And for the majority of Bradford residents who enjoy their evenings out wisely, it can be a great and fun night out, whether at home or attending one of the many professionally organized events held across the city. There is a gender.
However, the people of Bradford are well aware of the devastating impact that an unthinking minority can have who only use the bonfire period as an excuse to take part in unacceptable anti-social behavior and misuse of fireworks.
Many organizations in Bradford and national organizations such as the RSPCA continue to call for fairer use of fireworks. At the last Parliament, I called on the Government to quiet down the noise from fireworks, and to end the scourge of misuse of fireworks all year round and the terrible effects they have on residents and pets.
And in the lead up to Bonfire Night, I joined West Yorkshire Police on their night patrol, directly supporting their work.
In practice, this means more beat patrols, additional youth activity sessions, and even the use of “Trojan buses.” It appears that the service is usually staffed by plainclothes police officers looking to crack down on anti-social behavior in the run-up to the bonfire period.
We welcome the huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure we all enjoy a safe Bonfire Night.
Of course, the history of Bonfire Night is closely intertwined with the history of Parliament and Britain's democratic way of life.
And as part of my role as Deputy Speaker of the House, I recently toured the basement of the House of Commons. It is no exaggeration to say that there was clearly a shortage of barrels, but a plaque still remains showing the location and date of the failed gunpowder plot in the fall of 1605. Even today, tradition requires that the King's Yeomen do the following prior to the opening of Parliament: Before the speech, members of the Guard tour the basement of the Capitol.
Another important parliamentary event took place this fall: the Prime Minister's budget statement. This is an opportunity for the government to assess the country's fiscal situation and outline its economic plans for next year and beyond.
Last week's Budget tabled by Finance Minister Rachel Reeves was particularly historic. Not only was this the new government's first Budget and the first in 14 years, it was also the first statement issued by a female Prime Minister in Britain's 800-year budget history.
The Prime Minister described it as “fixing the foundations of our economy and delivering on the promise of change”. As Deputy Chair, it is a great honor to chair what is, as you might imagine, a very energetic debate that ensures that MPs from all parties across the UK have the opportunity to share the views of their constituents. did.
The budget itself included a number of measures that will impact people across Bradford. Key announcements include a significant increase in the minimum wage to £12.21 an hour and an increase in the income limit for carer allowance. The Chancellor also announced an investment of more than £22 billion into the NHS day-to-day budget, the largest amount since 2010, as well as a £2 billion increase in the school budget and a trebling of spending on breakfast clubs. .
At a time when the UK faces threats from abroad and a difficult economic environment at home, the people of Bradford are tackling the most pressing issues and challenges we face and building the foundations for future stability and sustained economic growth. I need a budget.
Just as they did on Bonfire Night more than 400 years ago, decisions in Congress continue to impact our daily lives and shape the future of our country. However you choose to celebrate this evening, I hope you and your family have a safe and joyful celebration.
