I’d like to thank publically Alan Meekings for his letter in The Voice (September 1).
He’s right to draw attention to the challenges facing us all in balancing changing health demands with resource limited supply. In fact I wrote about exactly this matter, at some length, in the Lincolnshire Free Press recently.
In essence, Government – of whatever party – facing changing demographics; ever more sophisticated treatments; and rising expectations, must respond by looking at what services the NHS provides and prioritises. This Government is increasing health spending by £10billion a year, but it’s vital that we get the best value for that money.
My work to secure the best for local people began back in the mid-1990s when I fought alongside local campaigners to persuade Ministers of the need for a new Johnson Hospital – we won that battle, but now we must ensure that as much is done as possible to build upon that.
To that end, recently I held discussions with our local health authority pressing again for the range and quality of services at Pilgrim Hospital to be maintained. I know how critical it is that we protect and strengthen local services because my family and I use the same doctors and hospitals as the people I represent.
As for Mr Meekings’ question about the relationship between Brexit and Britain’s democracy; it is very clear that leaving the EU means laws will be made exclusively by democratically elected politicians in Westminster, not by unelected Brussels bureaucrats that we don’t know and who don’t know us.
This is not my view alone – polls conducted on the day of the referendum showed that the main reason people voted to leave the EU was “the principle that decisions about the UK should be taken in the UK”. By leaving, Britain is restoring Parliamentary sovereignty, thus boosting democratic accountability. Parliament has already voted on the matter – when we authorised the referendum in law – and so, following the outcome, the will of the people must be respected.
There is no reason to think that Brexit makes Scottish independence more likely. The low oil price means the economic argument for Scotland ‘to go it alone’ is even weaker than it was. Perhaps that explains why recent polls have shown no increase in support for independence following Brexit.
Likewise it’s highly unlikely the borders in Ireland will be affected as both sides have made clear they want to avoid a return to the days of a hard border.
On other matters I would be delighted to meet Mr Meekings to discuss what more I can do to help him.
Rt Hon John Hayes MP
South Holland and the Deepings
