As I write this, an initial version of Sue Gray’s report into alleged Downing Street parties during periods of Covid restrictions has been delivered to No 10. The report is expected to be made available for the public to read before Prime Minister Boris Johnson addresses the Commons later today (Monday). I have said I would withhold judgement until seeing the report and considering its findings. I will outline my position in next week’s column.
On Friday, I joined my colleague Rt Hon Mark Harper MP across the River Wye in Tidenham. We met with Richard John and Mark Hawthorne, the respective leaders of Monmouthshire County Council and Gloucestershire County Council, and heads of council departments to discuss the ongoing traffic issues in and around Chepstow. The meeting was an opportunity to look at ways in which we can lend our support, as Members of Parliament, to finding a long-term answer. Both Mark and I are fully aware of the significance of this infrastructure problem, which requires a cross-border solution. We have seen first-hand the tailbacks and delays caused by the A48 pinch point and have received large amounts of correspondence from residents impacted by congestion. For the Forest of Dean, it is important to find a solution that will help those many hundreds of commuters who travel through Chepstow for work in Bristol and South Wales. For Monmouthshire residents, the project needs to address the gridlock and delays on Hardwick Hill and the resulting air quality concerns. It was a productive meeting and highlighted a shared commitment moving forward. Each of the political leaders and heads of council departments outlined their vision, with both councils promising to do further work and report back. Mark and I will continue to hold regular cross-border meetings and updates on progress will follow.
Congratulations to Monmouth Comprehensive School for three fantastic live performances of Grease over the weekend. I am a bit biased as one of my children took part, but what a high-energy way to lift our spirits in January! I don’t want to single anyone out and it would be unfair to do so as they were all outstanding. However, I have a genuine feeling we are going to hear a lot from some of the cast members in future. My mother thought the production should be on the West End and I agree it was absolutely brilliant! I know how hard the cast and crew worked to keep up their rehearsal schedules. A huge shout out to the teachers involved too as I imagine it must have been just as nerve-wracking for them. It was great to see everyone enjoying themselves and I very much look forward to the next show.
*Published in the Monmouthshire Beacon on 2 February 2022 and the Abergavenny Chronicle on 3 February 2022*