to home in North Shropshire last December. We absolutely do have to restore the public's faith in the integrity of politicians and our democracy. I shall endeavour to play my part to the best of my ability.
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Whatever one makes of the PM, it is undeniable he has shown real international leadership on support for Ukraine, at a time when other Western countries with the clear ability to support Ukraine dithered and equivocated. This is quite clear from the high regard with which he is held by both President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the Ukrainian people. Last week the PM visited Ukraine for a second time, where he offered to launch a major training operation for Ukrainian forces, with the potential to train up to 10,000 soldiers every 120 days.
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Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee was a brilliant weekend, with many celebrations across South Shropshire, alongside the big national events. I joined several Jubilee events locally, including above at Ackleton, where there was a fantastic effort by Ackleton Community Group, who encouraged almost everyone in the village to dress up their home or garden magnificently to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.
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Continuing the fight against Sewage pollution
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Calling out politicisation of sewage pollution campaigning
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Last week I opened a Backbench Business debate in the House of Commons on the government’s Strategic Policy Statement to Ofwat. Despite the dry title, this is an incredibly important issue for those of us who care about ending sewage pollution, since it is the primary mechanism through which the Government influence the water regulator, Ofwat, to refocus priorities for capital expenditure by the water companies in England. You can read or watch my full speech here.
Unfortunately, while I have been pleased to work with Members on all sides of the House who share my passion for our rivers and waterways over the past few years, (I paid tribute to the work of many opposition MPs during the debate) I am afraid there have been several attempts from the Liberal Democrats to politicise this issue in recent months. I have spent too long building consensus on this issue to allow it to be undermined for the sake of short term political campaigning, and will call it out when I see it - as you can see from the video above.
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Additional support with the cost of living
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The combined effect of the war in Ukraine and global inflationary pressures mean the cost of living is rising sharply for everyone in South Shropshire. While it is impossible for any government to solve every problem, the Chancellor has announced some very welcome targeted support, worth an extra £15 billion, to help the most vulnerable households with up to £1,200.
The initial £200 rebate for every household the government announced in February has been turned into a £400 cash grant for every household, delivered by energy suppliers from October, with payments spread over six months.
Over 8 million of the most vulnerable households will be directly sent a one-off cash payment of £650, paid out from DWP in two separate instalments, with the first due from 14th July and the second in the Autumn. Payments from HMRC for those on Tax Credits will follow one month later. All those who live in the UK and are in receipt of Universal Credit, Jobseekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Pension Credit are eligible.
In addition, to help vulnerable pensioners with energy bills, all existing recipients of the Winter Fuel Allowance will be sent an additional one-off £300 cash payment, due to be paid out automatically in November/December.
For the nearly 6 million people who receive disability benefits – including Personal Independence Payments, Disability Living Allowance, and Attendance Allowance – there will be an additional one-off cash payment worth £150, paid out from DWP in September.
The government is also providing an additional £500 million for the existing Household Fund from October, to ensure local councils can support those not covered by the above set of payments. Local councils will continue to have discretion over exactly how the funding is used.
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Speeding up NHS decision making
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The PM agrees we need to speed up NHS decision making
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Earlier this month I raised with the Prime Minister the delays in approving the £312m capital investment secured for the NHS Transformation Programme in Shropshire, which are are holding back major improvements to our acute hospital services. Patients in South Shropshire should not have to wait even longer. I am pleased the PM agrees we need not only to level up, but speed up, the decision making process, to approve the business case which was submitted this month to NHS England.
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The Ludlow Eco Carnival, launching last weekend's Ludlow Fringe Festival, was a great success - well attended and enjoyed by local residents despite the drizzle, with lots of young people in particular excited to be involved.
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Visiting Bridgnorth Cliff Railway
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Last month I visited Bridgnorth Cliff Railway with Mayor Karen Sawbridge, and was pleased to learn from Dr Malvern Tipping, who has owned Cliff Railway since 2011, that this important heritage asset in Bridgnorth has managed to continue trading despite closures through the pandemic. It has recently benefitted from a significant investment in the drive mechanism, to ensure public safety for many years to come.
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Last month, Barclays Bank announced that they will be closing their branches in Ludlow and Bridgnorth from August.
I am extremely disappointed that Barclays have chosen to abandon loyal customers in South Shropshire. While more banking is done online and via mobile devices than in the past, there remains a cohort of customers – who are often elderly or vulnerable – for whom access to a physical branch remains important. Many charities who handle cash also rely on having a physical banking branch nearby.
I contacted Barclays as soon as I heard of the closure announcement and held a meeting with senior management to make clear my anger at this move, and to ask them to reconsider. Having had other branches close locally in the past, I am not hopeful of changing their mind, but I am making the case nonetheless. They are confirming what kind of continued face-to-face access to banking services they will provide after the branches close in August.
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Action to stop further Clun bridge damage
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I was in Clun last week to see the impact of HGV drivers being directed down unsuitable roads by satnav, and will be raising the issue with the Transport Minister. It is not just a county-wide issue but a national one and although the signage does advise drivers vehicles of more than 10m that it is not suitable, but this is difficult to enforce - drivers are increasingly reliant on electronic navigation systems, which in my view need to be marked to identify 'pinch points' for HGVs.
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Visit to SASH in Craven Arms
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Congratulations to SASH (Shropshire Association for Supported Housing) who celebrated their 50th birthday last week. I visited with local Shropshire Councillor David Evans to thank staff for their brilliant work helping provide a home, security and support to residents with mental health challenges over the past half century.
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I am resuming my regular advice surgeries in person, around the major towns across the constituency. You can make appointments via email or by phone to my constituency office 01584 872187.
With kind regards
Philip
Rt Hon Philip Dunne
MP for Ludlow
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