'From Wiltshire to Westminster'

                       as published in the Wiltshire Times

2 February 2012

Dr Andrew Murrison MP

Remembering 1982

I applaud the deployment of HMS Dauntless to the South Atlantic as I have the spending of money to improve the defences of the Falkland Islands. It would be crazy to ignore the lessons of history during this the thirtieth anniversary year of the outrageous attack by Argentina on sovereign territory against all precepts of international law. A demonstration of resolve now should disabuse Buenos Aires of any thoughts of aggression it may be harbouring.

The government is right to insist on its welfare reforms. It is entirely reasonable for there to be a cap on payments which, as tabled, will nevertheless be the envy of many on working wages locally. I continue to receive mail from residents insisting that the cap is unfair – either because they fear it will disadvantage people unable to work (I do not believe it will) or that it is too generous and makes work pointless. However, to both sides of the argument I would say that the reforms should be seen in the context of wider efforts by government to help people into work.

Had Fred ‘the shred’ Goodwin been awarded his ‘K’ for services other than to, risibly, banking the case for busting him to plain Mr would be less compelling. However, his defenestration this week is a proper reflection of the chaos he above all others supervised and which has caused untold hardship in which he has manifestly not shared.

Attempts by the RCN, BMA and various medical Royal Colleges to derail the Health Bill are disappointing. Much of the objection appears to reflect their members’ self interest. But the measure will fit our NHS for the twenty-first century and facilitate care at the level of the best in Europe, not privatise, profiteer or defer to anyone except patients.