MEMBER of Parliament for Harlow and the villages, Robert Halfon, has welcomed the Prime Minister’s five priorities for the Government in the new year which address the biggest concerns of Harlow people. 

Since taking office, says Mr Halfon, Rishi Sunak has stabilised the economy, protected mortgages and provided an additional £26 billion in cost of living support; strengthened ties with allies all over the world to improve national security, tackle illegal immigration and support Ukraine; and, invested billions in building new schools, hospitals and regenerating our local communities. 

But recognising that more must be done to rebuild trust and confidence, the Prime Minister has made five promises to the people of Britain:

1. Halve Inflation. By halving inflation this year, hard working people will save money on everything from their weekly shop to their energy bills, easing the cost of living and giving everybody financial security. 
2. Grow the Economy. Growing the economy is vital to create better-paid jobs and opportunities for people right across the country, including in Harlow, and a new plan to boost numeracy skills means school leavers will have the right skills to access good jobs. 
3. Reduce the national debt. To protect our public services, including the NHS and the social care sector, we must reduce our national debt. Cutting debt will see greater investment in all areas, including health, education and policing. 
4. Cut NHS waiting lists. The NHS is our greatest national treasure. By cutting waiting times, people all across the country will be able to access high-quality care more quickly, saving lives and prioritising patients. 
5. Stop small boat crossings to end illegal immigration. Illegal immigration imposes a significant burden on public services. New legislation will end the small boat crossings in the English Channel and ensure that anybody arriving illegally in the UK will be detained and swiftly removed.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr Halfon said, “The Prime Minister is right to refocus the Government on what really matters to people in Harlow and across the country. I wholeheartedly support the Prime Minister’s five priorities, which will build a better Britain for Harlow people.

“By delivering these promises, children will leave school with vital skills in numeracy to make sure they can access the opportunities created by a growing economy and climb the ladder of opportunity. Investment in health and social care will cut waiting times, improve access to care and protect the NHS for generations to come. And new legislation will end illegal immigration and reduce the burden on our public services. 

“His pledge to halve inflation will go further to help people by cutting the cost of living and growing the economy will mean more money can be invested into public services, ensuring that Harlow and the UK can truly be an aspiration-nation.”