It’s been some time since I’ve penned my regular update for you.
Many readers will know that, at the end of September, I was rushed into hospital after feeling very unwell at home the preceding day. I was diagnosed with Sepsis and placed into an induced coma with multiple organ failures shortly after. Treatment by the NHS has been exemplary and I’m extremely lucky to be alive. I can’t thank my doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals enough for the care I’ve received. The road to recovery is underway which has included some extreme surgery. I’m sure I’ll have lots more to say about the experience over the months ahead. For now, I’d like to send my heartfelt thanks to the many constituents who have sent their good wishes. I’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness of friends and strangers. Thank you all.
The antics of some of the opponents of re-opening Manston Airport have continued. Hopefully not for too much longer. A single justice of appeal will decide whether the application for permission to appeal be granted after previous legal machinations at hearings in September and October were unsuccessful. The people of Thanet have voted overwhelmingly in three General Elections for candidates that support the re-opening Manston Airport. Investment in that airport will be the single biggest East Kent has received since the Channel Tunnel. Once re-opened, the Airport has the capacity to create hundreds and then thousands of jobs in airport-related businesses in an area which perpetually lags behind the rest of the South East.
The ongoing issues concerning the Port and Harbour at Ramsgate continue, frustratingly, to raise more questions than answers. But the establishment of the new Partnership Board to oversee the implementation of the various government supported Levelling Up projects hopefully means progress can be demonstrated in the coming months. Reports are that progress is also being made on the possibility of hosting the Tall Ships Regatta and Festival, led by the Ramsgate Regeneration Alliance with the support of the Ramsgate Society.
Great news that the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill is progressing through Parliament. Stopping once-and-for-all the foul and unnecessary export of live animals, a totemic issue for me that I’ve raised repeatedly in Parliament. This Bill delivers on another key manifesto commitment – only possible now we’re out of the EU.
Whether Christmas for you is a deeply religious time, a time to be spent with family, or one of indulgent festive fun, I wish you all the compliments of the season and a very happy 2024.