December 28, 2016 8.30 am
This story is over 67 months old
Reflections 2016: Matt Warman – Our job to seize the opportunities we have with vigour
Christmas is a time to reflect on the year both politically and personally, and 2016 is a year that demands rather more than a few hundred words. Whole books have already been written about Brexit, the ascent of Donald Trump and of course about both David Cameron and Theresa May. It’s trite to suggest that…
Christmas is a time to reflect on the year both politically and personally, and 2016 is a year that demands rather more than a few hundred words. Whole books have already been written about Brexit, the ascent of Donald Trump and of course about both David Cameron and Theresa May.
It’s trite to suggest that both US and UK politics were simply seeing different expressions of the same problems, but it is equally daft to pretend there’s nothing in common.
As we look back it seems likely to me that those who suggest President-elect Trump will be a disaster for the whole world are the successors of those who said that the actor Ronald Reagan was never going to run a country.
Reagan, of course, turned out to be just the Cold War President the world needed, elected in part as a reaction to changing global trends that were affecting Americans at home. He was a President working with an unprecedentedly popular British Prime Minister.
It is, of course, coincidental that the last time there was a Conservative by-election win as big as that we have just seen in Sleaford and North Hykeham it was during the Falklands.
Brexit, meanwhile, attracts just as many naysayers as Mr Trump. Soon the country turns the corner into the year in which we will trigger Article 50 and finally put to bed those fears expressed by some that leaving the EU may not actually happen.
It might finally also put an end to those foolish enough to think the solution to a first referendum result they didn’t like is simply a second vote. Going down that path both undermines democracy itself, and ignores the fact that the referendum of 2016 yielded the result it did because both Brussels and British Europhiles failed to make a convincing case not over weeks of the campaign, but over whole preceding decades.
Locally, 2016 was also the year Lincolnshire said no devolution: this in my view is a multi-billion pound mistake the consequences of which we will live with for years to come.
As neighbouring Cambridgeshire presses ahead with spending the consequent new money, Lincolnshire will struggle with the ongoing under-investment that has blighted local infrastructure in particular.
Eight out of 10 councils voted for devolution, including both Boston Borough and East Lindsey District – it would be perverse if the democratically expressed will of those councils was frustrated by others, and I hope to do all I can to push for greater investment in the area I have the privilege to represent.
It’s been a year Boston has pushed ahead with the much-needed flood barrier, seen broadband speeds improve significantly (on average), when Skegness’ economy has seen further rises in tourist numbers and when our farmers have continued to grow the best vegetables in the country.
There is much to be optimistic about – and at Christmas it’s also a time to consider that the job of politicians is to grapple both with all the challenges we face and to seize the opportunities with equal vigour.
It’s a thrilling prospect, and I look forward to discussing it with many of you in the New Year.
New Year’s resolutions
Personal
I recently joined the annual President’s Day rugby match at Boston Rugby Club, which reminded me how much I enjoy the sport, so I would like to try and play more often next year, and take up more sport in general in my spare time.
Professional
2017 will be an important year for politics, when we start to negotiate our exit from the EU, so I want to keep doing my best to make sure that government ministers know they must fight for the best possible Brexit deal for Lincolnshire, and also ensure that Boston and Skegness’ roads, infrastructure and NHS are at the front of their minds.
Matt Warman is the Conservative MP for the Boston and Skegness constituency.
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A seven-year-old girl from Immingham has raised more than £2,500 to help rebuild her local park after it was severely damaged in an arson attack earlier this year.
Elysia Shakespeare was really upset by the irreparable damage caused to the main climbing frame at Pilgrim Park, which was set ablaze by youngsters in an arson attack in April.
The park is one of Elysia’s favourite places to play and after the shocking attack she decided to try to help.
She organised a sponsored walk across the Humber Bridge and enlisted support from local post office staff to raise the sum, which has now been presented to the council.
The blazing fire at Pilgrim Park in April this year which destroyed the main climbing frame. | Screenshot: BBC Look North/BBC News hub
Lee Shakespeare, Elysia’s step-dad, speaking to Look North. | Screenshot: BBC Look North/BBC News Hub
Lee Shakespeare, Elysia’s step-dad, told BBC Look North that the council plan to replace some of the smaller apparatus first.
He said: “I’ve asked Elysia to jump online and come up with some drawings of ideas for what she actually wants to replace the old climbing frame area with.”
Elysia has suggested that she wants a “big” climbing frame, to start with.
Pilgrim park holds a special place in children’s hearts in Immingham, and it is hoped, with Elysia’s money, and other grants, the council will be able to make improvements for her, her friends and for subsequent generations.
A Lincoln care home resident had a day she’ll never forget after celebrating her 106th birthday by being served lunch by a butler in the buff.
Norah Shaw received close to 200 birthday cards after an appeal from Tennyson Wharf Care Home in Burton Waters.
As well as being served lunch by a buff butler provided by Butlers in the Buff, Norah also enjoyed a performance from her favourite singer Eleanor Mattley, as well as cake and wine.
Norah enjoyed chatting to her buff butler Ed. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
The care home said: “Well, what an absolutely fantastic day for a truly special lady.
“We would just like to say a huge thank you to every single person who sent Norah birthday cards and presents. We are all so touched by the heartwarming kindness that has been shown. It really has been astonishing.
Norah even got a card from The Queen. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
“Norah was blown away with the generosity and kindness so thank you to each and and every single person for being so amazing. It was so lovely to all be a part of seeing Norah enjoy them all.
“As you can see, Norah thoroughly enjoyed her butler in the buff surprise. The amazing kitchen supplied a wonderful afternoon tea which Ed, the butler served to Norah. What an experience that was for everyone involved.
Norah celebrating a birthday she will never forget! | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
Staff enjoyed celebrating Norah’s birthday with her. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
Norah also enjoyed a performance from her favourite singer – Eleanor Mattley. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
“We finished the day with a special performance from Norah’s all time favourite singer Eleanor Mattley Productions – Care Home Entertainment with prosecco and cake. The atmosphere was amazing as staff and residents joined together in song and dance for a truly magnificent afternoon.”