You can read my latest monthly column for the Witney Gazette, here:
The Prime Minister has announced that a General Election will be held on 8th June. Parliament has voted overwhelmingly to dissolve.
I wholeheartedly back this decision. The choice is a clear one about strong local and national leadership. The Government and our Prime Minister must receive an electoral mandate from the people of the UK as we begin our negotiations to leave the European Union. This is a crucial time in our history and it is essential that the Prime Minister's negotiating hand is strengthened, safe in the knowledge that she has the backing of the country.
I understand that, particularly in West Oxfordshire, we have had a lot of elections recently. Many of you might feel that this is an all too familiar process. However, we do need this general election now in order to secure the strong and stable leadership our country requires at this pivotal moment.
I will be standing as a hard-working local constituency MP, continuing to ensure that West Oxfordshire has influence in Government. I am excited to have the opportunity to continue to speak up for West Oxfordshire, and work tirelessly on your behalf. There is so much more we can do together to make West Oxfordshire better for everyone.
Since October, I have been campaigning on all aspects of my plan, both locally and in Parliament. Education, healthcare, businesses, transport, broadband and housing development have dominated my postbag and my diary, and I look forward to being given the chance to continue with this work after the General Election should you elect me as your Member of Parliament.
Nationally, the choice is clear: leadership in the national interest under Theresa May or a weak and unstable coalition Government with Jeremy Corbyn as our Prime Minister.
Locally, it has been an honour to serve you since the by-election and I hope very much to be able to build on the flying start I have made since then. There is so much more to achieve and I am looking forward to setting out my vision for our constituency over the next five years.
In West Oxfordshire, this election is therefore about two issues: stable, strong leadership for the country, and ensuring that West Oxfordshire has influence in and on Government and on a compassionate, forward looking, positive programme. That is what I offer, and that is what I seek. I look forward to meeting many of you around the constituency over the coming weeks, in the run-up to the 8th June.
Over the course of the campaign period, I want to reassure constituents that I stand ready to offer any help I can with casework issues; politics should not take precedence over this essential duty. As I will be based here in Witney during this time, you are welcome to contact me at robert@robertcourts.co.uk or by phone at 01993 702302.
Published on 29.03.17 in the Witney Gazette.