AS you read this I hope you are enjoying a wonderful extended weekend to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
After the difficult times the country has faced over the last two and half years, it is most appropriate we take time to reflect on what Her Majesty means to us, our communities and the nation as a whole.
I take great comfort that our Sovereign has served our country so steadfastly through 70 years of our history, a time of unprecedented changes, of ups and downs in our nation’s fortunes. Throughout it all the Queen has maintained a great constancy and dignity.
I have been very privileged to meet Her Majesty, most notably before presenting my first Budget in 2020. That meeting took place just a matter of days after being appointed Chancellor and it will always be a very special memory.
Conversations between the Monarch and her Ministers are confidential but I can say that the meeting was very helpful and reassuring. It is an incredible honour to serve in Her Majesty’s Government.
All of us have reason to be grateful for the Queen’s tremendous sense of duty, discharged over such a long time. Her dedication to the service of her people in the UK and Commonwealth is something we should all take great pride in and give thanks for.
I know we will all do that in our different ways but over the last few days I have noticed how every community in our part of Yorkshire seems to be embracing the occasion wholeheartedly. The bunting is everywhere and so many amazing events are being planned to mark this great national milestone.
Thanks are due to all the stalwarts in our communities who take the lead and make these events happen. Whether it is distributing and putting up bunting, making the teas, organising the barbecue or lighting a beacon, they make a difference and I am very grateful for everything they do.
I’ll be attending a number of these events around our area over the weekend to join in the fun and to thank some of these individuals in person.
However you are marking this very special moment in our nation’s history, I hope you have a great Jubilee weekend.
