To highlight just a couple of issues over these past few months, in January, I hosted a visit from the Shadow Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley MP. During our meetings with the Island’s medical staff, he was struck by the commitment and innovation with which they rose to meet local challenges. Staying on the subject of healthcare, I held an adjournment debate on the regulatory burden faced by the Islands Primary Care Trust. Mike O’Brian MP, Minister for Health recognised the unique nature of the Island’s healthcare and I will continue to raise the issue of CQC registration fees with the Government.

Back in November, I met the parents of home educated children on the Island, concerned about the new regulations in the Children, Schools and Families bill. I raised their objections in the House of Commons during the debate on the Bill. I hope that the Bill will be improved during the Committee stage. I have also raised the issues of immigration and local housing in debates in Westminster Hall – both issues which I know to be of great importance to Islanders.

My role on the Public Bill Committee for the Flood and Water Management Bill was also of particular importance, especially given the growing coastal erosion in towns like Bembridge. There is still much work to be done on all fronts, but I relish the challenge and the opportunity to make a difference to improve the lives of Islanders.

I will be standing at the General Election to continue to speak up for the Island during the next Parliament.

If the election feels more important than usual, it is because this time there is so much at stake. Over the past 13 years, we have seen the economy brought to its knees, parts of society crumble and our brave armed services sent to fight without the right equipment.

The Labour Government offers no solutions to the problems it has caused, other than extending the state’s bureaucracy even further, and spending yet more of taxpayers’ money. The Liberal Democrats appear unable to grasp the true reality of the problems facing us, putting out conflicting messages about when we need to grasp the nettle of cutting public spending.

Only the Conservative Party offers honest and effective solutions to these problems. We recognise that we must spend within our means to lower the deficit and bolster the economy. We are committed to a smaller state and a wider, more inclusive society. And we regard the Armed Forces as a first priority, rather than an afterthought. The Conservative Party represents the real, tangible change that this country is in desperate need of. The last thing Britain needs is a Government portraying itself as the party of change, but delivering only more of the same. At this General Election, there will be a real choice between honesty and half-truths, between individual responsibility and centralised state control and between a party willing and able to do what’s right for Britain, or one which has run out of ideas and simply clings desperately to power.

I believe a vital part of getting through the bad times is holding tight to the belief that the reward of good times will come. What gives me hope, is that whenever the economic crisis worsens, or the divisions in society widen, Islanders resolve in getting on with their lives and pushing through adversity, never wavers. It makes me proud to be your MP every I return home to the Island from Parliament.