Wednesday 30 December 2015

Newspaper column - 30 December 2015 - Looking back at 2015 part 2

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and were able to enjoy a break with your friends and family.  This column continues my review of progress to date on my six point plan for this constituency. One of my priorities is to support families, charities and communities.

The changes to Tax Credits proposed in the Summer Budget was an issue that generated much debate and controversy and many of you contacted me.  I met with the Chancellor personally to push the case for reconsideration. I was therefore pleased when the changes were scrapped. The Tax Credits will now be replaced by Universal Credit during this Parliament and the immediate impact of the reduction in benefits will be delayed until the benefit of the rises in the new National Living Wage and increases in the personal tax allowance are felt.   

An issue that was first raised with me by the Newquay Chamber of Commerce, several months before the election, is the impact that the changes to school attendance rules are having on families in Cornwall. So many of you have made your feelings clear that as your MP, I simply could not ignore the force of feeling in Mid-Cornwall. Many people here work in the tourist industry and therefore are unable to take a family holiday during school holidays. Additionally many families are simply unable to afford a holiday during the peak season. My job is to represent you and so I have worked to do just that.  In October I lead the Parliamentary debate that re-opened this issue.  While the debate did not result in any immediate change, the issue has received wide coverage and I will work to ensure that momentum is maintained.

The historic Deal for Cornwall signed in June this year represents a first step on the road to devolution of more powers to Cornwall from Westminster and then of powers from Cornwall Council to a more local level.   High on the agenda for me in this area is the issue of public toilets.  Cornwall Council has been looking to hand responsibility for the running of public toilets off to local councils and so I have been lobbying in Westminster for the removal of business rates on toilets. 

Finally, young people and their future in mid-Cornwall is a topic that is close to my heart.  I have been lucky to spend my whole life working in Cornwall, but I know too many of our young people have no option but to leave Cornwall to pursue the career they want. I am working to support the creation of better career opportunities in mid-Cornwall through attracting companies to bring jobs to this area. We need to provide new times of career opportunities and I see the chance of the UK Spaceport coming to Newquay as the best opportunity Cornwall has had for many years to achieve this.  I have been and will continue to promote Newquay as the best location for this new exciting facility in Westminster.


Representing St Austell and Newquay as your MP is the greatest honour of my life. But for me the real honour will be in helping to bring about the positive change we need. I have tried to use my first few months to make a start but I know there is much more to do.   

Wednesday 23 December 2015

Newspaper column 23 December 2015 - Looking back at 2015 part 1

With Christmas only two days away I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas.  I hope that the holiday season gives you the chance for a break and to catch up with family and friends.  I am now back in the Constituency until Parliament returns in the New Year and this is a good time to reflect back on the months since I was elected in May.  The seven months since the election have been full of issues and challenges, but have also provided the opportunity to make a start in delivering on the promises that I made in my election campaign.  So, for this and next week’s column, I will be reviewing the progress made on my six election pledges.

In the campaign I stated my six priorities would be to: be a strong voice for Cornwall in Westminster, work to deliver economic growth, work to protect our coasts and countryside, fight for investment in our infrastructure, support families, charities and communities, work to create jobs and career opportunities.

In Parliament I have sought to speak up for our constituency and Cornwall, speaking in a number of debates, as well as asking numerous questions including at PMQs.

A strong economy is the foundation of a strong society; it is only from a strong economy that governments can raise the funds to spend on public services.  With this in mind I have supported projects that aim to increase employment and boost the economy in our area.  The Aerohub at Cornwall Airport in Newquay is an exciting development that will continue to grow and provide the higher paying jobs that we need.  The recent announcement of the extension of the Aerohub Enterprise Zone was fantastic news, along with new routes and the re-introduction of jet aircraft to the Gatwick route.

The Eden Project near St Blazey remains at the forefront of renewable technologies and I am delighted to be able to support their geothermal energy project.  Geothermal will harness the power of the heat that lies within the rocks far below the surface of the earth.  Cornwall’s ancient granite makes our geology suitable for this technology and it is not dependent on either the wind blowing or the sun shining.  I recently met with the Energy Minister to discuss how the Government can support geothermal energy in Cornwall and was able to champion the potential of these local projects.

Our environment is precious and so I was honoured to be asked to chair the All Party Parliamentary Group, Protect our Waves.  I am actively working with Surfers Against Sewage to support their work in protecting our marine environment. I have also been lobbying South West Water to improve our bathing water quality and supporting the fight against marine pollution and beach rubbish.


Infrastructure remains a challenge in Cornwall so I was delighted when the Chancellor wrote to me recently to confirm that funds have been set aside for the improvements to the A391.  I am also actively working to gain investment in our NHS services and local schools.

Wednesday 16 December 2015

Newspaper column 16 December 2015 - Coastal Revival Fund and more

The St Austell Bay area has a unique and important industrial past that should be preserved and celebrated.  When vast swathes of green fields were dug up over the last 250 years, the clay miners could not have predicted they were in the process of creating a unique environment that would still be with us in the 21st Century.  The Eden Project is a reminder of what is possible and the potential for more innovative development remains.

The iconic Sky Tip is in the news again and I agree this is an important reminder of our china clay heritage. I meet regularly with the Imerys management team and they have consistently assured me they do not intend to change or remove the Sky Tip in any material way.  I am aware a number of local people have signed a petition to get UNESCO to register the tip as an industrial heritage site. Whilst it remains to be seen whether this is likely, I certainly will do all I can to ensure this iconic landmark is preserved for the future.

We are fortunate to live in an area that has a number of heritage assets. This past week has been an important week for two other such assets in this area. On Friday the Department for Communities and Local Government announced the Coastal Revival Fund Awards for 2015/16. 

The Coastal Revival Fund is designed to kick start the regeneration of at-risk coastal heritage sites.  The St Austell Bay area was designated as eligible to apply to this fund through its local Coastal Community Team.  The St Austell Bay Economic Forum applied for, and was confirmed as the Coastal Community Team in July 2015.

Two bids were put together in a relatively short space of time and happily both bids were successful.  This was despite applications to the fund being three times over-subscribed.  The Minister for Local Government, Marcus Jones, wrote to me last week and confirmed that the two applications from this area were among the 77 successful bids.   

