A message from the Island's MP

On behalf of all Islanders I would like to pay tribute to everyone who works so hard for the manycharities and voluntary organisations which makes the Island such a great place to live.  It has been a real pleasure to meet so many of you over the years and to share a little in the work you do.  The Island would certainly be a much poorer place without you.

Whether you are sportingly inclined or not, the Olympics will be a major focus of attention this year.  I hope that here on the Island we will feel some of the benefits of the tourism that the games will bring into the UK.  This is also the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year - a key national celebration and a chance to thank our Queen who has given so much to our country over the last 60 years.  This year Britain will be on show to the world - a great opportunity to say 'come and invest here'.

There are many serious issues facing us.  The continuing crisis in the Eurozone has a big influence and we must take difficult decisions to drive down the level of our national debt.  These are, and will remain difficult times.  However, there are some important positives we should remember.  First, since the general election the private sector has created over half a million extra jobs.  Secondly, over the past year businesses have invested £119 billion across the economy, up £3 billion on the previous year.  Thirdly, our borrowing costs have fallen to record lows and finally Britain's credit rating has been restored to its previous highest possible level.  The recent announcement that George Osborne has struck a deal for London to become the international trading centre for the Chinese currency (the Renminbi) will bring billions into the City of London with large tax revenues which will benefit all of us.

None of this is a reason for complacency, but it is a reason to stick to the path of restoring the economy.  We need to make sure that work pays and that benefits are there for those most in need, not as a lifestyle choice. 

The Localism Act passed last year puts more decision making in the hands of local government.  More decisions will now be made at County Hall rather than in Whitehall by people with no connection to the Island.  If you have ever fancied that you could be a local councillor now really is the time to think seriously about it as a way of serving your local community.

With all good wishes,

Andrew Turner


This website is funded from the allowances available to Andrew Turner as the Island's Member of Parliament.  If you have any ideas on how it could be improved please let us have your suggestions.  Any complaints about content should be made initially to the Director of Finance and Administration at the House of Commons