AS the country's financial struggles rumble on whilst the pound's value plummets against the US dollar, you may be looking to see what your local MP has to say on the matter.
You may be wondering why the pound has fallen to its lowest level against the dollar since decimalisation in 1971 after the new chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, announced his mini-budget.
You may be wondering who your MP thinks is to blame for the country’s financial troubles while wondering if those who backed a Lizz Truss government believe she has lived up to their expectations – or if they'll be demanding answers on your behalf.
Read more: What your MPs are saying about the cost of living crisis
You might also wonder if your MP has any words of comfort for those who are struggling to pay the bills this winter during a cost of living crisis.
We have tried to get answers on your behalf since Monday, contacting all six of the MPs in our area.
This includes Conor Burns, MP for Bournemouth West, Tobias Ellwood, MP for Bournemouth West, Michael Tomlinson, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, Sir Robert Syms, MP for Poole, Sir Chris Chope, MP for Christchurch and Simon Hoare, MP for North Dorset.
Sir Chris Chope said he was unavailable for a comment as he is out of the country.
Sir Robert Syms MP, returned our call on Wednesday, and said the country may be “turbulent” right now but insisted “things will settle down”.
Sir Robert added: “It’s an international situation because the Federal Reserve in the United States has been aggressively pushing up interest rates. All other currencies have been going through the floor.
“I don’t think it is domestically driven because debt levels are lower here and we are likely to see a peak of inflation pretty soon.
“The problem now is quite a lot of pension funds borrow money and because of the spike in rates some of those have been causing difficulty which, of course, the Bank of England has intervened to help pay some of the pensions out.”
Read more: Two Dorset MPs given new government roles by Liz Truss
In the words of Norman Lamont on Black Wednesday: “today has been a very difficult day”. These are not circumstances beyond the control of Govt/Treasury . They were authored there. This inept madness cannot go on https://t.co/wSXrNlFt0q
— Simon Hoare MP (@Simon4NDorset) September 28, 2022
Sir Robert added it is still “too soon” to decide whether the government is doing a good job, but added Liz Truss is doing a “fine job in difficult circumstances because every other government in Europe has the same difficulties.”
Simon Hoare MP tweeted that this “inept madness cannot go on”, adding: “These are not circumstances beyond the control of Govt/Treasury.”
Mr Hoare added: “In the words of Norman Lamont on Black Wednesday: ‘today has been a very difficult day’”.
He did not respond directly to us.
Mid-Dorset and North Poole MP, Michael Tomlinson said: “The chancellor has been clear that the announcements made on Friday are part of a long term plan that seeks to grow our economy.
"It is right that he has met with banking and financial representative to explain our new plan for Growth. The Chancellor is committed to fiscal sustainability, which is right. We need to grow our economy and everyone will benefit from a growing and larger economy.”
What do you think? Are you worried about the state of the economy?
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