A quiet week in Westminster following the budget excitement last week but one full of important announcements. On Tuesday the Prime Minister came out in favour of building new gas-fired power stations to ensure the country’s long-term energy security. While of course the government remains as committed as ever to achieving net zero by 2050, the recent energy crisis has shown that we must approach our energy security and net zero goals sensibly. It is crucial that we have a backup source of energy when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine, and thus avoid intermittent blackouts.
On Wednesday the Prime Minister announced a major step forward in the government’s response to the Horizon scandal. The Government has introduced a Bill to swiftly exonerate, and compensate, those convicted as a result of the scandal. Since October last year claimants have been able to access £600,000 in a fixed sum award and so far, £38 million has been paid. Once passed, the Bill will automatically quash convictions, amend police records and individuals will be notified and invited to apply for compensation.
The Government has also announced plans to ban foreign governments from owning British newspapers, effectively blocking the UAE takeover bid for The Telegraph. I have long been vocal that it would be inappropriate for important media assets in this country to be effectively owned by a foreign state whose agenda might conflict with our national interests.
The Security Minister has called for an increase in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, whilst the Defence Secretary has come out in favour of 3%. Now that war has returned to Europe, and our defence position is more precarious than at any time since the Cold War, it cannot be right that we continue to neglect defence spending. The first duty of any government is to keep its people safe and the country secure. Simply burying our head in the sand and pretending the post cold-war peace dividend still exists, simply won’t do anymore.
The UK has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and we should be proud of it! I am glad to see the government announce plans to back British farmers who work hard to produce food to world-leading standards by introducing a labelling scheme that will show where and how food is produced. Once implemented, this scheme will empower consumers to make informed choices and reward our farmers who take pride in producing high-quality and high-welfare food.
In 2017 a £12 million scheme was devised by the Environment Agency to protect Dawlish Warren beach up to 2049. On Thursday I met with the Environment Agency to discuss the current status of the scheme. In recent years, the mechanisms put in place to protect the Warren have failed. I am determined that the flood resilience which should follow the flood prevention work already delivered for Cockwood, Starcross and Dawlish Warren should not be undermined by the early erosion of the spit and neck of the Warren. I will be meeting regularly with the Environment Agency and other stakeholders ahead of the upcoming review in 2027. I am also monitoring closely the Dawlish and Teignmouth Beach Management plans which are being drawn up now.
To end my week, I was delighted to open the footbridge (now with lifts!) at Dawlish Railway Station. Local campaigners cut the ribbon with me and very much deserve credit for their campaign for full access! Those with wheelchairs, buggies or otherwise challenged by steps can now cross safely without depending on help to cross on a wooden platform or worse having to go to another station just to be able to get on or off the train!
I have surgeries in Newton Abbot on 5th April, Teignmouth on 12th April, Dawlish on 3rd May and Kingsteignton on 17th May. These will be by appointment only. If you would like to book an appointment, please call 01626 368277 or email annemarie.morris.mp@parliament.uk.