You can read my latest monthly column for the Witney Gazette, here:
Here in West Oxfordshire, we have a unique tie to the armed forces, as we have the largest military airport in Europe, and the home of one third of the RAF, at Brize Norton.
All our lives are affected by this close relationship, either by working there directly or by working for one of the high-tech companies at the base. For most of us, however, it will be through looking up at the sky to see the familiar sight of RAF aircraft over Oxfordshire’s skies.
This unique link means that incidents such as in Salisbury are felt strongly here in West Oxfordshire. Many of you have written to me with concerns about how a Russian-produced nerve agent could have been deployed in Salisbury against former Russian agent Mr Skripal and his daughter.
As a nation, we believe in justice and the rule of law. It is one of the defining characteristics of British life. It is essential that we give the police the time to carry out a full investigation. However, of course, when an incident like this happens, close to home, it is a cause for worry. This was an indiscriminate and reckless act against the United Kingdom which put innocent civilian lives at risk, and I fully support the Prime Minister’s resolute but calm leadership.
All those who know someone who works in our emergency services and armed forces will be familiar with the dedication this requires, potentially putting yourself in danger to help others. I would like to pay tribute to the hard work of all those who responded to this incident, and the doctors and nurses who are treating those affected. In carrying out his duty, Detective Nick Bailey was harmed responding to this incident and remains in a serious but stable condition.
He and all involved have demonstrated amazing courage and professionalism and I am sure you will share my gratitude. It is essential that this gratitude is not merely words, but that we take action to support those who put themselves on the line for our country both home and abroad. That is why I really welcome the Government’s recent announcement that it will increase mental health support for armed forces personnel and veterans by £20m over the next ten years. We are also offering a bursary to ex-service personnel to retrain as teachers, helping them to continue their career after their military service.
I will continue to speak up on behalf of our armed forces and security services and ensure that West Oxfordshire as a whole can reap the benefits that our close relationship brings.
If you want to speak to me about this or any other issue, please email me at robert@robertcourts.co.uk. I also send out a regular email newsletter where I keep thousands of you updated on all I have been up to in West Oxfordshire and in Parliament – I would welcome you to sign up if you are interested at www.robertcourts.co.uk.
Published on 21.03.18 in the Witney Gazette.
