Why we need Strong Leaders

Speaking to people in Norwich at the moment, many are concerned at what we see going on in the world around us. Britain is on the cusp of economic recovery and growth, but clouds are gathering in the Middle East, in Ukraine, in Europe and elsewhere.

In my time in Parliament I have focused mainly on domestic issues in my work for Norwich North. But in that same time there have been important votes in the Commons about our foreign affairs. Most recently, we have had to decide what Britain’s action should be in relation to the murderous but complicated Islamic State, and I wrote about my approach to that vote- You can read it here

Meanwhile, fighting has continued in Ukraine, despite a ceasefire agreement. Britain has been leading the argument in Europe, saying that Russia’s behaviour towards Ukraine is completely unacceptable. I have supported this government’s action in putting in place progressively a series of sanctions, including a ban on certain individuals travelling and freezes on their assets. Unless Vladimir Putin’s behaviour changes consequences have to follow in terms of sanctions.

Europe’s economic stability will be tested again in the coming months by Greece’s debt talks. The eurozone faces huge decisions and failure to resolve its issues will be very severe for economic and financial stability including affecting Britain.

I have long held the view 1) that the eurozone needs to take responsibility for its own affairs and Britain is well off out of it; but 2) that it is the right time for the British people to consider again our whole relationship with Europe. Anyone under the age of around 57 in this country did not have a chance to take part in the 1970s referendum on our EU membership, so it’s time for an informed and grown-up debate culminating in a referendum where we can all exercise our choice. The Conservatives are the only party that can deliver that referendum, and we will do so if elected, after renegotiation with the EU to try for a better deal for Britain. We have already taken action to put Britain first. We cut the EU budget, kept Britain out of the EU bailouts and vetoed a new EU fiscal treaty that did not guarantee a level playing field for British businesses.

At the same time as all these matters, our government has also rightly been committed to combating poverty, disaster and conflict around the world. As an example, the UK has now committed £800 million to help those affected by the Syrian conflict. This is the UK’s largest ever response to a humanitarian crisis. This funding is providing support including food, medical care and relief items for over a million people including those affected by the fighting in Syria, as well as to refugees in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq.

We have also taken a global lead in improving the lives of women and girls, based on basic human rights and believing that putting girls and women first can stop the chain of poverty before it starts.

The government is also closely monitoring the spread of the Ebola virus in West Africa, and is taking action at home and again abroad.

All of this humanitarian work is only possible through the commitment that this government made to protect our spending of 0.7% of UK GNI on overseas aid. This is controversial – many constituents would like me to oppose this – but I have supported it because I think we can run sensible government at home on 99.3% while making such a difference to the truly poorest in the world. By the way, this is also a UN target and the UK became the first G7 country to do it.

Finally, I’ve spoken about cyber security recently in Parliament too. Cyber attacks know no boundaries and we should take the threats to government, the economy and our everyday security very seriously. You can read my speech here

All told, now more than ever Britain needs strong and competent leadership, not chaos and instability. Only a Conservative vote can ensure a strong and stable government and a better, more secure future for all when we face such an uncertain world.