St Austell’s Market House has been granted £49,000 for its renovation and regeneration. The Market House is a big part of the town’s history and is a key heritage asset in the center of St Austell. The project will consider the elements of potential uses and layouts of the building, community engagement, feasibility scenarios and sustainable business planning to feed into a larger and very significant Heritage Lottery Fund application. 

Efforts to preserve and conserve St Blazey Roundhouse and Turntable have been awarded £50,000. There are plans to revitalise this space as an engineering training centre and community asset, contributing to the economy of St Blazey and Cornwall. The roundhouse and turntable are two of the few intact reminders of the Steam Age in Cornwall, and I think it is important we preserve this history.


Congratulations to all those behind the two successful bids. This is a great step forward for these projects and I am glad the Government have recognised their importance.  I look forward to watching these two projects move forward with this welcome boost in funding. 

Newspaper column 16 December 2015 - Newquay BID

One of the issues most often raised with me by residents of Newquay are the challenges facing the town centre. Like most seaside towns, Newquay has faced the challenges of maintaining a vibrant town centre amid the changing nature of retail.

It is often easy to be negative about the situation we face, however here in Newquay there has been a number of positive developments.

Recently the Newquay Business Improvement District (BID) had been named a “Rising Star” in the Great British High Street competition for its work in Newquay town center.  Newquay just missed out on the final but the judging panel were so impressed by the great strides made in improving their local high street, in particular the investment by the BID in events intended to increase visitor numbers and extend the season, that they awarded them the Rising Star award and £1000 cash.

There is no doubt in my mind that the Newquay BID has made a positive contribution to the town. I am sure they will be the first to acknowledge that they have not got everything right and there is still a great deal of work to do. Therefore, I was delighted to hear last Friday morning that the Newquay BID has been successfully re-elected for a second term.

The Newquay BID was formed in 2011 following the first successful vote by local businesses.  The BID has been in operation since then and has grown from strength to strength.  It has been great to witness the BID board and management team take an honest look at the issues that Newquay faces and then execute plans to tackle these issues head on.

I would like to congratulate the Chair of Newquay BID, Rachel Craze, the board and the Management Team on their re-election success.  I have sought to support this team since my election and their dedication and professionalism is to be admired. 

Looking to the future, the BID team have learnt lessons from their five years of experience.  I am sure there will be challenges going forward but I believe it is positive that their work to date has been recognised and they have been given another 5 years.

I am under no illusion that there is still a great deal of work to be done to develop the town into the vibrant business and retail centre we would all like to see. With the likelihood of more retailers coming to the edge of Newquay in the near future this will add both opportunity as well as further challenges. I will continue to do all I can to support those who are willing to take a lead and work together to make a difference.

My team and I are here to serve the whole constituency and seek to make a real difference to the lives of everyone who needs help and support in any way.

If there is any issue that we can help you with then please contact us on either 01726 829379 or on office@stevedouble.org.uk.  

Monday 7 December 2015

Newspaper column - 9th December 2015 - The vote on Syria

Last Wednesday the House of Commons voted, by a majority of 174, to extend our air campaign against Da’esh (ISIS) into Syria.

That day was one of the most serious and solemn of my life.  I was in the Chamber almost all of the debate, which lasted over 10 hours, and was honoured to be able to contribute with a speech.

I view this issue as a matter of conscience and I want to make clear that I came to my own decision on how I voted. It was only on Tuesday afternoon that I decided that I would be voting in favour of the motion.

I think it is important to understand this is not a new conflict. It is an extension of a conflict we are already engaged in. Da’esh are already our enemy. They hate us, and all we stand for. We are already engaged in conflict against Da’esh in Iraq so it makes little sense not to pursue them into Syria.

Some people have expressed understandable concern that extending our attacks in this was will heighten the likelihood of attacks on our country.  But we are a priority target for Da’esh; there have been seven known attacks planned on our country. The reason we have not witnessed the scenes we watched on the streets of Paris is not because we not a target, but because of the professionalism and dedication of our security services. The level of threat to this country is already severe and will not go away until Da’esh are diminished or destroyed.

Many people are concerned by the possibility of civilian casualties; no one wants to see innocent people caught up in this war. However there are already civilians caught up in this conflict. Da’esh is killing, terrorising and enslaving innocent Syrians every week. They are killing more civilians than are ever likely to be caught up in our aerial campaign. Not attacking Da’esh will result in more and more civilian casualties.

During our 15-month bombing campaign in Iraq there have been no reported civilian casualties. Our precision targeting capabilities are second to none in the world.

Finally, some people have suggested that this is not our fight and that we should just simply walk by. But it is our fight; British people were killed on the beach in Tunisia and the streets of Paris.

The USA and France, our closest allies, have asked for our support in Syria. Imagine how we would feel if the streets of London had been attacked and France refused to stand with us.

We have often learned throughout our national history that there is a price to pay for peace, a price we have historically been prepared to pay. We should still be willing to play our part in fighting for our way of life.


Thank you to all of you who contacted me with views on this debate. It is clear people hold strong views both for and against further action in Syria. I know that not everyone agrees with my decision. I hope everyone can accept that I have made my decision after careful consideration. 

Wednesday 2 December 2015

The vote on Syria


This evening the House of Commons voted, 397 to 223, a majority of 174, to extend our air campaign into Syria.

Before deciding to stand for election to this House one of the questions I asked myself is ‘would I be able to stand up and be counted on days like today?’

I have to say that I take this vote today as one of the most serious and solemn days of my life to date. I have spent more time considering and indeed agonising on how I would vote on this motion than just about anything else I have had to do.

In fact it was only yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon, once I had seen the actual wording of the motion, that I came to a settled position on how I would be voting.

I view this issue as a matter of conscience and I also want to make clear that I have come to my decision on how I voted as a matter of my own choice. I was not pressured into my position by the Government Whips or anyone else, and anyone who thinks or suggests otherwise is very mistaken and clearly really does not know me at all.

As a newly elected MP, just over six months ago, I approached this issue without the baggage that some other MPs have from previous votes on military action. That does not mean I do not recognise there are lessons to be learnt from the past. Indeed there are. But I also believe we should not be hamstrung by the past.

This is an extension of a conflict we are already engaged in. It is not a new conflict.
Da’esh are already our mortal enemy. They hate us and all we stand for. What is at stake is our national security.

But it makes no sense to me whatsoever for us to be willing to attack them from the air in Iraq but not be prepared to follow them in Syria. If they are our enemy, then they are our enemy wherever they can be found.

