Grantham MP’s statement on this evening’s confidence vote

Grantham MP Gareth Davies says….

At a time of such national and international challenge – whether the cost of living or Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine – it would be an abrogation of Parliament’s responsibilities to the people of the United Kingdom and our friends in Eastern Europe to turn inwards, rather than facing up to these momentously important challenges and executing our plan to deal with the trials ahead.

The Prime Minister won the biggest electoral mandate in forty years, and this should not simply be overturned by MPs without the formal consent of our electors. The wonderful thing about living in a democracy is the co-existence of differing views. There are very strong feelings on all sides of this matter. I have received significant representations from both the Prime Minister’s supporters and detractors amongst my constituents; I respect everyone’s view and am grateful to constituents for sharing them with me. 

I acknowledge that many people have differing views on the Prime Minister’s agenda, particularly regarding Brexit and immigration, but these things are at the heart of the significant mandate his Government was given in 2019. Ultimately, a general election remains the most democratic way for the country to make a decision on its governance and I do not believe it would be right for MPs to undermine that clear mandate.

While the revelations regarding gatherings of people in Downing Street during the pandemic have been deeply frustrating, the Prime Minister has responded fully and has apologised unreservedly to the country in the House of Commons for the £50 fine that he received. I have accepted that apology. 

Even the Prime Minister’s harshest critics acknowledge his considerable achievements through serious adversity. He broke the highly destructive Brexit deadlock, delivered a world-leading vaccine roll-out, maintained high employment amidst an unprecedented pandemic, and has staunchly advanced the Ukrainian cause in Europe and worldwide.

Ultimately, it is important we come together in the national interest and turn our full focus to the severe problems our country faces today and in the months to come; we should waste no more time, but tackle them head-on – now – with the unity, attention, and determination they require. I will be backing the Prime Minister this evening.