Tough decisions means I know that our best days are ahead of us

Steve Race MP says While some of the decisions we have had to take have not been ones I would want, it’s down to the terrible economic inheritance of the last Tory government

STEVE RACE IS THE LABOUR MP FOR EXETER

Last weekend marked the first 100 days of the Labour government, and of my time as MP. For comparison, the Tories were in government for 5173 days!

Since my last column, I have given my maiden speech in which I talked about my upbringing and how my sister is my inspiration for being in politics; and how valuable the education system is to every young person in Exeter, helping them to reach their potential.

I also talked about the value of science and innovation; I have been blown away by the variety of start-up and scale-ups in the city, and the level of cutting-edge scientific research that is happening in our University and hospital trust, for the benefit of local people and patients. Exeter is at the heart of developing solutions to big national and international challenges, from climate change to biomedical sciences - something we can be rightly proud of.

I’ve been visiting many organisations including our schools, where I’m continually impressed by our students. I’ve also joined Julian House on an early morning welfare check walkabout to meet people who sleep on our streets. Working to end the scourge of homelessness is one of my priorities, and I’m very honoured to have been asked to be a Patron of St Petrock’s, who along with Julian House and others do so much to support some of our most vulnerable residents.

I’ve also asked my first questions in Parliament on behalf of Exeter residents. I’ve raised the longstanding issue of inaccessibility of St Thomas and Polsloe Bridge stations, and I encouraged the government to deliver more retrofit for our council housing - exactly as Exeter City Council has been doing, so that social tenants can benefit from lower bills and can participate in the green transition too.

I’ve also been helping organisations to make the case for investment into our city and our wider region. I hosted the Tertiary Colleges Association in Parliament in partnership with our fantastic Exeter College, bringing together more than 25 MPs and 23 colleges from around the country to talk about the challenges and opportunities of further education. And I hosted businesses from across Devon and the southwest to launch a report that showcases our regional role in ensuring food security.

Otherwise I’ve been very proud to have voted on the first stages of legislation that will improve the lives of everyone in Exeter.

The Renters Rights Bill is the most significant package of reforms to the private rented sector in over 40 years and it will provide greater security and stability for thousands of people in Exter by ending no fault evictions, and raising standards across the sector.

The GBEnergy Bill will provide significant investment into our energy system, bringing down bills, creating new jobs, and helping us to meet our net zero targets.

The Employment Rights Bill delivers one of the biggest new packages of measures for a generation that raises the floor on workplace rights to deliver a stronger, fairer and brighter future for the world of work in the UK. It will ban exploitative zero hours contracts and fire and rehire tactics; establishes day one rights for maternity and paternity rights; and strengthens statutory sick pay. Many people in Exeter will benefit when this bill becomes law.

These are just three of over 40 new Bills that will make their way through Parliament this year, changing our country for the better, and strengthening the foundations of our economy so that we can prosper in the future.

While some of the decisions we have had to take have not been ones I would want, it’s down to the terrible economic inheritance of the last Tory government that means tough decisions have to be taken. By working to stabilise the public finances, and growing the economy sustainably, I know that our best days are ahead of us.

Steve Race

Labour Member of Parliament for Exeter