Largan column: 'We have made lots of progress locally'

In his latest column, Robert Largan reflects on his first year as High Peak's MP.

One year ago, I was elected to represent the High Peak. It has been a long and challenging year for all of us, dominated by the coronavirus pandemic and difficult decisions. But we have made lots of progress locally.

In the last twelve months, I have raised over 16,000 individual cases on behalf of local people, doing everything in my power to help High Peak’s communities to get through the crisis. I have lobbied the Council through to the highest levels of Government to help win grants for a huge number of local businesses and key institutions like Buxton Opera House.

As a member of the Transport Select Committee, I have used my position to consistently push for rapid and substantial investment in much needed infrastructure for the High Peak and the North of England.

This year I secured the support of the Prime Minister for the Mottram Bypass and Glossop Spur, got the Government to step in and take over the failing Northern rail service, seen modern new trains replace the ancient pacers on the Hope Valley line, and put a new railway station for Gamesley back on the agenda down in Westminster.

Our local services are precious, and I will always fight to maintain and expand their reach in High Peak. That is why I stood up to the Council to defend Goyt Valley House care home in New Mills, and helped to get the badly needed expansion of Glossopdale School signed off. I have also kept the pressure on ministers to get a significant funding increase for our local NHS, including new upgrades at Stepping Hill Hospital and Tameside Hospital.

It is also my mission to help make High Peak the climate change capital of Britain. As well as engaging with the rich network of local environmental groups, I founded a new cross-party group to stand up for the Peak District in Parliament. In the Budget, I successfully secured a huge increase in funding for the restoration of our local moors.

There is lots more to do and it is fair to say that this year has not exactly gone as planned! I know many people disagree with me on lots of issues but I have always tried to do what is right and in the best interests of the High Peak.

At the election, I said I would take an independent-minded approach and always put the High Peak ahead of party politics. That is what I will keep doing, whatever challenges the next twelve months bring.