After a gruelling and challenging year for many families and businesses across Wales, we finally end the year with some positive news.
First, there was the trade agreement reached between the UK and the EU, the most comprehensive agreement of its kind, which brings to an end the rancour and vitriol of the past four years and will allow us to seize the opportunities from our regained sovereignty and independent trade policy.
Second, this week's news that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved for use in the UK, with the first doses due to be issued as soon as Monday, provides ground for optimism that it won’t be too long before we return to some semblance of normality.
And on a personal note, there was the arrival of my second daughter. I still have to pinch myself that she is only two weeks old.
It seems like only yesterday we achieved our famous General Election victory and our stunning successes across Wales.
I vividly recall that moment when the exit poll dropped at 10pm to the dulcet Welsh tones of Huw Edward. Like many Conservative members and voters, I responded with some “fruitier” language than usual, such was my sheer disbelief at Boris’ stunning victory.
But amidst the euphoria of election night, I suspect the overriding response of many of us will have been a profound sense of relief of having fulfilled our patriotic duty and saved this country from the shackles of Jeremy Corbyn and his merry men of Marxists.
And just as we saved the country from the hard-left in 2019, we Conservatives have one last chapter to write in 2021.
Now is no time to sit on the side-lines. As a proud Conservative and committed Unionist, I want to play my part in making the case for political change and elect a Conservative Government in Wales in 2021.
And so, as we tip-toe towards the new year to the muffled sound of champagne corks, let us avoid the temptation of regurgitating our customary new year’s resolutions – to lose weight, drink less, or to learn a new skill or hobby.
Instead, let’s all roll up our sleeves and work to unleash this great nation’s untapped wealth and potential and forge a more prosperous future for our communities and nation.
If Mark Drakeford and the Welsh Government are looking for some inspiration as they draw up their own New Year’s resolutions, may I respectfully suggest that in 2021 we:
- Relentlessly focus on growing the Welsh economy from the wreckage of COVID by abolishing business rates for SMEs and cutting personal taxation for hard-working families.
- Seize the opportunities from our post-Brexit future by championing our Welsh farmers and exporters as part of a ‘Global Britain’ vision.
- Support our precious NHS and put the patient experience front and centre, by investing in a dedicated Cancer Patients Fund and establishing a Rapid Diagnostic Centre for Mid Wales.
- Tackle the disparity between per-pupil funding across Wales, and fight for a fairer deal for our rural schools.
- Loudly and proudly make the case for our precious Union and Wales' place within the United Kingdom.
With the right message, policies and team of candidates in place, we Conservatives should enter next year’s elections buoyed and excited by the political opportunity that lies ahead.
I for one, relish playing my part in making the case for change and offering a more prosperous and successful future for Wales within a strong United Kingdom.
Together, and with your support, we can create a bit of history and elect a Conservative Government.
Meanwhile, may I wish you all a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.
Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i chi gyd.
