News / Damien Egan
MP Damien Egan highlights everyday struggles people face in maiden speech
Kingswood’s new MP started his maiden speech with a geography lesson on the location of the constituency on the edge of Bristol.
Damien Egan also touched on the rich history of the area and praised his Tory predecessor, Chris Skidmore, who resigned in January over the government’s oil and gas bill, triggering the by-election that saw the Labour politician overturn an 11,000 Conservative majority.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon during a debate on the trade bill (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Transpacific Partnership), the new MP went on to highlight the everyday struggles faced by people in his constituency and across the country.
is needed now More than ever
Referring to Kingswood as a bellwether seat, Egan said this is because the constituency is “a representative voice of decent British people who work hard and play by the rules, who love their families and want the best of their children”.
The MP acknowledged the short amount of time he will be in the role before the general election, which is expected later this year, saying this helps “focus the mind” and ensure to “make moments count”.
At the next general election, the Kingswood constituency as it stands will be abolished and divided into two new constituencies, Bristol North East constituency and Somerset North East & Hanham.
In July, Egan beat Bristol mayor Marvin Rees to be selected as the Labour candidate for the new Bristol North East constituency. He went on to resign from his role as mayor of Lewisham to run in the Kingswood by-election.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Egan said: “I thought that as well as giving you a little about Kingswood itself, I’d also share with you, Mr Speaker what the people of Kingswood told me and hope that there are issues that members of all parties can reflect on.
“I think the first thing to say is that people told me that family life had become much harder.
“I spoke to many parents who told me, they’re stressed, they’re exhausted and they’re doing all the ‘right things’ – working-hard, doing extra hours, paying the bills, but people told me that they feel like they’re just existing through life and not living it.
“And it isn’t like people are asking for a lot. But when you work so hard you ought to be able to feel secure about your future.
“You should also be left with enough money to enjoy life; pay for family meals out, or order that occasional takeaway; plan nice trips for the children; book a family holiday. I’m sure no one here would think that’s a lot to ask for, but I have to tell you Mr Speaker, that for an increasing number of working people in Kingswood, these are now out-of-reach luxuries.”
Damien Egan overturned an 11,000 Tory majority to be elected as the Kingswood MP in February – photo: Labour Party
The MP spoke about the impact of a lack of NHS dentists, over-stretched doctors, safety and education – including questioning why South Gloucestershire’s schools are the “lowest funded in the country”.
Main photo: Parliamentlive TV
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