Politics can sometimes feel like a series of disconnected debates. But two issues currently facing Swindon are actually about the same thing: who gets to shape our future, and how we make sure decisions are taken openly and in the interests of local people.
The first is the ongoing discussion about devolution across the Thames Valley.
For the last two years, councils across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon have been exploring a devolution deal that would bring power and funding out of Whitehall and into our region. Government ministers have described a Thames Valley deal including Swindon as a "strong and compelling" proposition, with the potential to create a regional economy worth £97 billion and unlock new powers over transport, skills, infrastructure and housing.
As Labour and Co-operative politicians, we believe decisions should be taken at the most local level possible. We know that people in Swindon understand Swindon's challenges better than ministers in Westminster ever will. That's why we've consistently supported a devolution deal that includes our town and recognises the role Swindon plays in the Thames Valley economy.
Swindon's economic output per head is among the highest in the region, and our links with Oxfordshire and Berkshire already underpin thousands of jobs and businesses.
It was therefore deeply disappointing to see negotiations hit a significant obstacle last month, and it appeared to be for political reasons, rather than people working for the best for their areas. However, I remain convinced that the economic and social case for Swindon's inclusion remains overwhelming, and I hope all partners can return to the table in the months ahead.
At the same time, there is another debate taking place much closer to home.
The council administration is proposing to abolish the Build a Greener Swindon Policy and Performance Committee, the body responsible for developing new policy and scrutinising progress on climate action and environmental commitments.
This comes despite the council's own Corporate Risk Register identifying failure to achieve net zero and respond to environmental challenges as a significant strategic risk for Swindon
Labour opposes these plans, and we would really appreciate your support by signing the petition. ePetition - Keep the Build A Greener Swindon Committee
Climate change is not a side issue. Whether it's extreme heat we have recently experienced leading to 2,700 excess deaths across the country, flooding, air quality or the future resilience of our local economy, environmental policy affects every resident and every council service.
For me, both debates come back to the same principle. Devolution is about giving our communities a stronger voice over the big decisions that affect our future. The Policy & Performance committee is about making sure those decisions are transparent and accountable.
Swindon deserves both.
We should be fighting for more influence over our future through a Thames Valley devolution deal, not less. And we should be strengthening democratic oversight of climate action, not weakening it.
The future of our town depends on bringing power closer to people and making sure it remains answerable to them. That's a principle worth defending every single time.
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