Thanks for all your messages
Just a quick note to say that I have been very touched by all the supportive messages I have had during the past 24 hours.
Nick Herbert on his visit to flood hit areas of Cumbria
Please note that the post below was published more than ten year ago on 21st November 2009 Nick Herbert MP, shadow cabinet member for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, was in Cumbria this morning to see the areas affected by the flooding. He writes on Conservative Home about his visit. Here is an extract. I’ve been in Cumbria today to see the areas affected by the floods. I arrived early in Keswick where I met officials from the Environment Agency. Although the river levels had fallen considerably and homes were no longer flooded, the damage to homes had been done. And the water which had got into houses wasn’t just from the river – it was foul water which had risen from the drains. I talked to fire crews who were pumping flood water back into the river, and discovered that they were from Tyne & Wear and Lancashire. They had been called in at an hours’ notice and had been working on the scene ever since, staying at a local hotel. You cannot fail to be impressed by the...
Comments
I only hope and pray that Jamie Reed is humble enough to work with the new Government (which will not be Labour) for the best interests of this community. Cut out the equation of David Cameron with a war traitor dramatics in question time! This is a time for cooperation to ensure the nation is led out of the current financial crisis and for making Copeland a centre of energy production.
Speaking as a member of Chris Whiteside's campaign team I would like to say that it has been an honour to work with Chris and my party colleagues. We ran a clean positive campaign and worked hard to engage the public. At all times we remained rational in the face of untruths being told about our policies on health and nuclear new build, alongside scare tactics presented in those disgraceful breast cancer leaflets.
We did raise the level of the campaign because it was close and proved that the people really do have a choice. The voters came out. It is proof to me that democracy is not dead. It it is a credit to the people, who despite being disappointed by the expenses scandal, still have faith in themselves to change the situation and get out and vote.
There are difficult months ahead, but it is now important to ensure that the interest of this area are promoted at national level and that at national level a strong Government is swiftly achieved to get the nation through the current economic crisis.
If there is an election within the next year Chris Whiteside has my support to be the candidate in this area. I am assured of his dedication, honesty and capacity for hard work.
I have known Chris for almost thirty years. We have disagreed on a number of things, and agreed on more. But Chris has always been thoughtful and intellectually honest. He doesn't run away from evidence and arguments which lead him to a place with he is not initially comfortable. Over the years I have changed his mind on some things, as he has changed mine. This is because he listens, and he thinks.
He also enjoys - as readers of this blog will know - an argument, setting out clear reasons for his opinions.
It would be great to have a few more people like that in the House.
I have not been able to offer any support as I had lost my internet connection until today.
On Thursday i was in Whitehaven and was amazed at the number of people who were voting without realizing any of the issues, or even the name of the labour candidate they were voting for. I can only hope that you dont feel too disheartened at the result and will keep up your tirless campaigning for our regional hospitals.
Thanks for your efforts during the election campaign and, if nothing else, you have given a ray of hope to a copeland blue voter that a change is possible in the future.