COLUMN by South Cotswolds MP Roz Savage

THE election of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States is big news that could have a serious impact on our communities of the South Cotswolds, our country and the world.

The rise of populist movements across Europe, the US and around the world is a phenomenon we ignore at our peril. 

Democracy is a precious yet sometimes unpredictable system. It is one that many laid down their lives to defend, a sacrifice we remember this week.

It allows for the expression of the will of the people, even when our own view may be very different from that collective will.

The American people have spoken, and we must respect the majority’s choice while also considering its implications for us and the world at large. 

Many people feel ignored, left behind by globalisation - a system that has treated them unfairly and left them worse off.

They are worried about rapid economic and cultural changes that they blame on immigration. All of these are legitimate concerns. 

As your MP, I am committed to addressing these issues head-on.

We must focus on sustaining local businesses including our farms, creating local job opportunities that pay a living wage, investing in skills training, and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are felt by all in our community - not just an elite few.  

President-elect Donald Trump with former first lady Melania Trump and Lara Trump We need to make sure that our NHS and the services that support it are properly funded by taxes paid by the tech and energy giants, and big banks.

We need to foster open, honest and respectful dialogues about immigration and cultural integration, ensuring that all voices are heard. 

A Trump presidency is likely to have far-reaching consequences.

On climate change, I’m worried about potential rollbacks of environmental protections and international commitments.

This could impact our efforts to protect the beautiful Cotswold landscape and promote sustainable practices here. 

The global economy may face uncertainty if Trump delivers on his promise of protectionist tariffs.

As a constituency with a diverse economic base, including agriculture, tourism, and small businesses, we must be prepared to navigate these potential challenges.

That means rebuilding our broken relationship with our neighbours in the EU, the largest market on our doorstep.

A good start would be to work towards re-joining the single market to enable our export businesses to grow. 

Among those smiling about Trump's election is President Putin.

He hopes that his illegal ongoing attack on Ukraine could be helped by shifts in international support.

While this may seem distant from the Cotswolds, let’s remember we still have many Ukrainian refugees sheltering here and still more who left their newly-made South Cotswolds friends behind when they returned to their country.

In this of all weeks, we must remember what happens if and when such aggression as Putin's is appeased and rewarded. 

The ripple effects of another Trump Presidency on global conflicts can impact us all, from energy prices to broader economic stability.

The humanitarian disaster developing in the Middle East has seen tensions rising in Britain and further afield.

We need to see the hostages released, humanitarian aid allowed to flow, the conflict to end and a future that respects the right of Israel to live in peace and the Palestinian people to have their own country. 

As we move forward, it is my sincere hope that President-elect Trump will govern with wisdom and restraint, respecting the diverse views of all Americans, the concerns of the international community and the current and future needs of our shared humanity and planet. 

Meanwhile, I recommit myself to listening to and addressing the root causes of discontent in our own community.

Only by engaging constructively with the challenges we face can we build a more stable, prosperous, and harmonious community that can remain resilient in the face of such global changes.