And we’re off! The election is underway. I didn’t expect it and I’ve no idea if it was a good idea from my Party’s perspective for the PM to call it now - but I get the logic. The Government wasn’t cutting through even when they announced big things that should be popular - a major increase in defence spending, for instance, or a major cut in immigration - so the PM presumably thought: this’ll get their attention.
Polls show how satisfied or dissatisfied people are with the Government. Elections, on the other hand, are about a real choice between alternative candidates for power.
As I say, I didn’t know it was coming but I may have felt something in the air at PMQs, and I decided to attack the Labour Party for once. So I had a go at their ‘failed recipe’ of tax, immigration and a unionised labour force - watch me here (the TV mikes pick up the speaker but not the wall of noise he’s in, which is why I sound like I’m bellowing!).
While it’s early days I’m glad we’re making clear policy commitments. Requiring young people to serve their country - whether in the military or in civil society - is a bold communication of the values we hold. These are dangerous and difficult times, and we need people to step up and help keep us safe, and support our communities.
As for me, I’ve been out knocking on doors and - with my trusty wooden spoon - shoving leaflets through letterboxes. Wilsford and Charlton St Peter yesterday, Pewsey, Upavon and East Chisenbury today. I also dropped in yesterday at the fete and dog show at Beechingstoke, which the Frys have hosted in their garden for years. Here I am having a chat with a couple of local gents.
I found something interesting on the local history board in Charlton St Peter. Pewsey Vale was a hotbed of Luddism, and in 1830 the local farm workers broke into violent revolt at the introduction of threshing machines. They were paid off by the lady of the manor and went to spend their money on beer in the Charlton Cat.
Now the area is threatened with a great new solar farm. I don’t advocate physical force as the answer but I do honour the efforts of local people to reject the application. This is not Luddism - the objection to progress through technology - but a concern for the natural world and the people who enjoy it. The Government has recently taken steps to protect the communities which already have enough solar farms, and I know Wiltshire council is sympathetic.
Do come and help with the election! If you’d like to play a role in the campaign - large or small - please let me know at [email protected]. It will be fun, I promise!
Danny
