Campaign response - Leave means Leave

Some have written to me in conjunction with the group, Leave means Leave.

The detailed points raised in the emails has many valid arguments and themes; many I agree with. Looking at this from a democratic point of view there is overwhelming evidence to support the necessity to honour the result of the referendum, such as:

• All sides of the argument stated during the referendum campaign that the vote would be binding and was a once in a lifetime decision to remain or leave.
• I stood at the last election on a leave platform, promising to do what I could to make sure the referendum result is honoured – and received an increased majority.
• 84% of the votes cast at the last election were for parties who made clear in their manifesto that they would honour the result of the referendum.

It remains my focus and full intention to make sure we leave the EU. Once I have seen the detail of the current proposals, decisions can be made. I will aim to see that we are in a position that honours the spirit of the referendum campaign and of course once we leave we will be free to continue to establish new relationships with not only countries across the world but with the EU too. As ever I am happy to trade and cooperate with the EU but want no part in a United States of Europe.

The prize of Brexit hard fought by some for over 40 years is within sight. I will do my part to help see it to a successful conclusion.

Campaign reply - Asia Bibi

Some of my constituents concerned about the case of Asia Bibi – a Pakistani Christian persecuted for her faith – have recently emailed me to ask for my support in her asylum case.

Earlier this week I helped organise a letter of support for Asia Bibi’s asylum in the UK, which was signed by over 20 MPs and Peers. This letter has now been sent to the Home Secretary for his response.

Asia Bibi’s case is yet another example of the systemic persecution of Christians around the world.

According to Open Doors, an average of 180 Christians around the world are killed each month for their faith.

Britain's commitment to freedom of religious expression is one of our most important values. This is especially valued by minority faiths in our society. Its foundation is respect for the beliefs of others, of all faiths and none.

This country has a long tradition of offering protection to those fleeing persecution.

I want to see the Government make a clear and proactive statement that Britain would welcome a request from Asia Bibi and her family for sanctuary here.

Newspaper column 14 November 2018 - Universal Credit changes

Last week Parliament only sat for a few days so I was able to spend a good deal of time in Mid-Cornwall, out and about meeting residents and businesses.

Among other things it was great to go along to see the team at King’s Service Centre at Quintrell Downs. I first visited the centre in 2015 just after they opened, it was therefore very encouraging to see how they have grown and the new jobs that have been created.

This is the type of business we need to see more of in Cornwall, utilising our excellent superfast fibre connectivity and providing great career opportunities in IT and Communications.

I also visited CHAT near St Columb Major, which does an excellent job with Animal Assisted Therapies working with vulnerable children and adults to improve their lives.

The weekend saw communities come together to remember those who gave their lives to defend our freedom, with the centenary of the end of the Great War. It was a privilege to join people across our constituency in Fowey, Newquay, St Austell and St Columb Major as we honoured the fallen and all those who serve in our armed forces in past and present conflicts.

A huge well done and thank you must go to all those who helped organise and attended all the events, especially the Royal British Legion and Town and Parish Councils.

Last week in Parliament, I was pleased to see the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions announce a range of additional support for claimants as they move onto Universal Credit – a simpler benefit system, providing tailored support to individuals.

The idea behind Universal Credit is sound and anything that stops people needing to fill out a number of different forms to claim separate benefits and simplifies it to just one benefit claim is a good thing.

I have spoken out in Parliament previously about the need to support working families claiming Universal Credit and was pleased to see in the recent Budget, the Chancellor announce the Government is putting an extra £1.7bn a year into work allowances - the amount someone can earn before their benefit payment begins to reduce. This is again a big change from historic benefits where there was a ‘cliff-edge’ effect where it was often sadly more affordable to stay off work than find a job. These reforms will make work pay, and mean that people should not feel penalised for getting their foot on the jobs ladder.

The Secretary of State also announced that to assist those claimants who move onto Universal Credit the DWP install a two-week ‘run on’ for those receiving out-of-work benefits. This means that when people move onto Universal Credit, they will have reduced waiting times and be eased into the new four-weekly payment system.

This is all good news and I will continue to do all I can to make Universal Credit and the overall benefits system one that works for the residents of Mid-Cornwall.

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

Campaign reply - Please vote against the Immigration Health Surcharge for UK nursing staff, Wednesday 14 November

With the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) set to be increased under government proposals, a number of constituents have contacted me asking me to oppose the measure when MPs are presented with the opportunity to vote on it.

Our NHS is always there whenever we need it, paid for by British taxpayers.

