December 27, 2016 8.00 am
This story is over 67 months old
Reflections 2016: Karl McCartney – What a year in Westminster and in Lincoln!
What a year in Westminster and in Lincoln. I have been involved in politics for over 30 years now and I have never seen such a momentous 12 months, let alone been involved in it. If in January you would have told me we would have a new Prime Minister, Donald Trump as President-elect in…
Lincoln MP Karl McCartney. | Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter
I have been involved in politics for over 30 years now and I have never seen such a momentous 12 months, let alone been involved in it.
If in January you would have told me we would have a new Prime Minister, Donald Trump as President-elect in the US and Jeremy Corbyn would be overwhelmingly re-elected Labour leader, I would have shook my head in disbelief.
It is different on Brexit of course – I always believed a resounding Leave vote would happen.
What these events show is a general disenchantment with the direction of politics with a growing void between the public and the ‘Establishment’ – government, big businesses, ‘experts’, media and trade unions (I still find it staggering that no one in the ‘labour’ movement has questioned the TUC specifically, who urged its members to vote Remain and were roundly ignored).
I am confident that the new Prime Minister will bridge this gap over the coming years but it does show that politicians should never take the public for granted.
On Brexit, I always felt that if there was the opportunity for a referendum, the British public would be brave enough to vote Leave, and so it proved.
My key reflection is that the public are far wiser and more independent than the ‘Establishment’ gives them credit for.
You can only scare people into supporting your opinion, if you already have them on side. This is why Project Fear did not work because many of those (not all) did not have the credibility to frighten voters.
Having Tony Blair and Lord Peter Mandelson promoting a Remain vote was a gift that kept on giving and I see that Labour’s Mayor of London has now appointed Lord Mandelson as a Brexit advisor…
The fact that the economy is still growing and unemployment is falling shows those who predicted economic meltdown did not have the good sense that the British public has.
From a local perspective, Lincoln is now the jewel in the crown for the whole of the East Midlands, if not, the whole country. Business is booming, tourism rising, universities thriving, unemployment falling and crime tumbling.
We also have a fantastic civic community with charities and volunteers playing their full part in making Lincoln an exciting, vibrant and welcoming place.
This is all before we recognise the fantastic heritage that we have with our magnificent castle, cathedral and Magna Carta.
It is worth reflecting that after years of constantly knocking on the right doors in Whitehall and raising my voice in Westminster, it does pay off in the end.
This year, we have seen the successful completion of the Lincoln East West Link Road, a vital footbridge over the railway line in the city centre and last month we had the re-confirmation of the full funding of the single carriageway Eastern Bypass – a project that will start in 2017.
I was able to help the city and county councils and others obtain the permission and funding they required to make all these projects happen.
In the case of the Eastern Bypass I have always said a dual carriageway is the best, and needed, solution. It is a shame county councillors in South Lincolnshire do not agree with me.
These infrastructure projects, with many more to come, are vital to keeping our county and city moving and growing. Perseverance pays off.
I am already excited about 2017 for both the country and Lincoln. Next year, we will be taking the next vital steps in regaining control of our country and the city will continue to bloom.
I also hope that after what seems to have been a turbulent 2016, next year will be calmer…
Finally, I would like to say thank you to everyone who has played a part in Lincoln’s success story and also to those who have helped me play my part. A great city like this only succeeds with everyone working in partnership together. Thank you.
New Year’s resolutions
Personal
Personal resolutions are always the hardest to keep! Play more football, rugby and cricket, eating healthier, and especially keeping away from the House of Commons’ rock cakes.
If all else fails, being able to cheer Liverpool onto a Premier League title in 2017 is one resolution that I will definitely keep.
Professional
Brexit, Brexit and Brexit!
Karl McCartney is the Conservative MP for Lincoln.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
December 26, 2016 8.52 am
This story is over 67 months old
Reflections 2016: Karl McCartney – What a year in Westminster and in Lincoln!
What a year in Westminster and in Lincoln. I have been involved in politics for over 30 years now and I have never seen such a momentous 12 months, let alone been involved in it. If in January you would have told me we would have a new Prime Minister, Donald Trump as President-elect in…
Former Lincoln MP Karl McCartney. Photo: Steve Smailes/The Lincolnite
I have been involved in politics for over 30 years now and I have never seen such a momentous 12 months, let alone been involved in it.
If in January you would have told me we would have a new Prime Minister, Donald Trump as President-elect in the US and Jeremy Corbyn would be overwhelmingly re-elected Labour leader, I would have shook my head in disbelief.
It is different on Brexit of course – I always believed a resounding Leave vote would happen.
What these events show is a general disenchantment with the direction of politics with a growing void between the public and the ‘Establishment’ – government, big businesses, ‘experts’, media and trade unions (I still find it staggering that no one in the ‘labour’ movement has questioned the TUC specifically, who urged its members to vote Remain and were roundly ignored).
