You probably don’t need me to tell you we are living through a period of great economic uncertainty. Across Western Europe and in America successive governments have been borrowing money and running up huge debts for years. A combination of factors has meant that the days of doing this are numbered.
The Coalition Government believes the UK must spend what it earns and cannot continue to rely indefinitely on borrowed money. We are taking tough but necessary measures on benefits, public sector pensions, student financing and much else to get our finances under control.
There is no doubt these decisions will mean that for many people this Christmas there will not be as much to celebrate and I regret that.
It would be easy to look for short term popularity by continuing to borrow, but in my opinion this would be morally and economically wrong. Instead we must do what is right and in the best long-term interests of the country. It means cutting government spending to levels we can afford. If we can get this right then real economic growth and better times will follow.
Following the General Election I took on the role of Chairman of the Welsh Affairs Committee. We have held a number of inquiries into issues such as Severn Bridge tolls and the future of the Welsh Language Broadcaster S4C. Early next year we will begin looking into the problems facing Armed Forces veterans needing ongoing medical care.
In the meantime, I will do whatever I can to ensure Monmouthshire is treated fairly by the Coalition Government in Westminster and the Welsh Government in Cardiff Bay. I will continue to press for action on issues such as ambulance response times and broadband provision across the county. I am always keen to hear from the people I was elected to represent, so please do not hesitate to get in touch.
A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.