Claire Coutinho News Update – November 2024
A lot has happened in the world of politics this month. We’ve seen the US Presidential Election, the new UK Government’s first budget, and the election of a new Conservative Leader, Kemi Badenoch. I backed her since the start of the campaign because she has the fierce intelligence, political courage, and strong conservative principles that are needed to renew our party.
It was a privilege to not only be reappointed as Shadow Secretary of State for Energy, but also appointed as Shadow Minister for Equalities. I look forward to continuing to put consumers first when scrutinising energy policy, prioritising cheap energy, and bringing a common-sense approach to race, sex, and gender when speaking on equality.
I will continue to hold the Government accountable for their election promise to cut energy bills by £300 by 2030. However, I worry Ed Miliband’s approach, combined with the Government’s £40 billion of tax rises in the Budget will leave the typical family worse off by the end of the Parliament.
Meeting with local farmers in Bletchingley also brought home the stark realities of the Family Farm Tax. I heard about the devastating impact it will have on tenant farmers and large landowners alike. Farmers who have farmed their land for generations should have our gratitude for the food security they provide, not punitive taxes.
I also met with the GPs at Oxted Health Centre, who were worried about the rise in Employer’s National Insurance Contributions which will cost their surgery tens of thousands of pounds per year. Primary care is already under strain and I will be writing to the Secretary of State for Health to ask him to ensure funding is allocated to cover the costs of the Budget so patients don’t lose out.
A highlight this month was my visit to the East Surrey Museum to meet the curator, Peter Connolly, and Ros Rawling, both of whom gave me a fantastic tour. We discussed the fascinating history of Caterham and East Surrey, from William Garland, known as the father of modern Caterham, to the significance of Caterham Station during the Industrial Revolution, to the very different wildlife from Surrey’s past. I knew that woolly mammoths wandered around prehistoric Surrey, but Peter and Ros told me that we used to have hippos as well. If you get the chance, pop down to the Museum, you’ll definitely learn something new.
One of the most poignant parts of the year for me is remembering the fallen on Remembrance Sunday. I was delighted to spend the afternoon selling poppies with the Royal British Legion in Oxted Morrisons. It was heartwarming to see how many residents support our veterans. I’d like to thank Branch Chairman, Rob Cogan, for having me along. The Oxted Branch has a growing community that meets twice a month and is currently developing a permanent Veterans’ Hub. If you’re a veteran and want to get involved or need support, contact – Oxted.Chairman@rbl.community
It was an honour to lay a wreath at Caterham on the Hill war memorial and to attend the service at St Mary’s. Thank you to everyone who took part. As the years go on, we will lose the nation’s living memories of both World Wars, but we will never forget the sacrifices that were made by so many for our freedom.