Monday was given over to the Opposition – they have a number of days set aside to debate issues of their choosing – they chose to review the plans for the future for the NHS and the Welfare Reform Bill. Wednesday saw further stages of the Education Bill debated and on Thursday we had a series of backbench led debates including on the Common Fisheries Policy. Clearly the Fisheries Policy which currently requires dead fish to be thrown back if they exceed quota and breach size regulations has led to huge and unacceptable wastage and this needs to be addressed.
Lobbying for Change
I was pleased to welcome a number of constituents to Westminster to discuss a variety of issues. Two members of the Devon and Cornwall branch of the Police Federation came up to Westminster to lobby me about establishing a Royal Commission to review the structure of the police force. In addition, they asked me to look at how the pension changes proposed and pay freeze are to be made. I was also pleased to welcome a number of constituents to raise issues and concerns under the Welfare Reform Bill, particularly with regard to the reform of Disability Living Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and the new Universal Credit.
Broadband speeds are a key issue across both Devon and Somerset – our speeds are poor which is significantly disadvantaging our local businesses. I was pleased to be part of a delegation of MPs representing Devon and Somerset meeting the Broadband Minister Ed Vaizey to lobby him to consider choosing Devon and Somerset to be included in the second pilot scheme for high speed broadband rollout. Watch this space!
On Monday I met up with First Great Western to consider recent developments and look at the future. The good news is that passenger numbers are rising. The biggest challenge is now the availability of rolling stock to deal with overcrowding which a number of you have raised with me. I will be lobbying government to see if we can get some of the decommissioned diesel trains from train operators whose lines are being electrified for our lines.
Westminster meetings
Other meetings during the week included a session with the Care Quality Commission to see how they are shaping up for change and preparing to take on a greater role in ensuring quality of care is continually safeguarded and improved. The recently appointed Dean of the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry also came to see me to talk specifically about what research and learning is taking place in the South West that will benefit the NHS. I was very pleased then to meet up with the Family Holiday Association to talk about “social tourism” – a movement to provide holidays to the disadvantaged and key members of society such as carers. The idea is to make use of off peak season holiday provision thereby helping local economies by providing out of season income but at discounted rates. These holidays are more affordable and therefore more accessible and in other countries sometimes subsidised or underwritten by charities, government or the national tourism industry.
Out and About
Last Sunday I was delighted to attend the celebration of Teignmouth Hospital organised by the League of Friends at the Carlton Theatre. We were treated to a very interesting film show explaining the history of the hospital and saw firsthand how hard the local community fought and of course continues to fight for the hospital. It was the first NHS hospital built after the war and has a history to be truly proud of.
The following Friday, after another good early morning Business Surgery in Newton Abbot with Teignbridge Business Buddies, I drove on to Teignmouth where Tony Richardson gave me a very comprehensive tour of Labrador Bay and a briefing about the Cirl Buntings and challenges facing the conservation of our natural environment and bird population.
Saturday was a busy day starting with a Prayer Breakfast in Newton Abbot to talk about the current challenges facing our Christian community and the impact of legislation currently going through Parliament. I was pleased then to join a recently established charity in Kingskerswell – “Ask a sister” which provides a local befriending and support service to enable independent living to celebrate their successful launch. Then it was on to Teignmouth to lend my support to the Evenkeel project – an initiative that sees a number of charities working together to introduce disabled children to the joys of sailing. Finally, I joined the service to bless the boats to be used by the Canonteign Sea Cadets working with professionals to give advice, guidance and support to summer visitors on the water. Finally, I was pleased to lend my support
Surgeries and Getting Together
My next surgery is on the 21st May at 10an in Teignmouth Library and at 1130am in Kingsteignton Community Centre. Following that, I will be holding surgeries on the 11th June at 10am at the Manor House (Dawlish) and at 12 noon in the Courtenay Centre (Newton Abbot). Please phone 01626 368277 for an appointment or for immediate help with issues that can’t wait until the next surgery.