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.
