Welcome to my weekly update no.359
Westminster is reeling from the terrible news about the death of Ann Widdecombe who was one of those politicians who was deeply respected and much-loved by those who knew her, as I did. Meanwhile in the final week before Andy Burnham’s coronation lots of people are wondering what we are letting ourselves in for because frankly no one has the foggiest idea. At least we have a new M&S Foodhall opening in Godalming…
WESTMINSTER WHISPERS
ANN WIDDECOMBE was that rarest of politicians, someone who was exactly the same in private as in public. That spoke to her integrity – you always knew what you got. Her deep-rooted faith, forthright views and personal decency were qualities that shone out which is why people from all sides of Parliament feel a tremendous sense of loss this week. It’s not the moment to speculate on what happened but after the murders of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess (the latter another friend of mine) there is a worry that politics is becoming less civil and more dangerous. I hope that doesn’t happen: one of the most wonderful things about our system is the generally friendly way I am treated on the doorstep by people even when they profoundly disagree with my views. I hope I am the same back. As we remember Ann, let’s not lose that.
IMAGE: JACK TAYLOR/REUTERS
DON’T KILL OFF GROWTH One of the chapters of my book Can We Be Rich Again? is about the link between low taxes and high growth. I am worried lots of people around Andy Burnham seem to think there are easy pickings by raising capital gains tax to income tax levels. Today I wrote an article for the Telegraphexplaining why it would raise less not more money to do so – assuming the Treasury give the same advice to any incoming Chancellor that they gave to me. Instead, we should be encouraging more people to invest their capital, which is a point I made recently on a very plain speaking podcast called The Art of Investing.
FARAGE BIN CAUGHT OUT Last week, Nigel Farage resigned as an MP and immediately put his name forward for the resulting by-election, in what looks suspiciously like an attempt to deflect attention from an inquiry underway into his declaration of donations. Scrutiny on politicians can be tough but is necessary if we are stop corruption. And as I told Sky News, politics is a lot tougher than this if you want to be Prime Minister. Now the poor voters of Clacton must face a pointless by-election. Check out Count Binface’s manifestoif you want to put a smile on your face. Isn’t it time we capped the price of 99's Ice Creams at 99 pence?
DEVO DAMP SQUIB? Devolution has generally failed in the UK. So how should Andy Burnham do things differently as this is clearly a major priority? I look at how it can work well in other countries and what we should do (and not do) here in Wednesday’s Substack email (don’t forget to subscribe if you would like to get it – free of charge and fortnightly). I also talk about it in Friday’s episode of the Daily T with Tim Stanley and Camilla Tominey.
REFLECTIONS Many years ago, Jim Naughtie mispronounced my last name (the first of many to do so!) live on air – much to his horror. He recovered well but I don’t think he’s ever forgotten! I think this because he recently brought it up in our recent interview, which was one of the most thoughtful half hours I have ever done about what it is like to be a politician in Britain today.
LOCAL LIFE
NOT JUST ANY M&S FOODHALL… it's going to be the largest M&S Foodhall in Europe and it's opening in Godalming this Thursday 16th! The new store has been designed around family shopping, with an expanded bakery, fresh produce and kitchen essentials. Great to see this major retailer investing in the area. But with M&S, Sainsbury's and Waitrose all in such close proximity let’s hope we avoid traffic chaos…and don’t forget our lovely high street shops!
THE FOUNTAIN CENTRE WELLBEING GARDEN at the Royal Surrey is a calm beautiful corner which provided a space for families suffering with cancer. Did you know the Royal Surrey Cancer Centre is now the fourth biggest in the country? It is run by a completely independent charity which works collaboratively to providing emotional and wellbeing support along with information and signposting along the journey following a difficult cancer diagnosis. Take a look below:
Click on the image to view the video clip
WOODLAND CHOPPED very sadly we are seeing a number of cases of woodland being destroyed without the necessary licences / consents…. and often just before a planning application is then submitted. Following a particularly distressing case in Alfold, I contacted the Forestry Commission, which has confirmed that it is investigating the matter as a potential criminal offence. And Bramley village is outraged by the felling of another section of woodland now the subject of a planning application. Local people need confidence that when these habitats are protected by law, those protections are meaningful and properly enforced so I have written again to DEFRA and the Forestry Commission - action needs to be taken where breaches have occurred.
SEVERE WILDFIRE WARNING With temperatures soaring and an exceptional wildfire risk forecast for parts of Surrey, including Guildford and Godalming on Wednesday, residents are being urged to take extra care in the countryside. Even a discarded cigarette, disposable barbecue or small spark can quickly lead to a serious blaze in the current dry conditions. Please follow the advice of local fire services and help protect our beautiful landscapes and wildlife during this period of heightened risk.
CYDER HOUSE INN SHACKLEFORD Incredibly sad to learn of the closure of the much-loved Cyder House Inn in Shackleford - another victim of the incredibly difficult trading environment facing the hospitality sector, with rising costs continuing to put enormous pressure on independent pubs across the country. A huge thank you to Chelsey, Shaun and the whole team for everything they have done for the community over the years.
AND FINALLY… with World Cup fever gripping the country, Royal Mail is inviting young people aged 4–18 to send free letters of support to the England squad at World Class Letters, Freepost England, with entries received by 19 July also eligible for a prize draw offering £1,500 of sports kit for a nominated school or club. Fingers, toes and everything else crossed for Wednesday night…