I am confident that the new Prime Minister will bridge this gap over the coming years but it does show that politicians should never take the public for granted.
On Brexit, I always felt that if there was the opportunity for a referendum, the British public would be brave enough to vote Leave, and so it proved.
My key reflection is that the public are far wiser and more independent than the ‘Establishment’ gives them credit for.
You can only scare people into supporting your opinion, if you already have them on side. This is why Project Fear did not work because many of those (not all) did not have the credibility to frighten voters.
Having Tony Blair and Lord Peter Mandelson promoting a Remain vote was a gift that kept on giving and I see that Labour’s Mayor of London has now appointed Lord Mandelson as a Brexit advisor…
The fact that the economy is still growing and unemployment is falling shows those who predicted economic meltdown did not have the good sense that the British public has.
From a local perspective, Lincoln is now the jewel in the crown for the whole of the East Midlands, if not, the whole country. Business is booming, tourism rising, universities thriving, unemployment falling and crime tumbling.
We also have a fantastic civic community with charities and volunteers playing their full part in making Lincoln an exciting, vibrant and welcoming place.
This is all before we recognise the fantastic heritage that we have with our magnificent castle, cathedral and Magna Carta.
It is worth reflecting that after years of constantly knocking on the right doors in Whitehall and raising my voice in Westminster, it does pay off in the end.
This year, we have seen the successful completion of the Lincoln East West Link Road, a vital footbridge over the railway line in the city centre and last month we had the re-confirmation of the full funding of the single carriageway Eastern Bypass – a project that will start in 2017.
I was able to help the city and county councils and others obtain the permission and funding they required to make all these projects happen.
In the case of the Eastern Bypass I have always said a dual carriageway is the best, and needed, solution. It is a shame county councillors in South Lincolnshire do not agree with me.
These infrastructure projects, with many more to come, are vital to keeping our county and city moving and growing. Perseverance pays off.
I am already excited about 2017 for both the country and Lincoln. Next year, we will be taking the next vital steps in regaining control of our country and the city will continue to bloom.
I also hope that after what seems to have been a turbulent 2016, next year will be calmer…
Finally, I would like to say thank you to everyone who has played a part in Lincoln’s success story and also to those who have helped me play my part. A great city like this only succeeds with everyone working in partnership together. Thank you.
New Year’s resolutions
Personal
Personal resolutions are always the hardest to keep! Play more football, rugby and cricket, eating healthier, and especially keeping away from the House of Commons’ rock cakes.
If all else fails, being able to cheer Liverpool onto a Premier League title in 2017 is one resolution that I will definitely keep.
Professional
Brexit, Brexit and Brexit!
Karl McCartney was the Conservative Lincoln MP between 2010 and 2017. He is now the Conservative candidate for the city for the next general elections.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
We are investigating following a house fire where a man has sadly died.
Officers were called to the incident in Farrow Road, Spalding, at 1.03am today (7 August) following reports of what was described as an explosion. The property has suffered 100% damage.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services and members of the public who offered assistance, a man in his 50’s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
His next of kin have been informed.
Another man who is thought to have been passing by the property and offered his help suffered burn injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, and we are keeping an open mind as experts from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service investigate today. We would encourage people not to speculate while we investigate the cause.
Officers will remain in the area for the next few days carrying out enquiries.
Anyone who saw or heard anything, or captured the incident on doorbell camera or dashcam is asked to contact us. There are a number of ways to get in touch:
You can call us on 101 quoting incident number 43 of 7 August.
You can email: [email protected] incident number 43 of 7 August in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or you can give information anonymously online
Lincolnshire 30 Under 30, The Lincolnite‘s showcase of young up and coming talent and high achievers, is open for nominations.
Thanks to our sponsors, Sparkhouse, Ringrose Law, Streets Chartered Accountants, Lincoln College and The Strait & Narrow, publishers Stonebow Media are organising the celebration of Lincolnshire’s promising talent for this autumn.
In 2021 we received almost 200 nominations for our county’s rising stars and and we’re seeking those who have shone over the past twelve months from entrepreneurs, to athletes, artists and rapidly developing professionals.
We’re looking to hear from inspirational young achievers from all backgrounds and professional fields. You can nominate yourself, or someone you know personally or professionally who is making our county proud.
Nominations are open for people from across Greater Lincolnshire (from the Humber to the Wash), either living or working in our region (and beyond!)
Entries close on September 9. A reception event is scheduled for Thursday, November 10, at the Lincoln Cathedral Chapterhouse. Check out the 2021 celebration.
Why this matters
The Lincolnite’s 30 Under 30 showcase is a celebration of the best and brightest in Lincolnshire, putting our young talent on the map regionally and nationally.
Stonebow Media’s platform and channels reach unparalleled audiences, opening up further opportunities and recognition for those involved.