As June draws to a close, the country is once again gripped by industrial action on a scale not seen on the railways for over 30 years. The Conservative Government is paralysed by its own internal division, its only means of survival is to create more discord in society, and then feed off the chaos. This is exactly what we’re witnessing with the rail strikes. The Government refuses to come to the table and broker a solution and then fans the flame of the conflict by laying all blame at the feet of the RMT and Labour. These are the disgraceful tactics of a government out of ideas and out of fuel. Its single mission has become to protect Boris Johnson at all costs. In Parliament, I have been urging all sides to get back around the table and negotiate a solution. The country needs leadership that only Labour can provide.
The PM not only lacks support from his MPs, but the moral authority demanded by the office. The resignation of the Government’s ethics advisor speaks volumes about the culture and misconduct at the heart of Downing Street. I raised this in the House just a few weeks ago. Whilst there is much to be disheartened about, Labour is providing a strong opposition and is increasingly looking like a government in waiting.
Earlier this month, we all came together to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Like many, I particularly enjoyed watching the celebrations and joining in with street-parties across Huddersfield. It was a privilege to be able to speak in Parliament on this historic occasion. The Jubilee celebrations demonstrated that we have more in common than what divides us, people from all backgrounds were able to come together and enjoy the weekend as one community. This is in stark contrast to a Tory Government that is sowing the seeds of more division in our society. It’s important that as a local Labour Party, we remember the importance of fraternity and investing in our community ties. On June 16th we remembered the life of Jo Cox, the former MP for Batley & Spen. Jo’s legacy is one of hope: we are far more united and have far more in common that that which divides us. I remember with pain, but pride, a unique talent, a good friend, neighbour and comrade.
The international situation in Ukraine is looking increasingly fraught. We are seeing slow, but increasing, Russian gains in the Donbass. We were all horrified by the indiscriminate bombing of a shopping centre in Kremenchuk. At this stage in the conflict, we must resist fatigue and recommit to arming and supplying the Ukrainian people with the military and humanitarian aid they so desperately need. The new head of the Army has warned us all of the threat Russia poses. This is a key reminder for those in Parliament of the imperative to forge an Army capable of defending the UK and our allies. For years, I have been warning successive Governments of the short-sightedness of cuts to our Armed Forces. Earlier this month, I reiterated my concerns about Government cuts.
As many of you know, I am a passionate campaigner for clean air. It was a pleasure to attend the Parliamentary event for Clean Air Day 2022. Air pollution is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK and its disastrous impact effects families and communities across our urban areas. This Clean Air Day, I reiterated my call for the Government to take decisive action to reduce levels of toxic air pollution by implementing emissions testing for DPF filters.
As always, please provide me with your thoughts, views and concerns. You can reach me at barry.sheerman.mp@parliament.uk.