By Angela Rayner MP
I AM delighted to be starting a new regular column for The Correspondent and I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you on issues that affect our community, the rest of the country and sometimes even further afield.
I think it’s fair to say that the last few years have been tough.
From the pain of the pandemic and the lockdown restrictions that turned our lives upside down and kept us apart from loved ones to the devastating war in Ukraine – and now the cost of living crisis that will affect some of our most vulnerable residents, there hasn’t been much to smile about.
But I’ve always been someone that tries to look on the bright side and through the pain of the last few years, I have seen so many examples of kindness, compassion and care throughout the place and people I am so proud to represent – my heart can’t fail to be warmed.
During lockdown, I saw communities really pull together to support one another. Neighbours did the shopping for those that had to isolate, local groups arranged activity packs for children to ease the boredom and isolation of being trapped indoors, and care home staff did their utmost to raise the spirits of residents who were denied visits from their families.
We were all appalled when we saw what was happening to the brave people of Ukraine and I was so proud to see how quick our community sprang into action to donate essential items and clothing to the Ashton Ukrainian Centre in Stockport Road. Residents in Ashton Waterloo organised a collection and then drove to Poland to deliver the items at the border.
There was a real outpouring of love and a desire to help those that are struggling. These are values our community has in spades.
The desire to offer real help right now those that are struggling is what drove us in the Labour Party to demand urgent action from the government as the cost of living spirals.
Inflation has risen to nine per cent – the highest in 40 years and there has been a 54 per cent increase in the energy price cap.
This is a huge worry for families that are already stretched – the poorest are being hardest hit and so many face the agonising choice between heating and eating. I know what is to struggle and I know the importance of support being there when it is needed.
Last week, Conservative MPs voted against our proposals for a one-off windfall tax on the profits of the oil and gas giants who are making record profits while working people suffer. We’d use the money to cut energy bills by up to £600.
Rishi Sunak says he stands ready to offer help – but what is waiting for?
It’s high time the Government put working first and took action to ease the cost of living crisis.
But they haven’t got a plan – they haven’t even got a clue.
Where was Tameside’s jubilee celebration? Where was Tameside’s jubilee beacon? What a disloyal rabble our councillors are! What are you going to do about it Angela? No mention of the Queen’s 70 years of service here. – something you’ll never equal as you climb the greasy pole.