But we also need to note that extending our air raids into Syria is only one part of a full package of measures contained in this motion. I want to see peace and stability brought to Syria and it surrounding region.

I am pleased that this motion commits us to not just bombing, but to our continued involvement to find a political resolution in Syria. I want to see an end to the refugee crisis and seeing thousands of Syrian people risking their lives to escape the terror of Da’esh.

The full wording of the motion is here

‘That this House notes that ISIL poses a direct threat to the United Kingdom; welcomes United Nations Security Council Resolution 2249 which determines that ISIL constitutes an 'unprecedented threat to international peace and security' and calls on states to take 'all necessary measures' to prevent terrorist acts by ISIL and to 'eradicate the safe haven they have established over significant parts of Iraq and Syria'; further notes the clear legal basis to defend the UK and our allies in accordance with the UN Charter; notes that military action against ISIL is only one component of a broader strategy to bring peace and stability to Syria; welcomes the renewed impetus behind the Vienna talks on a ceasefire and political settlement; welcomes the Government's continuing commitment to providing humanitarian support to Syrian refugees; underlines the importance of planning for post-conflict stabilisation and reconstruction in Syria; welcomes the Government’s continued determination to cut ISIL’s sources of finance, fighters and weapons; notes the requests from France, the US and regional allies for UK military assistance; acknowledges the importance of seeking to avoid civilian casualties, using the UK’s particular capabilities; notes the Government will not deploy UK troops in ground combat operations; welcomes the Government's commitment to provide quarterly progress reports to the House; and accordingly supports Her Majesty's Government in taking military action, specifically airstrikes, exclusively against ISIL in Syria; and offers its wholehearted support to Her Majesty's Armed Forces.’

We want to be able to begin the work of reconstruction in Syria and see the countries of the region rebuilt and returned to economic stability. This motion commits us as a country to play a full part in all of these things.

But none of this will be possible while Da’esh are able to continue their campaign of terror and barbarity.

In coming to my decision on how to vote, along with wanting to see a comprehensive package to work for peace in the region, I had three main specific concerns. These were reflected in many of the emails I received on this issue.

1.    Will extending our military involvement into Syria increase or lower the risk to our nation.

We have to understand we are already a top target for Da’esh. The Prime Minister has stated that there have been seven known attacks planned on our country. The reason we have not witnessed the scenes we watched on the streets of Paris in this country is not because we are not a target. It is down to the professionalism and dedication of our security services and police, for which we should be eternally grateful.

The level of threat to this country is already severe and will not go away until Da’esh are destroyed.

Listening to some people it seems some have the view that doing nothing is the safe option. When it comes to confronting terror and evil there are no safe options.
Doing nothing will not make the threat go away. Doing nothing will not make our country any safer. The only way to reduce the threat is to stop Da’esh planning these attacks on us and our allies.


2.    The second specific concern was that of the risk of civilian casualties.

I am sure no one wants to see innocent civilians caught up as casualties in this war.
But the fact is they already are. Da’esh is killing, terrorising and enslaving innocent people in Syria. They are killing more civilians than are ever likely to be caught up in our aerial campaign. Not attacking Da’esh will result in more and more civilian casualties.

I am also comforted by the news that in our 15 months of bombing in Iraq there are no reported civilian casualties. Our precision targeting capabilities are second to none in the world. I do not believe we can stand by and allow Da’esh to continue their reign of terror. I am therefore content that on this important issue of the risk to civilian casualties extending our bombing into Da’esh is the least worst option open to us.

3.    The third question I wanted answering is - Is it legal?

United Nations resolution number 2249 has authorised all national states who have the ability to help tackle Da’esh. The exact resolution states:

We call upon Member States that have the capacity to do so to take all necessary measures, in compliance with international law, to redouble and coordinate their efforts to prevent and suppress terrorist acts committed specifically by ISIL also known as Da’esh”

The resolution makes targeted strikes against Da’esh legal under international law. This is in addition to having a majority of MPs voting for action in the House of Commons.   

Finally, some people have suggested that this is not our fight and that we should just simply walk by.

But this is our fight. British people were killed on the beach in Tunisia and the streets of Paris.

Additionally we have been asked by our closest allies the USA and France, for our support in Syria. I can only imagine how we would feel if it was the streets of London that had been attacked and France refused to stand with us.

We have often learned throughout our national history that there is a price to pay for peace. As a country we have always been willing to step up and pay the price. Da’esh is a direct threat to our national security, our peace and freedom and our democracy. I believe we should still be willing to play our part in fighting for our way of life.

In conclusion, this is a very complex situation and I respect everyone who has seriously considered this matter, whatever conclusion they have come to. There are no easy answers but I believe that doing nothing is not an option.

That is why I voted for the motion to commit this country to further engagement in Syria.

I know that not everyone will agree with my decision. But I hope everyone can accept that I have made this decision after careful consideration, considering all the facts and information I have received and having attended numerous briefings as well as listening to the debate over recent weeks.

Thank you to all of those who contacted me with views on both sides of this debate. It is clear people hold strong views both for and against further action in Syria.

I have not made this decision out of any sense of party loyalty but because I believe it is the right decision for our nation. I trust people can respect that.

A video of my contribution to today's debate can be found here

Newspaper column 2 December 2015 - The Autumn Statement

Last Wednesday I was in the House of Commons for the Spending Review and Autumn Statement, delivered by George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

In the months since the Summer Budget I have been working on your behalf behind the scenes at Westminster to lobby on the issues that directly impact our constituency.  So, I was extremely pleased to hear many of the measures that the Chancellor announced.  I was not a lone voice, the strength of feeling came from across the backbenches and I am pleased that our voices were heard. 

Many of you contacted me with concerns about the reforms to Tax Credits announced in the summer.  I met with the Chancellor personally to push the case for reconsideration.  The Tax Credits will now be replaced by Universal Credit during this Parliament and the immediate impact at the reduction in Tax Credits will be delayed until the benefit of the rises in the new National Living Wage are felt.   

In my view the housing market in Cornwall has long been skewed unfairly against local people.  House prices are driven up by second home owners from more affluent parts of the UK, and this combined with the relatively low average wage in the County, has put home ownership out of reach for many working families.  At the same time buy-to-let landlords, many of them using pension lump sums to buy property in the county, are also pushing prices up.  The additional 3% Stamp Duty on second homes is a good first step to controlling that market. I recognise that work in this area is by no means finished. The Chancellor also stated that much of the money raised nationally will be spent on providing homes for local people in Cornwall.

