I am now back in Parliament following the Recess last week.
It was good to be able to spend the week in Cornwall to be able to get out and
about and catch up with a number of local businesses and meet with local people
to discuss all sorts of different issues.
One of the exciting local opportunities is the potential of
lithium extraction in Mid-Cornwall – this is something I have been working on
in Parliament with government ministers. Therefore, it was a great opportunity,
last week, to meet with two different lithium companies at locations in
Mid-Cornwall to discuss their plans for the extraction of this mineral, and get
an update on the progress they are making.
Getting a domestic supply of lithium, which is important for
many hi-tech products including electric car batteries, would be a real game
changer for both Cornwall and the whole UK. If we could get lithium to be not
only extracted but also processed in Cornwall, this would make us an incredibly
valuable area for the whole of the Western hemisphere, and could be a huge
boost to our Cornish mining industry.
During the week I also met with members of Newquay Town Council
to discuss some of their really exciting plans for devolution in the town.
Newquay has long been used by Cornwall Council as a lucrative income stream for
the council while not investing back into the town. I think that, much as we
have seen successfully carried out in St Austell, St Columb and other towns and
villages, a substantial devolution package of local assets and services, run by
Newquay Town Council would see services run much better and more cheaply run
locally. It is disappointing and frustrating that so little progress has been
made in Newquay while Cornwall Council have devolved assets in other towns. I
was pleased to confirm my support to Newquay Town Council to work to making
much more progress in order that these essential services can be locally run
and protected for the future.
Meanwhile in St Austell it was good to meet with St Austell
Healthcare, and get an update on the progress they are making in delivering GP
and other services in the town. SAHC is now an award-winning practice and the
healthcare practitioners and staff in general deserve a great deal of praise
for making this system work as it does. While I am aware that there are still
some challenges to do with the level of demand for services there is no doubt
that real improvements have been achieved and plans are in place to continue to
improve for the future.
I also took the time to meet with the Chair of Cornwall
Council’s Health Scrutiny Committee to discuss how I can take back concerns
from Cornwall Council on health and social care back to Westminster.
These were just a few of the things I did last week, which
also included meeting with St Austell Brewery, Innis Fisheries, Ocean Housing
and local councillors, and visiting the site on some of the recent storm damage
in Newquay and see the repairs being carried out.
Being an MP is always a varied job and one of my favourite
parts is getting around the constituency and keeping in touch with local
people. This will always be a vital part of my role and if you would ever like me
to visit your community, organisation or business, please do get in touch and I
will be happy to come along.
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
