How lucky we are with the younger generation
Mr James Gray
MP for North Wiltshire
On life in Wiltshire and at Westminster
15th November 2007
Ten times more young people in Wiltshire take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme than have any kind of contact with the police, Chris Montacute, the excellent head of Wootton Bassett Comprehensive, told the sixth form speech night on Friday 9th November 2007.

The astonishingly high calibre of the young people "graduating" that evening somehow confirmed in our minds how fortunate we are with our younger generation.

And it was interesting to note at the larger than ever Remembrance services and parades which I attended on Sunday at Wootton Bassett, Chippenham and Malmesbury, what a large number of younger people had turned out to honour our war dead.

I can only imagine that Iraq and Afghanistan have brought it home that people, of their age are so sadly once again risking their life in the service to Queen and Country. One young man told me that at least ten of his friends are now abroad with the Armed Services and it was with a heavy heart that I listened to him predict that at least one, statistically speaking, will come home injured or worse.

Reading the Air Cadet annual review last week I was astounded by the youngsters' achievements. I am an honorary member of our local Air Cadet Squadron at RAF Lyneham and I would like to commend the unit for their contribution to the organisation's hugely successful year.

So you can understand why I cannot abide the Colonel Blimp attitude you often find today: "Things weren't like this in my young day. We knew what hardship was all about." (A sentiment, incidentally which was prevalent in the writings of the Venerable Bede around the year 600AD.)

From visiting the sixth formers, talking to young service people in Lyneham and Buckley Barracks in Hullavington and in speaking to young people on our High Streets, I feel exactly the opposite. My lot in the 'sixties were the long haired druggy dropouts but today's younger generation are well motivated and hard working.

My own future hangs in the balance at a Special General Meeting of the North Wiltshire Conservative Association on the 19th November, - a meeting called by a small group of less than seven per cent of the members - to consider a re-run of the secret ballot on my candidacy which was so amply aired last January.

I very much hope that those attending will vote a resounding "no" at the meeting, or at very least in any resulting ballot. And I am glad that party chairman Caroline Spelman has made it plain that that will be an end to it.

All being well, I look forward to watching this talented younger generation grow up and serve the community as their MP for many years to come.
Mr James Gray
Chippenham