I was particularly pleased to listen to the announcement on the fairer funding for schools.  Cornish schools have had the raw end of this deal for many years and it is time that local children receive funding commensurate with the more wealthy areas of the country.

Despite the rumours and scaremongering by some leading up to the Autumn Statement, the Chancellor did not cut funding to our police force.  With international tensions growing and the threat of terror strikes on the increase, it is important that we continue to focus on the security of our country and its citizens. 

I was also pleased to hear that the £50 rebate on South West Water bills will continue.  This Government has recognised that the South West faces specific issues and is willing to help support us in tackling those issues.

The session before the Chancellor spoke was the weekly Prime Minister’s Questions and I was given my first opportunity to question the PM in the House.  I took this opportunity to ask about the timetable for the Spaceport decision, and was told that this will unfold during the course of next year.

I was therefore delighted to hear that the application for the extension of the Newquay Aerohub Enterprise Zone has been successful.   With Goonhilly Earth Station and Newquay Aerohub working closely together, Cornwall has the opportunity to cement its reputation in the aerospace and space industries.  These will help provide the higher-paying jobs we so desperately need. 

The Autumn Statement represented the logical next steps in building our economy, ensuring our security and protecting the vulnerable in our society.

Wednesday 25 November 2015

Newspaper column 25 November 2015 - Climate Change and Kenya

At the beginning of next month the world climate change submit will be held in Paris. Called COP21 (Conference of Parties) it will be the latest gathering of world leaders, business, NGOs and civil society to address the issues of our changing climate.

Whatever people’s views on the causes, it is quite clear that our climate is changing. We can see the effects here in Cornwall with heavier rainfall, more frequent flooding and unpredictable weather patterns.

During the recent short Parliamentary Recess I took the opportunity to visit Kenya. The visit was organised and sponsored by Christian Aid in order for MPs to be able to see for themselves some of the impact of climate change and how the UK Government is involved in helping communities adapt to the change.

I have visited Kenya a number of times before in my previous charity work. But this time it was good to go with a different focus. We were in the country for 3 days and packed a great deal into the time – meeting members of the Kenyan Government, UK representatives, campaigners and charity workers.

The highlight for me was a visit to a very rural area where we met with the local farming community. This is where the impact of climate change is felt most sharply. Rainfall is now much less frequent but much heavier when it does rain. This creates significant challenges of soil erosion and flash flooding.

We visited one farm where a partnership of the UK and local Kenyan Government had helped fund the construction of water capture pits for the farmer. This enabled him to store water when it does rain, which can then last for several months in a time of drought. This has enabled the farmer to expand his farm and provide employment for local people.

I am aware that some people question the UK International Development budget. But visiting the sites where some of the money is being spent in Kenya has certainly helped me understand far more why it is necessary. The impact of climate change is being felt in the poorer countries of the world where people are less resilient and able to adapt. Whatever we may feel about our moral responsibility to help these countries, especially in our former Colonial and Commonwealth nations, I believe we also need to see that it is in our own interest.

It is clear that one of the biggest challenges facing the world will be the migration crisis. People are not only fleeing war and conflict, but also poverty. If people find as a result of our changing climate that life is not sustainable, especially in rural areas that are totally dependent on farming, then the likelihood of people migrating to Western Europe will only increase putting more and more pressure on our own country. Granting aid that can help communities to adapt and enable people to live a sustainable life in rural areas is not just the right thing to do it is the sensible thing to do.


Climate change is a global challenge and it will take agreement and working in partnership from all the major nations to face it. Let us hope that progress can be made in Paris next month. I know the UK Government will be playing a leading role in working to achieve this.

Wednesday 18 November 2015

Newspaper column 18 November 2015 - The attacks in Paris

The events in Paris last Friday night are a shocking affront to all who love peace and freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost loved ones, the injured and the authorities who are dealing with the aftermath.  As I write this the full extent of the loss is still not known and families remain concerned for loved ones who they cannot reach. 

We all watched with horror as the events unfolded.  And then we woke on Saturday morning to the news that over 120 were declared dead and many more injured.   Since the attack against Charlie Hebdo in Paris in January, the threat of terror attacks has once more become real for all of us in Western Europe.

Friday’s terror attacks were an escalation from the previous attack.  This time multiple sites were targeted, places where people had congregated to enjoy the end of the week, places where the attacks would inflict the maximum damage and create the maximum fear.

There have been calls for a response to stand with France and this is the position that the UK Government has rightly taken. But let us pray for wisdom for those to whom it will fall to decide the right course of action.  We should not react out of a sense of retaliation.  We need a considered response that in the end will be in the best interests of our nation and all who share our values around the world.

These are dangerous times but we need to be sure our actions do not make the world, or our country, a more dangerous place. It seems an escalation is inevitable. There are no easy answers. Peace for all must be our ultimate aim. But as we know from our own history there is a price to be paid to secure peace.

I have said before that the deployment of our Armed Forces is the gravest responsibility that a Government has, and I will continue to listen to all sides of the argument before casting any vote, should I be required to do so.

I am also aware that the events of this weekend have understandably raised concerns once again about immigration and the risks of people being able to come to our country intent on doing us harm. Our security services have already thwarted plans for several terrorist attacks.  The Government has announced additional resources for our security services and clearly we need to have robust processes in place to maintain our security.

Many of us remember living under the threat of terror in the past, and it seems that shadow has been cast again.  We must do what we have always done, be vigilant, but refuse to let those people intent on harm change the way we live our lives. 

With Remembrance Day only two days before the Paris attacks, we should not forget that those who died in active service did so in the defense of our way of life.   We should honour their memory as well as the victims of the Parisian attacks, by continuing with that life and refusing to live in fear.



Wednesday 11 November 2015

Newspaper column - 11 November 2015 - Remembrance Day

Today is Remembrance Day; it was at 11am on 11th November 1918 that hostilities ceased, marking the end of the First World War.  The Armistice had been signed that morning, and the order went out immediately for all fighting to cease by 11am.  We continue to mark that moment 97 years later. 

