Last week I spoke in Parliament on a number of issues,
including fair taxation and the importance of strengthening the powers
available to quickly deal with unauthorised traveller encampments.
I also spoke at two events launching reports into two areas
of work I have contributed to. One on the workforce needs of the tourism and
hospitality sector and the other on the UK immigration policy. I hope both of
these reports will make a valuable contribution to the debate as we shape our country
post Brexit.
Meanwhile in Mid-Cornwall I welcomed two well-deserved
funding awards totalling nearly £2 million from the Government that will go
towards inspirational projects run by the St Austell Bay Economic Forum (SABEF)
and the Kneehigh Theatre.
Towards the end of the week I have been privileged to spend two
days at the Joint Forces Defence Academy for an introduction to the Armed
Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS).
In these globally troubled times our armed forces continue
to play a vital role in keeping us and our allies safe and secure. There are
many constituents from Mid-Cornwall who currently serve or are veterans – I
hope we can all agree we owe these people our thanks and respect.
We also have RAF St Mawgan in our constituency with its proud
tradition of service, currently a No 22
(Training) Group Station and home to the Headquarters of the Robson Academy of
Resilience and the Defence Survive, Evade, Resist, Extract (SERE) Training
Organisation, which trains around 5,000 personnel a year, making the most of
our rugged Cornish coastline to challenge mental and physical resilience.
The Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme is a programme to give
Members of Parliament experience of the armed forces. Its aim is to improve the
quality of debate on military issues, and it does this by exposing its members
to first-hand experience of the service.
We will learn about the role of the military in a democracy,
the strategic context for defence, and how forces are generated to achieve
military strategic objectives.
Discussions are mixed in with practical sessions where attendees
get a taste of what life is like in the Armed forces.
With RAF St Mawgan such an important part of Cornwall’s contribution
to the military, I am delighted to have been accepted on the Armed Forces Parliamentary
Scheme with the RAF.
Last week was the start of with the scheme. I spent two days
at the Joint Forces Defence Academy for introduction and learned a great deal
about the personnel in our armed forces, how they are structured and current
strategic priorities.
I am really looking forward to continuing with the AFPS, in
particular increasing my understanding and appreciation of those who serve in
the RAF and being able to make decisions from a more informed position in the
future.
My team and I are here to serve the whole constituency and
work hard to make a real difference to the lives of everyone needing support.
The office is open to the public Monday – Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm (no
appointment necessary). If there is an issue you would like my assistance on
then please, either visit the office or contact me on either 01726 829379 or
office@stevedouble.org.uk. Additionally, I hold regular, appointment only,
advice surgeries across the constituency. Dates of these can be found at:
www.stevedouble.org.uk/events
