“We must never sacrifice our decency or humanity”
Banbury MP Sean Woodcock weighs in to the debate on flags, and outlines his thoughts on national pride and Labour's progress in their change agenda.
Pride in our country
I am immensely proud to call England my home. Our nation, with its rich history, is something to cherish. There’s nothing quite like the sight of homes adorned with the St George’s Cross during the World Cup, a powerful symbol of unity and pride in our flag and our country.
But it breaks my heart to see that same flag misused. When roundabouts and zebra crossings are defaced with red and white graffiti by so-called patriots, it doesn’t honour our nation, it disrespects it. True patriotism isn’t about vandalism; it’s about building a country we can all be proud of.
The need for change
Like so many of you, I’m frustrated with the state of our country. Years of underinvestment, stagnant wages, sluggish economic growth, and cuts to public services have left scars on our communities. It’s no wonder so many feel angry and hopeless, craving real change.
That’s why I stood for election. I ran with my party on a promise to turn things around, and while progress hasn’t come fast enough, we’re fighting for it. Labour is working tirelessly, both locally and nationally, to rebuild. We have achieved:
- Record investment in the NHS, including our own Horton Hospital, to cut waiting lists and improve care.
- A bold industrial strategy, with Banbury’s own Fortescue at its core, to attract investment and create well-paid jobs.
- Support for families with more free childcare, a new nursery at St Mary’s Primary School in Chipping Norton, and free breakfast clubs in primary schools.
- Investment in public transport and roads, alongside pay rises for minimum wage workers, armed forces personnel, teachers, police, and nurses.
All of those are examples of rebuilding Britain and restoring hope and opportunity. A start, but there’s much more to do.
A path forward
Immigration has always stirred strong feelings, and it’s right that we debate it openly, but we must do so with facts, not fear. Throughout our history, immigrants have enriched our nation, contributing to its culture and growth. Yet, the sight of unvetted people crossing the Channel in unsafe boats understandably worries many. We need a system that’s fair, firm, and humane.
Let’s be clear: asylum seekers are not handed free homes by councils, nor do they receive better treatment than our veterans. Most are victims fleeing persecution, not criminals. Spreading myths and misinformation only fuels division, fear, and hatred. We must reject racism and bigotry outright, while defending the right to peaceful protest and honest discussion.
The government is committed to fixing our asylum and immigration system, stopping irregular migration, including the dangerous Channel crossings. I’m dedicated to holding them accountable to deliver on these promises. But we must never sacrifice our decency or humanity in the process because that’s what truly makes England great.
Together, we can build a Banbury where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. By focusing on practical solutions and shared facts, we can and will create a stronger, fairer and better Banbury and Britain for all.
I promised the people of Banbury during my election campaign that I would work tirelessly to improve the lives of all those who live here and that commitment remains.