I was in the Chamber last week to listen to Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s fiscal statement. He had been in post for only two and a half weeks and yet made one of the most radical statements on fiscal policy during my time in Parliament.

The new administration under Liz Truss have acted swiftly and decisively to tackle the economic crisis largely caused through Russia’s unprovoked and senseless invasion of Ukraine.

The Government’s new Energy Price Guarantee will ease the immediate burden on families’ finances, saving the average family up to £1,400 each year for the next two years.

I also know from speaking to employers in South Shropshire that the new Energy Bill Relief Scheme has come as welcome relief for businesses which faced insolvency this winter.

The Government are taking measures to boost domestic energy production ensuring our long-term energy security, continuing the Conservative push to increase offshore wind and solar in the short term and accelerate longer-term decisions on nuclear generation. 

These steps will increase growth, protect jobs and reduce inflation. I look forward to playing my part in helping stimulate business growth and supporting people in South Shropshire manage our way through this challenging time. I have been pressing the case with the newly appointed Ministers, in particular helping households who are not on the gas grid.

The Chancellor also announced major reforms to tax arrangements, scrapping the National Insurance rise and bringing forward the 1% Income Tax cut to April next year. Alcohol duty has been frozen, while supply side measures will make the UK more agile for global investment and set us on a path to achieve higher economic growth.

On health, the new Secretary of State Therese Coffey has hit the ground running with her new Plan for Patients, prioritising ambulances, backlogs, discharge to social care and access to doctors and dentists.

I was also pleased to see confirmation of the Nationally Determined Contribution to cut emissions by 68% by 2030 through publication of a more detailed fifty-page plan last Friday to get us there. The Prime Minister has also reaffirmed her commitment to Net Zero Britain.

The first three weeks of Liz Truss’ Government have been remarkable and more radical than many expected. Her top team have set out a bold vision to address the serious challenges we face as a nation with courage and determination. I shall support this new administration to help address the issues affecting people in South Shropshire.