NEW Wellington MP Gideon Amos spoke of his pride at being elected and his love for the area in his maiden Parliamentary speech.

Liberal Democrat Mr Amos said: “It is the greatest privilege of my life to serve the residents of Taunton and Wellington.

“I am here to do one thing, work for them, and to stand up for them to those in power, whenever that is the right thing to do.”

Mr Amos told of the area’s outstanding cultural attractions and huge range of educational opportunities which made Taunton an ideal location for new research and innovation entrepreneurs.

He said: “We encourage people coming to Wellington, as well, and I look forward to working hard on the Wellington station project and I invite the Secretary of State, or, the Rail Minister to visit the project.”

Mr Amos spoke of his family’s military connections and his delight at the previous Government’s U-turn on ‘shocking’ proposals to close the 40 Commando Royal Marines base.

He said: “Is it not, Madam Deputy Speaker, that generation’s courage and bravery, not only in rebuilding Britain, but in defeating fascism in the first place, that demands our respect and demands that we do everything we can to defend the liberal and democratic values that makes this country so great. 

“Surely their bravery demands we always, from all sides of this house, always say no to those who would stir up division, despair, and hatred for nothing more than to get votes because they have nothing positive to offer people instead.”