It is great to be back after a short break over Christmas and New Year and I certainly hope you all managed to have some time off.

Firstly, I must thank everybody who worked hard over the holiday period including those of you in hospitality.

While many of us enjoy a rest at the end of the year, many workers face their busiest periods. It’s important to pay tribute to them and recognise the dedication and incredible service they deliver.

I am pleased that the Prime Minister has started the year by setting out a clear and concise plan of action for the country by setting out his vision for Britain with five key promises covering the economy, NHS and illegal immigration.

The inflationary pressures which are having such a detrimental impact on the economy and people’s living standards will be halved this year, and this will be very welcome here in North Cornwall where I know many of you are struggling with the cost of living.

The government will also work hard to address the national debt to ensure security for our public services and grow the economy so that we can create better-paid jobs and opportunities across the whole of the UK.

This year we will also legislate to stop the boats coming across the English Channel, ensuring that those who break our laws and come here illegally are detained and removed swiftly.

The United Kingdom is a very welcoming country, and over the years my office has supported many people who wish to enter the UK legally via the Home Office – a process which can take a significant amount of time and effort.

We have also supported many people in genuine need of our protection, including those forced to flee from the war in Ukraine.

However, many constituents in North Cornwall have expressed to me directly that they are extremely unhappy with what they correctly perceive to be a wave of economic migration continually landing on our shores, primarily by people who have crossed multiple safe countries on their way to the UK. I will fully support legislation to stop the boats.

The government has also announced that millions of the lowest-income households will begin receiving payments worth up to £1,350 this Spring, helping the most vulnerable with the cost of living. We are determined to deliver on our promise to the British people to support the people who have been hardest hit, and eligible households in North Cornwall will begin receiving cost of living payments this Spring.

This will include the first of three instalments of £300 for those on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and tax credits, an additional £150 for over six million disabled people this Summer, and £300 for pensioners next Winter.

I will post updates about this on my social media pages and website so please follow www.facebook.com/TheRightMannForNorthCornwall and visit www.scottmann.org.uk