Damian writes a regular column for the Petersfield Post, and this is a copy of his New Year message published today (28th December 2016)
Economy-wise we’re ending 2016 on a bit of a high note. Unemployment continues to run at a 10-year low, a record number of people are in work and average wages have grown by 2.6 per cent over the last year.
And the recovery in our labour market is only part of the story. The UK is forecast to be the fastest growing among the world's large advanced economies for the year.
There is a wealth of talent here in the UK and we continue to attract inward investment from across the globe, with new programmes announced by Glaxo, Nissan, Google and Apple since the referendum in June.
The recent Autumn Statement announced major new multibillion pound investments in transport, digital communications and Research & Development projects, strengthening our position as one of the world’s largest economies.
So, lots of good news. But this sort of steady progress does not often make the headlines so it’s easy to miss the underlying economic success going on all around us.
Media headlines have been dominated this year by some dramatic political events – the UK’s decision to leave the EU, Donald Trump winning the US presidential election, and populist votes in other countries that are challenging the status quo.
It’s true that we’re facing a period of particular uncertainty at the moment, with questioning of established leadership in multiple jurisdictions, greater polarisation and divisiveness, and an uncomfortable cocktail of global issues. And of course, at their worst, the extremes of conflict remind us there has been no diminution in the capacity for man's inhumanity to man.
But as we head into 2017, it’s important to take stock and remember the gains we’ve made and the millions of lives that have been improved by that progress.
It matters for individuals and it matters for our economic outlook. We need a strong and healthy economy to pay for the services we rely on every day - that’s why the growth in jobs, the support for businesses and new investments are so vital.
Planning our successful exit from the EU will continue to be a priority next year, but we must also remain focused on building success at home – encouraging a business environment that fosters innovation and enterprise, securing more opportunities for those that want to work, start an apprenticeship or gain new skills for a change of direction, and increasing investment in world leading industries and technologies.
We can remain confident in looking outward – we’re a significant part of the global economy and have much to offer our inter-dependent world. There are challenges ahead but also great opportunities.
Catching the headlines can often fill us with doom and gloom, but the underlying story is often more positive and hopeful. As we head into 2017, we should feel good about the progress that has been made and determined about tackling the issues that remain in front of us.
And during this season of goodwill, I know many will be looking out for those in our communities that need that extra bit of support, and I would like to take this opportunity to commend you for the help you give to others, particularly at this time of year.
I wish everyone a very happy Christmas and joyful New Year.