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Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans welcomes troops from Afghanistan to Westminster, campaigns for more rigorous power networks and wishes all his constituents a happy New Year
We welcomed some of the bravest of the brave into Westminster last month with troops who played a vital role in helping to evacuate so many desperate people out of Kabul in Afghanistan. The Prime Minister thanked them for their service and Sir Lindsay Hoyle hosted a reception in Westminster Hall.
I attended a funeral mass for my friend and fellow MP Sir David Amess. It was an incredibly moving service with Ann Widdecombe paying her own tribute. The cathedral was packed and a message from the Pope read out. We will never forget David’s warm charm and his selfless devotion to duty. The country is all the poorer for his tragic passing.
The recent storms have not been kind to many of my constituents with many experiencing awful, prolonged power cuts. It’s simply not good enough for so many people to be without electricity, particularly during winter. Ensuring we have a rigorous network that does not fail is the real solution, which will prevent this misery from happening again.
I try and do something to raise a smile with my Christmas card and this year I got two Parliament teddy bears pictured with The Speaker, Jacob Rees Mogg and Joanna Lumley and in my visits to New York, London and Clitheroe. I finally presented the bears to the Evalina Children’s Hospital in London where over 100,000 children and families are cared for and supported. If you are able to support their work please look them up and donate.
I attended and officiated at a wonderful evening celebrating the 80th birthday of Lord Jeffrey Archer. Jeffrey is a prolific author selling more than 125 million books – he is a literary superstar throughout the world. It was at Banqueting House opposite Downing Street. The celebration was almost three years late but we were royally entertained. I even met Sir Tim Rice and Don Black at the event – two of our great musical geniuses. Jeffrey is in great health and we look forward to his 90th bash!
I also attended an evening with Gyles Brandreth to celebrate the life of Oscar Wilde. The Duchess of Cornwall was present along with the Poet Laureate. Gyles informed us that the eclectic mix of guests would have been similar to the guests that Oscar would have had at a party. Guests included a former Archbishop of Canterbury, a former inmate and Michael Portillo.
It is at this time of year we reflect on the year that has passed and what lies ahead. The mutations are worrying but I’m delighted at the rate of vaccinations being done. To those who have helped out with the vaccination programme may I say a big thank you for your amazing work. It has been incredible and has helped to save many lives.
May I take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you the very best of British for the coming year. May every day bring something to you, which will make you smile. Let’s hope we finally defeat Covid and that our lives get back to normal. We have witnessed so many miracles recently would it be too much to ask for just one more? Happy 2022 to all my constituents and friends!
