Westminster Week
The Home Secretary has unveiled the Government’s new counter-terrorism strategy, ensuring we are equipped to keep people safe in the face of an evolving terrorist threat. This strategy incorporates the lessons learnt from the terror attacks last year and will see Government, police, security agencies, businesses and communities unite against the menace of terrorism. There has been a step-change in the threat from terrorism – and as threats evolve, we must evolve too. By ensuring that there are no safe spaces for terrorists -internationally, in the UK or online - we will keep families and communities safe.
Under new plans, victims of sexual assault will be offered a lifetime of mental health care, helping survivors to feel confident they will receive the support they need. The NHS five year sexual assault strategy will improve access to support and mental health treatment for victims of sexual assault. All survivors of such attacks will be guaranteed access to trauma care, including counselling, throughout their lifetime with better signposted, more joined up and long lasting care which is essential to ensuring that survivors can access the support they need for as long as they need it. The scars left by sexual violence can be profound and long lasting, and it is the Government’s priority to ensure that the best possible support is available for survivors.
The Government’s Ivory Bill has continued its progress through parliament as we work to leave our planet in a better state than we found it. This Bill will legislate for one of the toughest ivory bans in the world, covering ivory items of all ages – not just those which were produced after a certain date. The maximum available penalty for breaching the ban will be an unlimited fine or up to five years in jail and there will be certain narrowly-defined and carefully-targeted exemptions for items which do not contribute to the poaching of elephants. The introduction of this ban on ivory sales will protect elephants for future generations, looking after our planet and protecting animal rights. Ivory should never be seen as a commodity for financial gain, and this will reaffirm the UK’s global leadership on this critical issue.
Teignbridge Matters
I held a meeting with the Newton Abbot Chamber of Commerce during which we discussed the importance of regular dialogue to ensure our local businesses are given the opportunity for a voice in Westminster. The Chamber are keen to engage with local retailers to ensure a balanced view is heard from all trades and employers locally and I look forward to joining them again at one of their Breakfast Meetings in the near future.
It was good to catch up with both the staff and management at Teignbridge Propellers as part of my drive to establish closer communication with all businesses within the constituency. I was pleased to be told about their ongoing achievements including how they have recently supplied a Venice based service and rescue boat. It was a pleasure to see how a local business is being recognised globally.
I recently attended Broadhempston Parish Council Annual General Meeting. I was delighted to take part in a question and answer session with the constituents which covered all manner of topics. We also discussed their Neighbourhood Plan and the impact this has had on the community.
It was a pleasure to join the Newton Abbot Branch Royal British Legion Decoration Day at Ogwell Cross Cemetery. The British Legion commemorated this Canadian event which ran in parallel to the British Commonwealth’s Decoration Day recognising the sacrifice made by Canada's military. It was an honour to meet with those who ensure that remembrance is kept alive and that the sacrifices our brave Service men and women have made are never forgotten.
My next surgeries are on Friday 22nd June at 2.30 and Friday 13th July at 2.00. Please call my office on 01626 368277 to arrange an appointment.