North Cornwall: Parliamentary political candidates’ thoughts on the week

I am very proud that over the past nine years as an MP, I have done everything I can to ensure that young people in North Cornwall do not have to decide to leave if they want a different career. They should have the chance to get a world-class education right here, not hundreds of miles away from home – that’s what we’ve achieved with the STEM center in Bodmin and the college at Callywith. When I first started in politics in the old North Cornwall District Council, the site on which the college stands was a field with a campsite; a decade later, it is an “outstanding” further education facility. Now, for the first time, young people can access degree-level apprenticeships in North Cornwall. My plan for the next five years is to expand on the work we’ve already done and bring advanced degrees in the skills we need for the jobs of tomorrow right here on our doorstep. In the last election, I pledged to make education my priority, and my record shows that I have delivered. This is exactly what I will continue to do if I am re-elected on July 4th.

I recently engaged in discussions with a group of housing tenants in Cornwall where we shared our journeys into social housing. The predominant reason for entry was not due to non-payment of rent or loss of employment, but rather the receipt of a Section 21 notice. This notice allows landlords to evict tenants with two months’ notice after the end of a fixed-term contract , without having to provide a reason, hence the term “no-fault” eviction. Our group also faces challenges such as long-term health problems and a decline in quality of life. Many individuals, whether employed or dependent on benefits, express the hardships they have endured and the stability of social housing provides affordable rents for many essential workers. I have personally experienced difficulties in purchasing or renting private housing and experienced homelessness and found family seeking security through Cornwall Housing.

A review commissioned by the Labor Party into the private rental sector proposed recommendations such as setting up a national register of landlords to enforce standards, scrapping no-fault evictions and introducing “rent stabilisation” measures. I wonder about the concept of affordable housing in Cornwall, especially for the many key workers who earn the minimum wage.

It’s that time of year again – the Royal Cornwall Show! Agriculture and fishing are the lifeblood of Cornwall and the show is a wonderful way to celebrate these vital industries. I look forward to seeing you all there!

Food security has never been more important to us. With international forces unstable and trade affected by Brexit red tape, it is imperative that we all support Cornish farming and fishing. However, in recent months I have spoken to many farmers and fishermen who feel their voices are simply not being heard in Westminster. Farmers are struggling with rising costs, unworkable supermarket prices and a new post-Brexit payment scheme that many say does not prioritize food productivity. Robust support and protection from government will not only benefit our hardworking farmers and fishermen, but benefit our country as a whole.

As a Lib Dem MP I would ensure a strong voice in Westminster for farmers and fishermen and hold regular meetings to address their concerns. I will campaign tirelessly for North Cornwall. Together, we can build a future where our fisheries and agriculture get the respect they deserve. Cornwall deserves better. Agriculture deserves better. It’s time for a change!

With the current waiting list expected to reach over eight million by the summer of 2024, Reform UK has bold plans to wipe out the waiting list in just two years. As North Cornwall has many vulnerable older people who rely on a functioning NHS, it is vital that we get our NHS back on track.

Hospital beds (nationally) were reduced from 300,000 to 141,000 whites, and the population increased by 20%.

Reform UK has a bold, fully costed plan to start fixing the NHS, which includes:

• Keep care free “at the point of delivery”.

• Improve doctor and nurse availability – all frontline NHS and social care workers to pay zero fees for three years and encourage staff to return to work.

• Doctor and nurse training – cancel student fees pro rata per year over 10 years.

These are just some of the steps we plan to take to reduce waiting lists.

On the 4th of July we have a choice for the NHS. If we want change and to save our NHS – Reform UK is the right choice to fix our NHS.

More details and full costs can be found on the Reform UK website – ‘our contract with you – NHS Section’.