The Syria crisis has dominated political discussion in Westminster in recent days. While I welcome the Government’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid to the region, I have no regrets about voting against any UK military involvement.
Syria is split between supporters of the Assad regime and opponents who include fundamentalists linked to Al Qaeda and Kurdish separatists. Neighbouring countries have taken sides and are being drawn into the conflict. The only thing the warring factions have in common is their hatred of the US and Britain. Sending warships to fire missiles into the middle of this maelstrom is unlikely to help anyone.
Every week, a few MPs are selected by ballot to raise an issue of their choosing in Parliament. My name has been drawn so tomorrow I will be leading a debate on revoking the Climate Change Act. There has been no increase in global temperatures for 15 years but there have been huge increases in gas and electricity bills because governments want to subsidise renewable energy.
I don't accept that the small rise in temperature over the last century is as a result of CO2 emissions, and even if it were it makes no sense for the UK alone to adopt policies which make gas and electricity more expensive here. It is bad news for homeowners but worse for businesses which can simply move to countries where energy is cheaper, taking their jobs with them.
Argus readers may remember the case of 89 year-old Dennis Moss from Govilon who was refused a Bomber Command Clasp despite flying numerous missions over occupied Europe during WWII. The reason? His service was with Central Mediterranean Forces. The MOD has written this week confirming it will not reconsider. I think that is unfair and will be raising the matter again in Parliament.
I was very sorry to miss the Monmouthshire Show in order to attend the debate on Syria, but luckily I was able to make the Monmouth Raft Race. In an age dominated by concerns and paranoia about health and safety, it was great to see hundreds of people taking to the water in a motley array of homemade rafts.
Having taking part a few times in the 1980s, I know how cold and tiring it is. But huge sums of money are raised for good causes so congratulations to the Rotary Club who now organise it and long may the raft race continue.
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