Hexham MP Column: Politics is about priorities

From our largest towns to our smallest villages, Remembrance Sunday gives us space to remember those who sacrificed so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.

It was a privilege to lay a wreath in Hexham, and to watch the parade and enjoy the hospitality at the Legion in Prudhoe.

Communities also came together for Bonfire Night, with fireworks displays and celebrations across the area.

While fireworks are a treasured tradition, I’ve seen my dog Roy spooked by them this week, and I know how distressed my family’s cats used to get at this time of year, so I hope everyone’s pets made it through safe and sound.

I also want to thank our local police, for whom the period between Halloween and Bonfire Night is one of the busiest of the year.

Last week, I visited Ponteland Community Primary School, meeting staff and students to hear about the school’s work for the community in Ponteland and the surrounding villages, and to see the site, including its wonderful sports facilities.

This week, I’m returning to Westminster after the Parliamentary recess.

Before Parliament rose, MPs voted on the Budget.

Many of these votes are symbolic, but they often reveal where parties’ priorities really lie, which is why I was disappointed to see the Conservative Party oppose a modest, temporary increase in the banking surcharge.

The increase will help fund support for people struggling with the cost of living, including £100 towards energy bills for thousands of families across our communities.

I voted for it last Tuesday evening, and I was disappointed, though not entirely surprised, to see Conservative and Reform MPs lining up against it.

Taxes on large financial companies such as banks are consistently among the most well-supported ways for the Government to raise funds.

I’m 35 now, but I first became politically aware as a young person watching the public bail out the banking sector, with billions of pounds sent to some of the wealthiest organisations on the planet.

The proposed rise from 3 per cent to 6 per cent was hardly earth-shattering, let alone punitive.

Politics is about priorities, and mine will always be securing support for people across this constituency rather than protecting vested interests, as the Conservatives and Reform did last week.

Turning to events further afield, I said in last week’s column that the US Midterm results would be known by the time of my next one.

I was largely correct, although we are still waiting on Mississippi and Alaska.

The results were hugely encouraging: the Democrats spoke about exactly the issues I care about, and that I know Andy Burnham is focused on, namely affordability, the cost of living, and the return of decency and honesty to our politics.

I’m hopeful the new Congress can rein in the worst impulses of Donald Trump, renew focus on the rules-based international order and promote a kinder, more respectful dialogue.

That said, these results do not mean the Trump era is over.

The forces of division remain powerful, and those who seek a more divided politics will come again.

Healthy political disagreement is essential to democracy, but it must be rooted in facts, evidence and reasoned argument.

I hope you have a good week ahead.

With Parliament returning, it promises to be a busy one, and I look forward to seeing what unfolds in Westminster and across our constituency.

In the meantime, if there is anything I can help with, please get in touch.

My email is joe.morris.mp@parliament.uk and my office phone number is 01434 614 720.