Remembrance Day was established in 1919 and has continued since then, but now honours those who fell in the subsequent wars as well.  The act of honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice is as relevant today as it was then.  Indeed, to my knowledge, the latest name to be added to the names of the fallen from this constituency is that of Elijah Bond who fell in Afghanistan in 2011 and whose name is inscribed on the memorial at Mevagissey.   

Our fellow countrymen continue to give their lives to secure a peaceful future for our children, and today we have members of our armed forces in harm’s way in combat situations across the globe.   With the rise of ISIS in the Middle East, the dream of a peaceful world seems as elusive as ever.

As usual many communities marked Remembrance Sunday this weekend with parades and services.  I was honoured to join the parades and then to lay wreaths at Newquay in the morning and St Austell in the afternoon. I was also very grateful to members of my team who represented me in Mevagissey, Fowey, St Columb Major and St Dennis. Despite the blustery conditions the turnout remains strong at each of these events and those who plan and organise each event do a fantastic job.

At the end of September, I wrote about Captain Agar-Robartes who was the sitting MP for mid-Cornwall when he died on 30th September 1915 as a result of injuries sustained in battle.  The marking of these events has made me pause to think on the passing of time. Born 20 years after the end of the Second World War, I can only imagine what it must have been like to live through conflict, either as a combatant or at home, waiting for loved ones to return.

Like many people my grandfather served in the Second World War and experienced the horrors of war in the Navy. My thoughts are always drawn to him on Remembrance Day as I recall the few occasions he told us about his experiences.

I am very aware of the responsibility being an MP brings, to make the right and at times difficult decisions when it comes to the defence of our nation and protection of others in an ever more dangerous world. The decision as to when and how to deploy troops is brought home on Remembrance Day.   This is a responsibility I intend to take extremely seriously.

Today is about remembrance.  Let us remember the men and women who gave their lives for us in the past and honour those who continue to risk their lives today.

My team and I are here to serve the whole constituency. If there is any issue that we can help you with then please contact us on either 01726 829379 or on office@stevedouble.org.uk


Wednesday 28 October 2015

Newspaper column 28 October 2015 - Tax Credits

The past few weeks have seen intense debate on the subject of tax credits, and many of you have contacted me on this topic. I would like to take this opportunity to talk in some detail on the issues.

Firstly, as a country we are still spending far more than we raise in taxes – in fact around £1.5billion a week more. We cannot carry on doing this and leave our children and grandchildren with the consequences.

The welfare budget is the biggest single element of government spending.  If we don’t make some savings in this area, all the cuts will fall on public services like the NHS, schools and the police.  I don’t believe that would be right.

The three largest elements of the welfare budget are the pensioners, disability benefits and tax credits.  I don’t believe it would be right to cut the pensions or disability benefits, which is why we have focused on tax credits.

Tax credits were introduced to help people in low paid work, but by the time Labour left office 90% of working families were eligible for them. But it is not solving the problem it was set up to address; at the same time in-work poverty rose by 20 per cent.

Second, tax credits allow employers to pay their staff less than they need to make ends meet, safe in the knowledge that the taxpayer will top salaries up.  This isn’t right.  

So there is a strong case for reducing spending on tax credits if at the same time we take action to ensure people are paid a living wage and pay less tax on what they earn.  That is exactly what the Government is doing.

We are introducing a new National Living Wage, which is forecast to rise to over £9 an hour by 2020. We continue to increase the personal allowance, the amount of money you can earn before you start paying income tax which will be £11,000 next year and £12,500 by 2020.  

When you take into account all of the welfare and tax changes announced in the Budget, most families will be better off by the end of this Parliament.

However, whilst I support the principle of these changes, there is no denying that some families will be worse off as a result. I am particularly concerned at the short term impact of people who work part time, the lowest paid and the self-employed, amongst others.

Last week I met with the Chancellor and made my views known that I believe some measures need to be taken to minimize the impact of these changes on the lowest paid. I will continue to press the case for some measures to be taken to address these concerns.

On Tuesday evening the Chancellor made the following statement with regards to the Tax Credit reforms -

'I said I would listen, and that's precisely what I intend to do. I believe we can achieve the same goal of reforming tax credits, saving the money we need to save to secure our economy, while at the same time helping in the transition.

"That's what I intend to do at the Autumn Statement. I am determined to deliver that lower welfare, higher wage economy that we were elected to deliver and the British people want to see.'

I am delighted that he has listened to the many voices within our party and from the Lords and will bring forward measures to assist the low paid with the transition.

If you believe you are going to be significantly impacted by these changes please to get in touch with me so that I can make sure I can represent you in Parliament - office@stevedouble.org.uk


Thursday 22 October 2015

My thoughts on the reform of Tax Credits

The Chancellor outlined a package of reforms in the Summer Budget to help working people. This package included the new National Living Wage, a higher tax-free personal allowance and lower taxes for all. His Budget also included changes to the Working Tax Credit Scheme.

I remain firmly behind the principle of tax credit reform.  Tax credits were introduced by Gordon Brown and have ballooned to an unsustainable level since. Tax Credits currently cost the taxpayer £34bn per annum. This figure is difficult to take in but it is almost half of our total spending on Education, a third of our NHS budget and more than the country’s total Transport budget.

Whilst tax credits should provide an important safety net for families on low pay, the level at which they were granted extended beyond people on average earnings. It is reported that even MPs have at times qualified to claim tax credits! It is also clear that the way the system operated acted as a cap on aspiration and allowed businesses to keep wages low knowing that the taxpayer would make up the difference.

The Tax Credit system is not only unsustainable, it is out of date, doesn’t work and needs reforming. Despite increasing year on year under Labour the number of people described as ‘working poor’ also rose and more people were out of work in 2010 than when they came into office.

The package of measures introduced by the Chancellor need to be taken as a whole. They form an important step in us moving away from a high welfare, high tax, low wage economy to a higher wage, low tax, low welfare country. The introduction of the living wage, replacing the minimum wage, which will be £7.20 in April 2016 will give full time workers on the current minimum wage a rise of £1,000 per year. Added to the rise in the personal tax allowance to £11,000 and doubling the amount of free child care to 30 hours per week, the overall package provides significant measures to support many households who will face a reduction in their tax credits.

When everything is taken into account four out of five families will actually be better off as a result of these changes. Taken together with all the welfare savings and tax cuts, a typical family where someone is currently working full time on the minimum wage will be over £2,400 a year better off by the end of the parliament. I believe these changes are necessary and in time will be very positive.

