This week, Parliament returns, and I will be back in Westminster fighting for Fylde and holding this Government to account.
It has been great to spend so much time out and about across the Fylde constituency over the summer. My team and I have been knocking on doors, running residents’ surveys and holding my regular street surgeries in communities across the area.
Together, we have spoken to thousands of people, and the message from local residents has been loud and clear.
People across Fylde are not fooled by Labour’s latest relaunch. We may now have a new Prime Minister in Andy Burnham, but it is still the same left-wing, tax-rising and benefits-splashing Labour Government. The only real difference is that this Prime Minister has a bit more personality than the last one.
Despite the cheeky northern banter and TikTok videos about bar snacks, Andy Burnham represents continuity, not change.
Families and businesses are still being asked to pay more, while the Government refuses to get a grip on the spiralling benefits bill. People who work hard and do the right thing are being punished with higher taxes, while Labour throws money at a welfare system that is increasingly unsustainable.
Our local businesses need lower taxes, less red tape and a Government that understands how difficult it is to create jobs and keep the doors open. Instead, they face rising costs and yet more interference from Whitehall.
Labour must also get serious about defence. Here in Fylde, thousands of highly skilled jobs depend on our defence industry. Britain must invest properly in our Armed Forces and place further orders for Typhoon aircraft, supporting our national security and securing jobs at BAE Systems in Warton.
These are the priorities residents have raised with me throughout the summer: controlling spending, supporting businesses, strengthening our defences and making sure work always pays.
A new face in Downing Street does not mean a new Government. Andy Burnham may be a better salesman, but he is selling the same failed Labour policies. I will be back in Parliament this week making sure Fylde’s voice is heard loud and clear.
