BOOSTING support for mental illness, post-Brexit Britain and sticking blue rosettes on dog turds — these are just some of the topics brought up by Bracknell’s new MP during his first speech in parliament.
James Sunderland has already stood up in the House of Commons to ask Prime Minister Boris Johnson about global trade, but earlier this week he had the opportunity to speak about Bracknell and what his priorities will be as a member of parliament.
READ MORE: Decision made on controversial plans to sell boose 24/7 at 'noisy' garage
He started by speaking about his constituency and praising the work of Bracknell Forest Council.
“[Bracknell] is indeed the Silicon Valley within the Thames Valley, full of optimism for the post-Brexit economy and blessed with opportunity, as symbolised by the superb new Lexicon shopping centre”, he began.
“Bracknell is a great place to live, work and play and has many open spaces which we must preserve from unsustainable housebuilding.
“As a local boy, I am also fond of its people. They are hardworking, straightforward and blessed with a great sense of humour.”
Quoting a constituent he met during the election campaign, he said he was told: “You could win in Bracknell by pinning a blue rosette to a dog-turd.”
Sunderland added: “I did, of course, thank him for what I took to be a compliment, but there was a serious point.
“I hope never to take the support for granted and I am grateful to the people of Bracknell, Crowthorne, Finchampstead, Sandhurst and Wokingham Without for placing their trust in me.”
READ MORE: The best place for chips in Bracknell
The former army officer told a group of MPs about his military past, having served 27 years as an officer at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, and paid tribute to those who serve in the armed forces.
The armed forces need to know they are “valued, supported and resourced for what they do”, he said, and the UK’s defence strategy should “place British manufacturing at the heart of what we do.”
“Let’s design British, build British, buy British and sell British”, Mr Sunderland continued.
He also spoke about his vision for a post-Brexit, “global Britain”, which would see the UK becoming a “proud, united and independent nation” with a “strong economy based upon manufacturing and services trading freely all over the world.”
The final part of the MP’s maiden speech focused on parliament’s “moral duty” to support those affected by mental illness and special educational needs (SEN) support.
Mental illness is a “modern-day epidemic”, he said, adding his desire to see the issue get enough investment so it is taken as seriously as physical health problems.
READ MORE: Chris Eubank spotted in fast-food takeaway
Before wrapping up, Mr Sunderland claimed the UK’s “collective approach” to SEN education is “woeful”.
He said: “Like mental health, this in my view is a time bomb of our age and we owe it to every child to fulfil their potential.”
You can watch the full speech here.
Bracknell’s new MP saluted emergency services staff, the voluntary sector, the armed forces and more as his speech came to a close.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here