Island MP Andrew Turner has made his first speech on the Island since his stroke last December.

He spoke to 80 members of the Conservative Ladies Luncheon Club in Sandown on Saturday.
Coincidentally, his last speech was to the same club and it was at their Christmas gathering that he suffered the stroke. He also spoke in the House of Commons on Wednesday of last week.

Mr Turner told the luncheon club of how he had been affected and his progress. He praised the care he had been given at St Mary's Hospital, where his condition was stabilised before he went to a Southampton Hospital and said he is gradually getting back into harness.

"I have been out and about knocking on doors listening to people and handing out leaflets, just to remind them that as their MP I am there to help them. "The issues seem to be the same: Taxes, crime and the NHS."

Among the major events he has attended was the 65th anniversary of Blywskawiska's defence of Cowes. And the completion on May 28 of Gipsy Moth’s circumnavigation of the globe, crewed by young people aged 16-25.

"What a brilliant achievement!"

He has also had a week's holiday in Ireland and although it rained most days he told luncheon club members it was a welcome break from the telephone and e-mails.
Summer engagements are already filling his diary during the Parliamentary recess.

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Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808