2023 is almost over, so it’s worth taking a look back at what has been achieved and the progress we have made over the last 12 months!
Thinking back to the start of the year, things were very tough. Still suffering the effects of the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, inflation was high and families were struggling with the cost of living. The government took extraordinary steps to help-halving energy bills for most households. This money will need to be paid back, including the cost of living payments that the most vulnerable also received, but I think it was necessary and it was part funded by additional taxes on oil & gas producers.
Things are still tough, but they are improving.
Energy bills are much lower and inflation is down and falling and we are entering 2024 in a stronger position economically than we were this time last year.
As a nation we celebrated the coronation of a new monarch.
It was great to see the country come together, for an event that hasn't happened in 70 years, for our new King. Many local people took part in the 'great help out', volunteering in their communities, and organised street parties to mark the event.
I was lucky enough to watch the procession from Parliament, a fantastic once in a lifetime experience! Unexpectedly my video of the event proved very popular on Facebook, receiving almost 750,000 views around the world! See it here:
https://www.facebook.com/KieranMullanUK/videos/269855282052507
We also continued our staunch support for Ukraine in their struggle against Russian aggression.
It was a honour to listen to President Zelensky when he visited Parliament earlier in the year and gave his thanks to the UK for standing behind Ukraine in their hour of need. We, along with the rest of the Western World, need to continue this support into the next year - ensuring the Ukrainian people can continue their fight for their freedom.
Locally, we received the fantastic news that the Government will fund a full rebuild of Leighton Hospital.
This is something I have been campaigning on since becoming an MP. The current hospital was built in the 70's and was not supposed to be still in operation today. This rebuild will ensure the site can continue to treat patience for decades to come.
The new skatepark at the Barony in Nantwich was completed.
This was all done thanks to a campaign by local teenager Alexander Donlon who has been pushing for a modern, new facility for years. It is great to see that it has been really popular in its first few months of opening!
Nationally, I published a report into the opportunities that deep geothermal energy presents for the UK on behalf of the Prime Minister.
Deep geothermal is a clean and cost-effective source of heat and power & Crewe and Nantwich stands to benefit greatly from any expansion through greater local investment and jobs. I look forward to advancing this cause further next year.
I also had success in my campaign to retain non-degree routes into policing.
There were plans to make it necessary to have a degree to become a Police Officer, but I lead a group of MPs in opposing this. There are many people who many not be academically minded who would also make great Police Officers. It is important our Police Forces are made up of people from all backgrounds. Following this campaign, the Government agreed to retain a non-degree entry route into the profession.
Unfortunately in the summer I had a Rugby accident that left me with a serious ankle fracture that needed a major operation.
This meant I couldn't get out and about as I normally do. Just as it was improving this month I ended up back in hospital for a week for further treatment. Instead, I focused on working remotely and as always a lot of my work as an MP is done via email and letter, dealing with issues that you, my constituents have raised.
Along with my hardworking casework team I have closed 1,606 cases from constituents over the past year. I have also responded to 4,575 enquiries about various areas of Government policy.
I am pleased to say, assuming my luck holds, that I am pretty much back to normal with my mobility now (at walking pace!), so looking forward to doing more visits into 2024.
