Our Man in Westminster: Political unrest at home and abroad during 2022
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
As every year ends, I suspect, like me, you wonder where all the time went.
And 2022 is no different, except that we also crammed a lot of what we missed from lockdown into this year.
Getting together again, getting out and about with restrictions being lifted has undoubtedly been a real high point and one that almost everyone I have spoken to this year has remarked upon how great it has been.
It has been a year where we have seen a change of monarch with the sad passing of the Queen and no less than three Prime Ministers, although it can confidently be said that few tears would have been shed as first Boris Johnson departed Number 10 and then, after only six weeks in office – leaving a legacy of a disastrous mini-budget that cost £30 billion in losses, raised inflation and mortgages – Liz Truss left too.
Read more:
In addition to these domestic events, we have seen a year of deep conflict in Ukraine as Vladimir Putin has acted on his imperial fantasies, costing many lives, heartbreak and devastation. One of the positives from 2022 has been the collective will of all political parties here and most of the international community to stand up to Putin over this illegal invasion.
He was allowed to get away with too much before the invasion, but he is rightly challenged now. Our support for Ukraine must not waiver.
Locally, we can be proud that we have also extended our merited reputation for Highland hospitality to our new friends, the Ukrainian refugees.
Others are not here at home with their families, and we send them all the best wishes, with a special mention for all those working across the globe in our armed forces to keep our families safe and protect others and the freedoms we all hold dear.
We know the cost-of-living crisis will continue to dominate 2023 and much work is needed to help folk struggling. I’m very grateful to my team for their hard work and dedication to supporting local families and individuals.
We are taking a short break over the festive season but will be on hand for any urgent issues. Please, get in touch if you need urgent help, and we will find you support.
For now, I hope you have a great new year and all the best for 2023 to you and yours.
– Drew Hendry is the SNP MP for the Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey constituency.
