It was a busy week in Parliament with key legislation and the Spring Statement which was delivered by the Chancellor. I was more than happy to vote for the measures in our new Nationality and Borders Bill, delivering on promises to my North Cornwall constituents on immigration and border security. I am particularly pleased that strong sentences will be placed on people smugglers as this is an abhorrent practice that destroys lives.
As Government Whip for the Home Office, I have been involved in discussions with colleagues about what they would like to see from this legislation. It was clear to me that they wanted a fair and open process for legal migration but a robust system that deals firmly with those who have entered the UK illegally or considering coming here via illegal means.
I believe the Nationality and Borders Bill provides a firm but fair asylum process and helps deliver on our pledge to return full control of the UK's borders back into the hands of the British people. This legislation accompanies our post-Brexit measures on legal asylum, which does not discriminate against the rest of the world in favour of EU immigration as with our previous system.
On the Spring Statement, I know that the rise in the cost of living is an issue that affects my constituents daily, therefore I am extremely pleased that the Chancellor has put it at the heart of his Spring Statement. I am particularly pleased that he has listened to calls from MPs in rural constituencies like North Cornwall, where people rely more on their cars and cut fuel duty. Raising the threshold for National Insurance and cutting the basic rate of income tax will also be well received in North Cornwall.
It is only because this Government is taking the tough but responsible decisions that we can announce taxes are being cut and debt is falling. Our new Tax Plan will help families with the cost of living, create the conditions for private sector-led growth, and share the proceeds of growth fairly. We are delivering the biggest net cut to personal taxes in over a quarter of a century, and that is only possible because of the disciplined approach to public spending that only a financially responsible government can provide.
Before I sign off, I am sure you will have seen the news about British nationals Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, Anoosheh Ashoori, and Mored Tahbaz – unfairly held in detention by the Government of Iran for years. I am extremely pleased to see their safe return to the UK. There has been incredible support from across the House on this issue. On behalf of North Cornwall, I would like to wish them all the best. As always if I can be of assistance with any constituency issues please do not hesitate to get in touch via scott@scottmann.org.uk and please keep up to date with my latest work on your behalf by visiting www.scottmann.org.uk.
