Karen Lumley's Westminster Diary

THIS WEEK I have been at party conference back home in Birmingham.

Speeches by various figures including Boris Johnson and the Prime Minister were excellent. They highlighted the key themes of this Government and the recognition that Britain is now in a global race with other powers. We are taking the long-term difficult decisions to help make Britain more competitive and enter into a prosperous future. These decisions are not easy, but without them Britain cannot make the changes needed to compete in the future.

We have seen welfare reform which rewards those who work and strive to get on in life. Huge investment in transport, apprenticeships and manufacturing to help propel future growth. Reforms to public services to make them sustainable and not a massive burden for our children’s generation. Britain bringing home powers from the European Union. The debt deficit brought down by one quarter and one million private sector jobs created.

It is too easy to forget that when we were elected, we were left with the worst mess of any government in post war history, crippled by huge debts. The message from our Prime Minister was clear, the Government is taking the decisions to help clear up the mess but the damage was so deep it will take time. The future of our country cannot be based on unsustainable debt and we recognise this.

If you need to contact me please either write to me at the House of Commons, e-mail me at karen.lumley.mp@parliament.uk or call Andrew or Carole on 01527 591334.

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