However, I do share the concerns of many at the impact these changes will have on some households. Whilst we do need to exercise some caution in just accepting some of the headline figures being bandied about, it is clear that some people will lose significant amounts of money as a result of these measures. Much of this is down to timing. The cuts in Tax Credits will be brought in ahead of the further rises in the Living Wage and Tax Allowance.

In the last few weeks many constituents have contacted me about the reforms to tax credits.  Wages and salaries in Cornwall are below the national average and so any change to tax credits are likely to disproportionately impact working people in Cornwall.

I understand the impact and hardships that these changes may cause.  I want to assure people that I have been working behind the scenes to ask the Government to do something to ease the impact of these cuts. I have met with the Chancellor George Osborne and have written to the Prime Minister.

Some people have contacted me asking why I did not speak out in the debate this week. Although speaking in the chamber is one way of addressing these issues, actually it is the work behind the scenes that is often far more effective in getting something changed.

The motion this week was a Labour Party Motion that proposed to completely reverse the changes to Tax Credits. This is something I could not support.

I want to make clear that I support the principle of reducing Tax Credits but believe the severity of what is proposed needs to be addressed. I will continue to work towards a different solution, a solution that softens the blow that has come relatively swiftly.




Wednesday 21 October 2015

Newspaper column 21 October 2015 - Debate on school attendance rule changes

Parliament to debate the impact of the school attendance rule changes

I am delighted to report to you that the recently introduced rules, restricting parents from taking their children on holiday during school term times, are to be debated by Parliament, and that I will lead this debate.

The Department for Education implemented the changes on 1 September 2013 under the then Secretary of State, Michael Gove.  The negative financial impacts on the tourist industry have since been termed “the Gove effect”.  The rules have stopped many children from taking holidays in term time and this has caused a drop in tourist revenues across Cornwall, especially in the shoulder months of June and September.

As many of you are aware this is an issue that I have been lobbying on, both before, and since, the election. It is something I pledged to address if I was elected and I have been working on this issue since May – asking questions in Parliament and meeting ministers to raise my concerns. I have taken such a personal interest for a number of reasons. 

Firstly, so many of you have made your feelings clear that as MP I simply could not ignore the force of feeling in mid-Cornwall.  These rules are unfair to Cornwall. So many people here work in the tourist industry and therefore are unable to take a family holiday during school holidays. Additionally many families are simply unable to afford a holiday during the peak season. My job is to represent you and so I have worked to do just that.

Secondly, I believe that parents should have the right to decide what is right and best for their child. Every child is unique. Some children benefit hugely from the experience they gain from traveling and experiencing new cultures – whether in this country or abroad. It is not for the state to dictate to parents in this way.

Thirdly, I believe time away as a family is important and valuable for families, especially these days when we are all so busy. I would argue a strong and stable family and positive relations with parents are just as important in the upbringing of any child as time in the classroom. If the choice is no family holiday or time away together during term time, a holiday should be allowed.

Finally, I believe that the Department for Education made the changes in 2013 without sufficient consideration for all of the consequences, and as a result Cornwall has suffered. Visit Cornwall reported that last they estimate the Cornish economy lost over £40million as a result of families not coming here on holiday during term time.   

While my efforts have been instrumental in highlighting this issue, it was the more than 100,000 people who signed the online petition that ensured that the issue would be debated in Parliament.  While signatories to the petition come from across the UK, the voice of Cornwall was strong – in fact this constituency provided more signatures than any other. 


The debate will be held in Westminster Hall on Monday 26th October. If you feel strongly about this issue and wish to make sure your views are heard then I would welcome hearing from you before the debate. You can email me at office@stevedouble.org.uk  

Wednesday 14 October 2015

Newspaper column 14th October 2015 - The Prime Minister's recent speech

Last Wednesday I was at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester when the Prime Minister delivered his keynote speech.  As one of the new intake of Conservative MPs I was given a front row seat so I was able to soak up the atmosphere and be close to the action. 

The Prime Minister’s speech reminded me why I became a Conservative and why I am so honoured to be representing our constituency.  He spoke of One Nation Conservatism, of a belief that everyone should have equality of opportunity and the chance to fulfil their ambitions and aspirations whatever their background.  For too long the people of Cornwall have not enjoyed that equality of opportunity, it is time for this to change and this is one of the main reasons I got involved in politics.

I attended Poltair School in St Austell, not Eton.  From there I went to work for Barclays Bank in Newquay and St Austell. I didn’t go to university, let alone the spires of Oxford. I went on to work for a church then started my own business before getting involved in politics just a few years ago. This county has given me opportunities and I have taken them.  This is what I want this Government to offer to all the people of mid-Cornwall, and what I will fight for in the next 5 years.

One of the key drivers of social mobility and opportunity is education.  The Conservative Party is working to change the education system for the better, by creating more Free Schools and academies.  There is already a successful shift so that more children are studying maths and science, more are learning computer coding and engineering, and more are doing the extra-curricular activities that teach confidence and build character.  We have exciting developments across our schools in mid-Cornwall and I will continue to support this change. 

The Prime Minister announced a change to housing policy; more affordable homes will now be made available to buy rather than rent.  He talked of a generation of 20 and 30 year olds living in their childhood bedrooms and I know that this is true for many people in our constituency, including my own family.  The level of wages and salaries in Cornwall, accompanied by the high prices driven by second homeowners, makes the affordability of housing more of a challenge for our young people than it is in other areas of the UK.  I welcome any policy shift that will help to address this issue.

The unemployment rate in Cornwall continues to fall, but this masks a problem of under-employment.  This is our next employment challenge. We have graduates working in seasonal jobs just to get by, the type of jobs that their degrees prepared them for are rare or non-existent in Cornwall.  Our next task is to increase investment in our economy, we should be supporting existing local businesses, encouraging new businesses to start and attracting businesses from upcountry.  It is time for Cornwall to fulfil its economic potential, to raise our sights and grasp the opportunities ahead.

The building blocks of policy are in place, change is happening and we have everything to strive for.  So, let’s work together to improve the prosperity of everyone in our constituency and our county, one and all.









