In his New Year's message, Craig Williams, the MP for Montgomeryshire, takes us through the highs and lows of 2023, emphasizing the collective efforts alongside Russell George MS.

Craig highlights the local successes which have been significant, with millions poured into vital areas. He also discusses upcoming fights on pylons, inflation and the Gaza conflict.

He said:

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"2023 has brought another set of challenges and opportunities, both within Westminster and Montgomeryshire. It has been a real pleasure working alongside Russell George MS to represent your views and ensure Montgomeryshire is heard in Westminster and Cardiff Bay."

"Working together we have met these opportunities, and I wanted to set out below some of our successes from the past year."

"Locally, we have seen millions of pounds invested by the UK Government into Montgomeryshire. This investment has set the firm foundations for significant improvements within our broadband and mobile coverage, overseen key infrastructure developments in our transport network, and delivered investment into public services locally."

"Connectivity is being transformed across our area, with mobile ‘not-spots’ having taken a major leap to being eradicated through 16 new mobile masts across the county, boosting 4G coverage to 95%. 5 masts have already come online this year, with the rest being activated during the course of 2024."

"Broadband speeds have also been enhanced, with 89% of Montgomeryshire premises now able to access superfast broadband speeds."

"The Government’s £5billion ‘Project Gigabit’ is delivering fast and reliable gigabit-speed broadband to the hardest to reach parts of the UK, with residents in Kerry, Llanbrynmair, Tregynon and Berriew being the first to be able to apply for free Gigabit vouchers."

"With £16million of Levelling-Up funding being allocated in previous rounds for the restoration and reconnection of Montgomery Canal, the latest round of funding has seen Powys allocated with £6million to repair and refurbish key Rights of Way links – including new footbridges for Garthmyl, Berriew, Caersws and Llangadfan; as well as £8million for the resurfacing of major roads across Montgomeryshire."

"The prospect of huge pylons and some of the biggest onshore wind turbines in the UK coming to Montgomeryshire has raised its head again this year."

"I am determined that our area does not see mass industrialisation of our landscapes and a huge amount of concrete poured into our environment, with little, if any benefit to Montgomeryshire. In the face of Bute Energy, National Grid, and the Welsh Labour Government’s free for all policy on onshore wind within Mid Wales, we are dusting off and regrouping the very successful “Montgomeryshire Against Pylons” partnership to gear up for another generational fight to protect our county from these plans. "

"Looking at the national picture, the world has of course been grappling with high inflation, fuelled by the pandemic and Putin’s weaponisation of energy. Back in January, the Prime Minister set out his economic priorities for the year; to halve inflation, grow the economy, and reduce debt. Last week we received the latest inflation figures, which show that inflation has fallen at a quicker pace than forecast to 3.9% - the lowest rate for 3 years – and to well over half of what it was back in January. This is largely thanks to the firm actions taken by the Government in holding down energy bills and taking responsible decisions with public finances."

"This has given families across Montgomeryshire the immediate economic relief they need, and has also seen the economy continue to recover more quickly from the pandemic than originally forecast, with debt on track to fall further."

"Internationally, we now sadly have two regional wars in Europe and the Middle-East. This hugely effects the global economy, and of course global security. I know from my regular surgeries and correspondence that we were all appalled by the terrible events which occurred on October 7th in Israel with the Islamic terrorist group Hamas’ murderous assault on innocent Israeli civilians; and deeply saddened by the subsequent Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and loss of civilian life. A lasting settlement will only be possible with the eradication of Hamas terrorists, who have been denounced by the Palestinian Authority, and this brings hope that a lasting peace can eventually be achieved between the two states."