Firstly, I'd like to say I hope everyone had a
good New Year and are looking forward to 2023. Later this week I will be
heading back to Parliament as Christmas Recess ends after spending time in the
constituency with my family and having the opportunity to meet constituents and
businesses.
I am looking forward to getting back to
Westminster, however, I am very much aware that 2023 is going to be a very
challenging year as we continue to not only recover from the Covid pandemic but
also deal with the impact of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.
We will face some difficult decisions as we
seek to restore public finances and return our economy to stability and growth.
Please rest assured that I will continue to work with the government to ensure we
provide the support needed for those who need it most.
I am also aware that two of the biggest issues
we face in Cornwall are housing and the pressure on our NHS. These will
continue to be two of the things I focus on most as I work with local NHS leaders
and the council in Cornwall as well as Ministers in Westminster to ensure we
see improvements in the coming months.
While I appreciate this year will be
difficult, there are a number of positive projects I will be working on to see
them delivered for our constituency, including Spaceport Cornwall and the
satellite launch which will attract new businesses and jobs to the area.
I am also hoping for a positive announcement
on the Mid-Cornwall Metro in the coming weeks. This ambitious scheme to link Newquay,
Par, St Austell, Truro and Falmouth with a direct rail line has already been
chosen to proceed to the next stage of the Government’s Restoring your Railway
programme and is also a project put forward for a Levelling Up Fund bid.
I believe this coast to coast through-service
will have huge benefits for communities living along the route such as reducing
journey time and easing road congestion as well as bringing in more visitors
and trade. I will continue to work with all involved to help make it a reality.
Our vital tourism and
hospitality businesses will also continue to receive my support as we face
unprecedented challenges through 2023, and I am also keen to see the Newquay
Strategic Route built and will be working Cornwall Council to ensure this long
overdue road is constructed as soon as possible.
Speaking of roads, as we start to see more and
more electric cars, I am excited to see what’s in store for Cornwall’s lithium
industry. It is a key element in battery production, so this is a fantastic
opportunity for the region, and I look forward to seeing what steps the
industry will take this year to develop this even further.
A decision on the Devolution Deal for Cornwall
will also be made in the coming months. Cornwall Council are currently
consulting on the new Deal which aims to help deliver on the priorities set out
in the Cornwall Plan 2050.
If accepted, the Government would give
additional powers and funding to Cornwall Council. I would encourage everyone
to take a look at what the Deal means for the County themselves and then have
their say on the Deal:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/cornwall-devolution-deal-kevambos-digresennans-kernow
The Deal will provide Cornwall with the basis
to continue to negotiate with the government for more additional funding and
powers to make the changes we want to see here happen. The consultation will
run until February 17, 2023 and can be accessed via the link here: https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/bigdeal
Despite all the challenges we will face, there
are many positives to look forward to this year and we are lucky to live in one
of the most amazing parts of our country. I firmly believe that by continuing
to work together we can make it even better.
As ever, if I can be of assistance on
any matter, my office is available for any constituents needing help, advice or
guidance – tel: 01726 829379 or email: office@stevedouble.org.uk
