2012 promises to be another difficult year as the Government continues with the task of bringing the nation’s finances under control. My constituents in Scarborough and Whitby understand that we could not have gone on living beyond our means. The tough decisions the Coalition Government made after the election have restored confidence in Britain and ensured that we can maintain the low interest rates vital for recovery.
David Cameron has also demonstrated that the UK will no longer be pushed around by our European counterparts.
2012 will also see the election of the first Police and Crime Commissioners who will give voters the opportunity to engage democratically in setting local policing priorities.
On the coast, we have reason to be optimistic. The trend towards ""staycations"" means that more people are holidaying in the UK. In my constituency, two new hotels have opened in the last year – not many traditional coastal resorts can say that these days! We also have the prospect of an exciting new £3bn potash mine which will need 1000 workers and promises up to 4000 associated jobs. The mining company knows that it will have to meet the highest environmental conditions if it is to proceed.
Finally can I pay tribute to the hundreds of people who give freely of their time to support local charities and community groups? The Big Society may be a new term but it is not a new concept here in Yorkshire. Local Churches, sports clubs, conservation and wildlife charities, hospices and palliative care organisations and clubs such as Rotary play an invaluable part in making life better for so many people.
Best wishes for 2012
Robert Goodwill MP