stouravonmagazine.co.uk
20 New Stour & Avon, June 17, 2022
Political round-up
Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher
Celebrations will be cherished for ever As the deadline for copy for this article is after the announcement that there is to be a vote of confidence in the Prime Minister but before the outcome of that vote is known, I can only express my disappointment that, after the unalloyed joy of the Jubilee, some of my Parliamentary colleagues have been behaving like headless chickens. While the splendid Platinum Jubilee celebrations may be over, the memories will be cherished for ever. It was a privilege to be able to attend so many local events including the beacon lighting in Mudeford and church services of thanksgiving in Christchurch Priory , Sherborne Abbey and St Mary’s Parish Church, West Moors. The Queen’s selfless public service and role as Defender of the Faith were highlighted in Bible readings and
Christchurch & East Dorset CHRIS CHOPE MP sermons. Her Majesty’s individual character was reflected in the choice of music, hymns and anthems. Community fellowship was to the fore during the refreshments which followed each service. My prize for the best beacon goes to Christchurch Town Council. The purpose-built beacon was a gift from ReidSteel, Christchurch’s largest private sector employer, and provided
a wonderful focal point for the thousands who gathered at Mudeford Quay. My prize for the best Jubilee cake goes to West Moors. Pictures of both of these are available on my website, www.chrischope. com. n Prior to the Jubilee I was privileged to be able to lead a group of MPs from the British American Parliamentary Group to California. It was a specialist visit to examine progress in the development and deployment of electric and autonomous vehicles. The highlight was travelling in a Waymo autonomous car on the streets of San Francisco. We witnessed the vehicle’s incredible sensitivity to a wide range of spontaneous traffic hazards. The UK has a great opportunity to embrace this technology and become its market leader. Driverless vehicles are the future and have the potential
to transform the travel options for those who, through age or infirmity, are unable to access traditional vehicles. We visited the Uber HQ to hear about the huge market for the private hire of autonomous vehicles. It is already possible to hire these in Phoenix, Arizona. What a contrast with Dorset where Uber is not even licensed for traditional vehicles! We also visited ChargePoint, the largest provider of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs). Widening access to charge points is essential to overcome ‘range anxiety’ and build confidence in EVs. California has so much to teach us about enabling innovative entrepreneurs to develop their ideas and access start-up capital. Wouldn’t it be great if Dorset could develop such an incubator along the lines of the one we saw in Los Angeles?
Our glorious country (outside of Westminster) Wasn’t the Jubilee weekend fantastic? I was lucky to have all four days off, yet I know many were not as fortunate. So thanks to all those who manned the fetes, events or just did their regular jobs so that others might enjoy. Seeing the flags and festivities prompted me to think about patriotism and identity in 2022. For many, particularly those on the left politically, patriotism, or love of country, has become uncomfortable. The left has lost many political and social battles since the Diamond Jubilee to causes and parties more overtly nationalist, both in policy and symbolism. These losses have caused
some to rebound against the flag and our national institutions. I would encourage them to think of what we saw at the jubilee, and think again. It brought so many people together. The myriad street parties broke the ice between longtime neighbours. The raucous event at Mampitts gets a special mention. A brilliant event. Well done to all the organisers. What I saw there and in the county at large was what I could only describe as progress. I sensed a moving on, a moving past the polarising arguments of the last 10 years. Out there, outside of
Dorset Labour GREG WILLIAMS Westminster, is an England, a Britain, not worn down or held back by dividing lines and culture clashes. It’s a Britain that loves if you’re part of it and embraces you when you’re not. It’s a country that doesn’t
accept things will get worse and worse, but strives for something better. It’s a nation that looks past the past, and to a more optimistic future. It’s also easy for the country to unite around a head of state that embodies the virtues the country reveres. Restraint. Service. Others above self. The contrast with the head of her government couldn’t be more marked. Terrible, rule breaking, narcissistic prime ministers are not a reason to have a monarchy, republicans would argue. But, my, aren’t we glad that Johnson isn’t our president.
