ALICIA KEARNS MP After a turbulent

Alicia Kearns on Britain’s Future: “LET’S GET TO IT!”

What happened? Last month we went from a nation laughing along with ebullient Boris to a country (hashtag) ‘Ready for Rishi…’ To cast some light on recent events and to look at the future of British politics through a local prism, we’ve asked Rutland MP Alicia Kearns for her perspective...

What has it been like as an MP recently? The events of recent weeks have moved at such a pace as to make time for reflection a luxury, but finally we have the opportunity to pause and reflect.

The Prime Minister lost my confidence in January. Despite this I have taken no pleasure at all from the Prime Minister’s resignation, although I must admit to feeling some relief.

Having been one of the earliest Conservative MPs to withdraw my support it has been a difficult year so far. Over the seven months since January many others have reached the same conclusion as me, culminating in the mass of resignations that forced the Prime Minister to resign.

Has that permanently damaged the party? The very worst of Westminster politics has dominated much of public discourse recently, but I think it’s important to stop and reflect on some of the positives of this year.

As the Omicron variant spread at the end of last year there were serious discussions about a return to lockdown. At the time the models used had factored in Omicron’s increased transmissibility but not the fact it was less deadly than previous strains of COVID-19.

Having studied the data myself I felt it was unjustifiable to reimpose lockdown without a full and accurate assessment, which included data pointing to the new strain being less lethal. I made this view clear to the Government and working with other likeminded colleagues we were able to secure a re-assessment by the Government.

Is Covid-19 finally over? With reduced lethality factored in, the case for a lockdown dissipated – and society was able to continue its tentative re-emergence from the deep winter of COVID-19.

Seeing Rutland, and indeed the whole country, bask in the summer sun is a reminder of how important our freedom is, and of the responsibility to protect it that comes with serving in Parliament. Whilst our ongoing emergence from COVID-19 has seen much joy return to our lives, it has also left many scars which will take time to heal.

What does that mean for Rutland & Melton? As a rural community we are blessed to have access to beautiful nature and a way of life rooted in history, tradition and close community ties. I wouldn’t trade this for the world. However, our rurality also brings challenges, including increased costs for delivering services. That is why I have been focusing on getting a fairer funding deal and better services for Rutland and Melton.

I’ve recently secured and led a few debates on this issue, and made clear to the Government that the current funding formula does not fairly assess the needs of rural communities like ours. I want rurality to be factored into any assessment as well as social mobility indexes. It is unfair that Rutlanders pay the highest council tax in the country, and we need a new approach to funding which no longer favours urban settings.

There is no quick solution, those proposals put forward before now would cost £4 billion pounds to make funding fairer, but I am working on some alternative models, and I’m pleased that the new UK Shared Prosperity Fund from Government includes rurality as a factor as a result of my lobbying, meaning Rutland will have a greater chance of succeeding when making an application for this fund.

What challenges does our rural county face? Our farmers are the custodians of our rural heritage, following many generations of proud Rutlanders who have worked the land. Yet they are now facing the brunt of price rises sparked by global crisis such as the war in Ukraine and the Chinese Communist Party’s totalitarian lockdowns which have strangled international shipping.

I was able to secure a debate about supporting our farmers and food producers through the cost-of-living crisis. It is clear to me that there is a cross party appetite to support farmers and a growing appreciation of their importance and I will be working with the new Government in September to try and secure increased worker visas, a fertiliser price index and a national land strategy.>>

>> Considering this, I have drafted an amendment that would ban malicious activist groups from deliberately disrupting food supply chains, including at farms. It’s vital that we protect food from farm to fork – and I hope the Government will adopt my amendment and ensure farmers and producers are protected.

There are many positives we should focus on when promoting British food. For instance, I recently hosted an event in Parliament to promote British dairy which saw a vast array of products on display, from ice cream and milkshakes to famously delicious cheeses such as Cheddar, Wensleydale and of course, Rutland Red and Stilton.

What other challenges are there in Rutland? Rutland has challenges that need addressing but also huge opportunities on the horizon. Many readers will know that I have been campaigning for urgent action to address the lack of NHS dentistry provision in our county, and I will be working with the new Health Secretary for a resolution.

Likewise, I will continue to push for another GP practice in Oakham, particularly if more housing developments are improved. An increase in population should always see an increase in service provision.

Why is it important to back fibre broadband in a rural community? We’ve seen great progress is the roll-out of fibre broadband through the Digital Rutland partnership between Rutland County Council, Broadband Delivery UK, and BT. Phase one and two of the roll out saw over 10,000 homes connected to fast broadband, helping to address the imbalance between coverage in cities and the countryside. Technological innovation and connectivity are vital if we are to keep Rutland competitive and thriving.

Have Rutland and Melton’s communities rallied to offer their support to Ukraine? Yes. I’d certainly like to thank our communities for how they have stepped up to support our Ukrainian friends whose bravery has prevented war across Europe. Hundreds of Ukrainian families have now settled across Rutland and Melton, and I am so grateful to everyone who has helped by opening their homes or their hearts to them. I was proud that I was able to match so many families and the incredible welcome has truly showed the very best of Rutland.

What else can we feel proud of in Rutland? This year has also seen the two exciting discoveries of a beautifully preserved Roman mosaic and our very own Rutland Sea Dragon, or Ichthyosaur in scientific terms. These two finds are priceless and add so much to our already rich heritage. I have been working with Rutland County Council and other interested parties, as well as in Parliament, to use these finds as the basis of a new tourism strategy. We all know how much our county has to offer, and with

these two draws the opportunities are clear and the rewards plenty. Who wouldn’t want a trip to Rutland Water, a look at the Sea Dragon, some time in an ancient villa, and a stroll through our beautiful villages and towns?

“Now it is the time to renew our leadership and begin restoring trust in politicians as people who can find serious solutions to the problems of our time.”

You supported Penny Mordaunt in her bid to lead the Conservative Party, why? I gave my full support to Penny Mordaunt to be the next Conservative Leader and Prime Minister because she has service to this nation in her blood and has demonstrated integrity and honesty over a long and varied career.

As the first female Defence Secretary she had a full understanding of what would be required if we are to support Ukraine in defeating Putin – and I know she would not have waivered in following through with this vital task. Penny had a detailed plan for Britain which addressed both current problems and laid out a vision for the future. Whilst Penny has been sadly unsuccessful in her bid, it’s imperative that as the contest reaches its conclusion, MPs can come together and focus on the serious business of administration and governance. There will be trying times ahead, but our country has dealt with far worse in the past. For my part, I will continue to campaign in Parliament on issues such as fairer funding for rural areas, protection and promotion of agriculture, better planning legislation and increases in services to match increases in population. Why should be back Rishi as our next PM? After much consideration I have decided to give my support to Rishi Sunak for Leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister. We face immense challenges and Rishi has the experience and expertise necessary to address them. As Chancellor Rishi steered the economy through the storm of COVID-19, putting in place the world leading furlough system that saved 11.6 million jobs, including 50% of all employee jobs in Rutland and Melton. As MP for a rural constituency Rishi understands the challenges and opportunities of rural life, and I know that he would work with me to ensure that Rutland moves forward whilst preserving what makes it so special. Any final thoughts? Whilst the last few weeks have been tumultuous, we have come a long way in the year since COVID-19 restrictions were finally lifted. As the sun shines and families enjoy well earnt time away from work and study, we should all reflect on the collective experience we went through in the pandemic and share a moment of gratitude for the freedoms we cherish. Now it is the time to renew our leadership and begin the process of restoring trust in politicians as people who can find serious solutions to the problems of our time. Let’s get to it! n