It is right that immigrants are able to access NHS services, but I also believe it is fair for them to contribute towards its long-term sustainability.

The IHS applies to non-EEA nationals subject to immigration control seeking to reside in the UK to work, study, or join family members for more than six months. Those who pay the charge may access the NHS on the same basis as UK residents for the duration of their lawful stay, i.e. they receive NHS care generally free of charge.

The IHS is currently set at £200 per annum for most temporary migrant categories, with a discounted rate of £150 per annum for students and the youth mobility category. These rates have not changed since the IHS was introduced in 2015.

In February, the Government announced that it intends to increase the IHS from £200 to £400.

This followed a review by the Department of Health and Social Care of the evidence regarding the average cost to the NHS of treating surcharge payers.

The review found that the average annual cost of NHS usage by those paying the surcharge is around £470 and that doubling the IHS could generate an additional £220 million a year for the NHS across the UK.

The IHS has already raised over £600m and this extra money could be vital to relieving financial pressures on the NHS.

It is also important to note that the new proposed rate is below average annual cost to the NHS of treating surcharge payers, which the review found to be around £470 per surcharge payer.

This means that the IHS remains a generous offer to non-EEA nationals.

Students, as well as those on the Youth Mobility Scheme, will continue to receive a discounted rate of £300.

Certain vulnerable groups such as asylum seekers and modern slavery victims are exempt from paying the IHS.

I will therefore be voting in favour of the Government’s proposals to increase the IHS because I believe it is a good deal for both the IHS and to those seeking to live in the UK.

Campaign response - 83% want public ownership of water - do you?

Some have written on the subject of Water companies:

From time to time I receive requests to sign early day motions. As a point of principle I have chosen not to sign EDMs. My view is that they achieve very little. There are many far more effective means open to MPs to raise issues with Government Ministers either in meetings or in the chamber.  

In England and Wales, the provision of water and wastewater was taken into the private sector. Historically, water authorities were hampered by limits on public sector borrowing – needed then to contain inflation. There were too often occasions when funding for state owned industries would  be announced only for it to withdrawn a few months later causing chaos and regrettable but understandable lethargy within the sector. The cost of implementing water quality and environmental directives set by the European Union put ever more pressure on the industry and whilst we can all applaud the goal, getting there with totally inadequate funding was impossible. Private companies could and have raised the billions required and we have all seen the incredible improvements made -  albeit there is much more to do. I regularly meet with representatives from the water industry to make the case for specific schemes and progress on local matters.

Polls as ever are an interesting feature of many an argument. For me there is only one type of poll that really counts. Come the election we will all be able to test the incredulous notion that a return to inefficient, under funded state owned monoliths is a good idea.

Campaign response - Ask Penny Mordaunt to invest in children's futures

I recently received a number of emails from constituents who are concerned about the future of our international aid budget and asking me to ensure that it is helping to deliver better healthcare outcomes for children overseas.

I am proud of our commitment to spend 0.7% of our budget in international aid, which is helping to build a safer, healthier, more prosperous world for people in developing countries and in the UK.

British aid goes towards vaccinating children from preventable diseases, enabling them to go to school and helping people work their way out of poverty, as well as providing food, nutrition and medical care.

Our commitment to the international community is enshrined in the International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Act which was passed by Parliament in 2015.

Last year, the government hit its 0.7% spending target, contributing a total of £13.9bn to the international aid budget. The UK is world leader in delivering international aid, as the only G7 country to meet the UN recommended 0.7% target.

I would like to see the Government maintain its commitment on international aid and will be speaking up for its ability to transform lives and tackle the root causes of global issues.

With specific regard to the upcoming replenishment of the Global Financing Facility for Every Woman and Child (GFF), the UK Government has already contributed £30 million towards the development of GFF across the world. MPs were recently informed by DFID Ministers that "decisions about any potential future support from the UK will be taken in due course". It is important for UK Aid to help deliver access to healthcare for children in need and I will be closely monitoring future developments regarding DFID's support for GFF

Campaign reply - Fund the NHS by hypothecated taxes!

A number of constituents contacted me regarding funding for the NHS.

The NHS has seen record amounts of additional cash to help it cope with the ever increasing demands on its services.

As we all know the Prime Minister has promised the biggest ever increase in NHS funding - £20.5000,000,000,000 (20 Billion). This week in the Budget the Chancellor confirmed this funding.

The UK does not as a rule use hypothecated taxes and I am dubious about their general introduction. With the economy doing well and tax receipts at record levels we can all be sure that the NHS will continue to get the support it needs.