Well done... Peterborough is back

This is the moment that Peterborough starts to reopen and move beyond lockdown. From this weekend, it will finally be possible to go to the pub or for a haircut again. It will finally be possible to have a meal out again. And most shops and businesses can finally reopen, writes Peterborough MP Paul Bristow.

You earned this moment. It’s only because so many people did their bit to stay at home and control the virus that our city life can begin to return.

The Prime Minister’s speech this week brought welcome optimism and some welcome help. It was an antidote to the gloom that can characterise difficult times.

I know that many people are still struggling from the impact of Coronavirus. We still won’t be able to see all of our friends and family just yet. Some jobs may be lost, despite the unprecedented Government support for businesses. This won’t be easy, but we have a plan.

Fortunately, I wasn’t elected on a business as usual ticket. There was the need to deliver Brexit, as others tried to block it (and Labour still want us to be in the EU in all but name). Yet leaving the European Union was always a beginning, not an end.

Most of all, Peterborough wanted a hard-working Conservative MP, who could deliver on the Government’s promise to level up.

Before Coronavirus arrived, we already had an exciting agenda of investment in our schools, our transport network, our police and our local infrastructure. New police officers are already arriving in the city centre.

We need more and we need to deliver on the rest of our agenda. The Coronavirus emergency has made this more vital, not less.

Boris Johnson announced a new £5 billion advance for capital investment projects, supporting jobs and our economic recovery. All part of a £640 billion investment over 5 years. Peterborough will get its share of investment.

Already, it’s been confirmed that:

l The New Towns Fund will deliver up to £25 million for Peterborough, helping us deliver the regeneration of our station and the City Centre.

l Exciting plans will soon be announced for our new University.

l Immediate condition funding for the King’s (The Cathedral) School will be matched by a programme of school expansions and improvements.

l There will be more police officers for Peterborough.

We deliver on our promises. Just this week, we delivered on another. In Parliament, I voted to end free movement and return control over our borders.

Because we have left the European Union, we can pass our own immigration laws. We now have the right to say who can come here and who can’t. We no longer have to favour unlimited EU migration.

There is a whole world of talent out there. Britain can attract the brightest and best, while protecting our own workforce. We can look abroad for more farm workers, social-care staff or brain surgeons. Or not. The choice is finally ours.

Naturally, Labour voted against this. They have learnt nothing and don’t trust us to make our own decisions. They want no change and no control.

What a step change we have with this Prime Minister from the doom-mongering and naysaying of the past. Positivity is contagious. Our best is ahead of us.

As we go out again and meet again, let’s get our local economy moving again. It’s not normal city life just yet, but Peterborough is back.