Wednesday 7 October 2015

Newspaper column 7 October 2015 - St Austell edition - The Cornwall Expo

On Tuesday last week I was delighted to attend the first ever Cornwall Expo, hosted by Cornwall Council and the Local Enterprise Partnership (the LEP).   Held over two days in one of the hangars at the Aerohub at Newquay Airport, the Expo launched the next round of European funding for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

I was particularly struck by the energy and optimism at the event, there was a real buzz of expectation and a feeling that Cornwall is at last being given the attention that it deserves from central government.

The exhibits covered everything from rail, road and air expansion plans, to the Spaceport at Newquay airport and the wave hub at Hayle.  First Group took the opportunity to launch their new or rather, old, brand GWR and their new sleeper carriages.  It is exciting to see the iconic brand return to our railways alongside new and improved rolling stock. 

Patrick McLoughlin, the Secretary of State for Transport, attended the event and gave the keynote speech.  He noted the progress that Cornwall has already made in the transport sector and finished his speech; “So now, with a clear mandate from the general election, we can press forward with our long-term transport plan for Cornwall.  We have the funding, the vision and the political will to deliver the transport changes the southwest needs.  Over the next 5 years we will work with you to make sure Cornish businesses play a full part in Britain’s economic recovery.” 

After he gave this speech he was shown a map of St Austell and the Clay villages and the possible routes of the A30 link to St Austell.  This important link was mentioned in the summer budget and is one of my top priorities for the next five years.  But it didn’t stop there.  The Secretary of State was then whisked to a waiting helicopter and flown from Newquay to St Austell Bay to see the logistical challenges that this road brings, first hand.  It was a beautiful day and I was told that St Austell Bay looked tremendous from the air. 

The St Austell and Clay villages stand at the Expo also mentioned the long-discussed northwestern link.  A road from Carludden across country to join the A 390 somewhere near St Mewan, has long been seen as the necessary next step to alleviate traffic volumes in St Austell.  I was heartened to see this back on the agenda and will be supporting this scheme in the coming years.

Apart from the transport developments, it is time St Austell had its fair share of European funding.  The LEP will be coming to the White Hart Hotel, St Austell at 10am, on 9th November to discuss how to apply for funding.  I encourage you to attend if you are considering expanding your business.  Let us work together to ensure that St Austell gets all of the support and help that is available.


Newspaper column 7 October 2015 - Newquay Edition - The Cornwall Expo

On Tuesday last week I was delighted to attend the first ever Cornwall Expo, hosted by Cornwall Council and the Local Enterprise Partnership (the LEP).   Held over two days in one of the hangars at the Aerohub at Newquay Airport, the Expo launched the next round of European funding for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

I was particularly struck by the energy and optimism at the event, there was a real buzz of expectation and a feeling that Cornwall is at last being given the attention that it deserves from central government.

The exhibits covered everything from rail, road and air expansion plans, to the Spaceport at Newquay airport and the wave hub at Hayle.  First Group took the opportunity to launch their new or rather, old, brand GWR and their new sleeper carriages.  It is exciting to see the iconic brand return to our railways alongside new and improved rolling stock. 

Patrick McLoughlin, the Secretary of State for Transport, attended the event and gave the keynote speech.  He noted the progress that Cornwall has already made in the transport sector and finished his speech; “So now, with a clear mandate from the general election, we can press forward with our long-term transport plan for Cornwall.  We have the funding, the vision and the political will to deliver the transport changes the southwest needs.  Over the next 5 years we will work with you to make sure Cornish businesses play a full part in Britain’s economic recovery.” 

There are exciting times ahead at Newquay Airport.  On Tuesday night I met with members of the Bloodhound Supersonic Car team.  They are very enthusiastic about the time they will be spending at Newquay next year testing the car in preparation for the world land speed record attempt in South Africa.  They are likely to be at Newquay Airport for a month and I encouraged them to make the car available to as many local people as possible during that time.

The possibility of the UK Spaceport being sited at Newquay Airport was also explored on one of the stands at the Expo.  I believe that Newquay remains the most obvious choice for the UK Spaceport.  Newquay has one of the longest runways in the UK, appropriate airport infrastructure and is located in a county that would offer many other attractions to space tourists.  I will continue to lobby for Newquay as the obvious choice as the Government moves into the next stage of decision making.

Apart from the airport developments, it is time Newquay had its fair share of European funding.  The LEP will be coming to the Town Council Committee Room, Newquay at 2pm, on 9th November to discuss how to apply for funding.  I encourage you to attend if you are considering expanding your business.  Let us work together to ensure that Newquay gets all of the support and help that is available.


Wednesday 30 September 2015

A tribute to Captain Tommy Agar-Robartes

As tensions in Syria mount and the terrible images of war are brought to us on a daily basis, I wanted to take this opportunity to pause and reflect on the War that was raging 100 years ago.   We have been marking the 100-year anniversaries of various events since August last year, but today marks an event that is particularly close to my heart.

Today, the 30th September is particularly significant for this part of Cornwall. On this very day in 1915 the incumbent MP for the old St Austell Division, The Hon Thomas Charles Reginald Agar-Robartes, was killed in action in France whilst seeking to save a fellow solider.  The fact that our own MP made the ultimate sacrifice is humbling and I wanted to share his story.

Tommy Agar-Robartes, as he was known, was born in 1880, the heir to the 6th Viscount Clifden and he spent his childhood at the family seat of Lanhydrock, near Bodmin.  He attended Eton and then Christ Church, Oxford, before returning to Cornwall to enter politics.  

After a false start in Bodmin in 1906, he was elected as a Liberal MP to represent the St Austell Division in the 1908 by-election.  He was known as ‘the farmers and miners friend’ and proved to be a popular MP for this constituency, holding his seat in both the general elections of 1910.

When war appeared to be inevitable in early 1914, Tommy drew up his will and joined the Hussars.  His political position meant that he was not expected to serve, but such was his belief in this Country, he could not stand by and watch while others fought. He was dismayed to find that the Hussars were to be stationed in England so he joined the Coldstream Guards and was deployed as Captain Agar-Robartes to Flanders in France. 

Captain Tommy Agar-Robartes was wounded by sniper fire in the Battle of Loos on 28 September while rescuing a wounded comrade.  For this act of valour he was recommended for the Victoria Cross.  He died from his injuries two days later on 30th September 1915.

He is buried at Lapugnoy Military Cemetery in France but is remembered locally in Truro Cathedral and a memorial in St Austell. His name is also recorded on a plaque on the wall in the Chamber of the House of Commons.

