This week I addressed the Beaconsfield Society. Before I spoke about my work on the Green Belt and local infrastructure, I shared some thoughts on an important national issue. This is what I said:
“My duty as your constituency MP is to stand with, for, and by the people of Beaconsfield.
Whatever their background, religion or creed. I want everyone to feel safe, respect the rule of law, and know their children can safely go to school or practice their religion without fear.
What I have seen in the past few weeks nationally is our Jewish friends and neighbours being unable to do so. Living in fear and some even feeling they are no longer welcome in the UK.
As someone who worked in Kosovo and Albania after the Kosovo war in 1999/2000, I know all too well the destruction that nationalism and religious identity can unleash.
Which is why I studied Ashkenazic Jewish history and the inter-war period in continental Europe along with international relations to try and understand what brought about the holocaust and the link to national identity, religion and hatred.
I am proud to be British because of our values and I respect the history and tolerance of this great country.
I am proud of this nation, our veterans and those who fought to keep this country safe and free.
Free for the Jewish refugees who came during WWII, free for the Kosovo refugees who came in 1999 and now the Ukrainian refugees who the people of Beaconsfield accepted with open arms.
I attend a Remembrance service to remember all those who gave their lives to protect this nation and its values.
It is a sign of respect to the nation which has given me a home and values I believe in.
I hope that everyone will remember that this weekend and put their differences aside to unite in their reflection and Remembrance.”
This is a great nation. Let’s unite in memory of our fallen and let us be the tolerant nation we truly are.