His grief-stricken mother carefully packed a trunk containing his military and personal effects away in an attic at Lanhydrock. In 1999, these belongings were found perfectly preserved after gathering dust for 84 years.

National Trust property manager, Andrea Marchington, who opened the trunk said; “Inside there were some of the things he used in the trenches. A trench periscope, a monocular, his sword, walnut talc holder, moustache comb, a tiny silver spirit lamp, and a little drinking cup inside a leather case, also made of silver. Everything beautifully made, each with its own case, and giving a rare insight into a serving officer’s life.”

Captain Agar-Robartes’ possessions are now on permanent display at Lanhydrock and act as a poignant reminder of life at the time of the first Great War.

During the final session of Parliament before the current recess the Speaker of the House paid tribute to the serving MPs who were lost in action this time 100 years ago. It was very poignant for me to be present to hear the MP for this constituency as one of the five names read out. I was also pleased to be able to place on record my own personal tribute.

The choices he made lie in stark contrast to the image often portrayed in the media today. Here was someone from a privileged background, privately educated at the highest schools and universities in the land. Elected as an MP and therefore exempt from having to serve in the war. Yet not only did he choose to sign up, he willing put himself in the frontline and died whilst trying to save a colleague. For me it goes to show that we should not judge people by their background, social standing or education. It is character and above all actions that should be the true test of what we stand for.


This morning I took the opportunity to place some simple flowers on the memorial to Tommy Agar-Robartes, at Truro Road in St Austell, and to pause for a moment to reflect on his life and death. In an age when politicians are often viewed as self-serving I find the story of Agar-Robartes to be humbling, challenging and inspiring. No matter what struggles and inconvenience I encounter in my term in office, remembering his story will help me keep things in perspective. 




Wednesday 23 September 2015

Newspaper column 23 September 2015 - Deep Geothermal Energy

I recently welcomed the changes that the Government has made to the subsidies to wind and solar farms.  In my view Cornwall already has too many that blight parts of our countryside.  However, we still need to develop new and innovative energy solutions and it is for this reason that I am a strong supporter of the development of a geothermal industry in Cornwall. 

For me, geothermal power represents one of the next generation of renewable, sustainable, energy sources that we are well placed to pioneer in Cornwall.  

Geothermal energy is often referred to as “hot rocks” and the idea is to harness the power of the heat that lies within the rocks far below the surface of the earth.  Cornwall’s ancient granite makes our geology suitable for this technology and it is not dependant on either the wind blowing or the sun shining.

The industry is in its infancy and the exploratory part of its development makes it very risky for investors.  For that reason the government and other agencies such as the EU must step up to help bring this technology to fruition.   The issue has thankfully been recognised in the Deal for Cornwall unveiled by the Prime Minister in July this year. 

The industry could bring a number of benefits.  Firstly, the energy created by these projects would provide hot water or electricity to local business and communities at low cost.  This energy would have been created locally, not far away in coal-fired power stations.

Next, as the industry grows, Cornwall could become a centre of excellence nationally and even internationally.  Apart from the jobs created by the geothermal projects themselves, companies supplying the geothermal industry could base themselves in Cornwall, further adding to our employment base.  These would be the higher-paid jobs that we so desperately need.

Finally, the spin offs for education would be the opportunity to create industry-specific courses at our local colleges and to support the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths or “STEM” curriculum.  The industry would allow our young people to train in Cornwall and then pursue a career in an innovative and growing industry.

It is my role to assist in turning these ideas into funding and action.  The first step I have taken is that I have met with the leaders of two projects in the constituency to listen to their concerns and challenges.  

Secondly, is to request a meeting with the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change to discuss how the Government will support geothermal energy in Cornwall. I can then champion the potential of the local projects with the Secretary of State and hopefully gain her support. 

Geothermal energy represents an exciting opportunity for Cornwall and I look forward to positive results in the coming months and years.

My team and I are here to serve the whole constituency and seek to make a real difference to the lives of everyone who needs help and support in any way.

If there is any issue that we can help you with then please contact us on either 01726 829379 or on office@stevedouble.org.uk.  

Wednesday 16 September 2015

Newspaper column 16 September 2015 - The Syrian refugee crisis

This week saw the return of Parliament after the Summer Recess.  The issue that dominated debate in the House of Commons was the refugee crisis. 

The situation with refugees and migrants across the world is a complex issue and there are no quick and easy answers. Recent news has been focused on Syria; the number of people fleeing the civil war, and atrocities by the Assad regime and ISIS.

The UK is playing a major part in the humanitarian relief efforts in the region. We are spending a billion pounds supporting the refugee camps – the second highest contributor to the crisis after the USA. We have also been taking genuine refugees from the camps in the area – a policy that we will continue. I am pleased that the Prime Minister confirmed that the UK will now be taking a further 20,000 Syrian refugees as well as increasing the aid we give to the area.

I also agree with the Prime Minister that the answer is not to simply open our borders and encourage people to come to Europe. It could be argued that by giving this message the German position has exacerbated the issue not helped it.

If we encourage people to leave the safety of the camps in places such as Turkey we are in fact playing into the hands of the people traffickers who charge desperate people high fees to transport them to Europe. 

Those who are able to make the journey to Europe tend to be the younger, stronger and wealthier; they have the physical and financial resources to make the journey. Those in most need are often those who remain in the camps; they are too weak, elderly or sick to travel and cannot afford to pay the cost of the journey. For these reasons I believe that the right policy is to take refugees from the camps rather than encourage people to travel to our borders.

I am also pleased that the Chancellor has confirmed that we will be using our Overseas Aid Budget in order to cover the cost of housing and caring for the refugees in our country. I will continue to support this policy in order to ensure that local services in the areas that accept refugees continue to be funded and undue pressure is not put on services to the detriment of local people.

None of these measures are a long-term solution. We need to address the cause of the Syrian refugee crisis. We need to work towards returning Syria to a safe and stable country where its citizens can live without fear of oppression and harm. I believe we are now at a point where all options should be considered including creating ‘safe zones’ within Syria. Any long-term answer is likely to include sending troops into the country. Just dropping bombs, no matter how targeted will not achieve the required outcomes.


The UK, as part of a joint coalition with other nations, needs to consider what action needs to be taken to bring about the changes needed in Syria for the sake of its citizens.