Newspaper column 28 July 2021 - Recess and Unauthorised encampments

I hope that everyone has been able to make the most of the great weather we have had recently, particularly as restrictions have been lifted. Parliament is now on summer recess until September, so it is especially enjoyable for me to be able to be at home and not have to travel to London.

I will be spending this time at home in our constituency and already have a pretty full diary of visits and meeting with local businesses and community groups. The summer recess is always a great time for me to be able to get out and about meeting local people. Of course, it is particularly good to be able to do this, this year, after not being able to do so for so long. I still have some time available in the diary so if you would like me to pay your businesses or group a visit do get in touch.

One issue that raised itself again last week was that of the illegal encampments, particularly in Newquay this time, although it is an issue that effects every area from time to time. This is a reoccurring issue every summer and is something that I have been pressing for action on ever since I was first elected. Every year we see travellers come to Cornwall and set up camp on private land or council property, such as car parks. While we should of course respect the right of travellers, as a recognised ethnic group, to live according to their traditional way of life, it is not acceptable that they do so in a way that does not respect the law of the land and course a great deal of disruption and expense for local taxpayers.

Cornwall Council have three travellers’ sites across Cornwall that provide space for travellers who wish to come to Cornwall. However, these sites are very rarely used and too often travellers opt to set up camp on inappropriate sites. Last week I was pleased to support local councillors and the Police in ensuring that these illegal encampments were moved on as soon as possible. However, the current process is a time consuming and costly one that distracts resources away from other issues. We also know that all that will most likely happen is the travellers will move on elsewhere to another illegal site.

One of the reasons it is time consuming and complex to remove those who set up illegal camps is because it is actually a civil rather than criminal matter, which means the hands of the police are tied until the appropriate processes have been completed. I am pleased that the government is addressing this issue, by bringing forward new legislation that will make camping without permission with a vehicle a criminal act. These measures are a part of the Police, Crime and Sentencing Bill that passed through the House of Commons last week and will now go to the House of Lords.

These new measures will not be in place for this summer but should receive Royal Assent in good time for summer next year and will make it much easier for the Police to move people on much more quickly.

Contrary to the concerns some have raised, the new measures will not restrict the general principle of right to roam, but will very specifically address the issue of people setting up camp, with vehicles, on private or public land without permission.

Before I conclude I want to pay tribute to Chrissie Jackson who sadly passed away last week. I met Chrissie when I first got involved in local politics in 2009. As one of the founders of our local Voice newspapers she was always a cheerful face behind the camera covering the local news in Newquay.

Throughout her recent battle with cancer, she was a true inspiration as she demonstrated incredible courage and dignity and raising an incredible £50,000 for charity. The way that she approached her final journey was an example to us off of how to make the very most of life, whatever it throws at us.

I know that I speak for many in saying she will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

  

 

Newspaper column 21 July 2021 - The last steps out of lockdown

 

On Monday we took the final step, Step 4, on the roadmap out of lockdown. We are now in a position where all legal restrictions have been lifted. I know that many will welcome the return of most of our freedoms, to be able to go about our lives free from the restrictions that have been necessary over the past 18 months. But I am also very much aware there are those who are nervous and have concerns about taking this step.

We are all aware that the virus has not gone away. It is still with us, and we continue to see significant numbers of people testing positive. But as has been said many times, we do need to learn to live with this virus. Just as we live with other infectious viruses such as seasonal influenza.

We cannot live in lockdown forever. There is never going to be a time that is risk free for us to lift restrictions. With the successful roll out of the vaccine, when all adults have now been offered the first dose, and in the summer months when we are all spending more time outdoors and schools are on holiday, now is the moment when the risks are probably as low as they will ever be.

It is clear, although the number of people testing positive has been rising, we are not seeing the same increase in the number of people falling seriously ill and requiring hospital treatment. The link between the virus and serious illness have been significantly weakened by the vaccine. This gives us the confidence that we can lift restrictions without seeing the NHS overwhelmed by COVID cases.

These, as always, are difficult decisions to make. There is always a balance between the risk of the virus and the other harmful impacts of lockdowns. We need to be clear that there is no risk free option. Continuing the lockdown would have serious consequences on the ability of the NHS to address the ongoing health needs including the large backlog of those waiting for treatment, the wider health and wellbeing damage, including mental health and the economic impact further lockdown would cause. My view is that we are at the point where if we do not lift restrictions now, when would we ever do so?

But this does not mean we should now throw off all caution and have a ‘free for all’. The onus remains on all of us to behave responsibly. We should all continue to act with caution and apply common sense to how we live, keeping the virus in mind. Instead of the government applying legal requirements we now move into a phase of advice and guidance which we should all apply wisely.

Just because we are now allowed to do something does not mean it is wise or responsible to do so. We are free to not have to wear a mask, but it would be wise to still do so when in crowded confined spaces.  Or asked to do so by businesses. We are free to meet with anyone we choose in unlimited numbers and socialise in bars, pubs and nightclubs. But we should continue to act cautiously, especially if we have not had both doses of the vaccine or have close family who are vulnerable. We are free to make personal choices, but we should all be aware our choices will have an impact on those around us.

The track and trace system, along with the NHS COVID-19 app, will remain in operation and all those who are contacted need to continue to self isolate as instructed to do so. I know this is putting pressure on many businesses and public services due to the number of people being ‘pinged’. This should be a sign to us all that the virus is still very much around.

Some requirements to self-isolate for frontline NHS staff, who have been vaccinated, are being lifted and a test and release scheme put in place instead. But until these changes apply to us all on 16^th August, we should all be aware of the risk of being in close proximity with someone who tests positive and us being instructed to isolate. This is another reason for us all to act responsibly and cautiously in the coming weeks.

I know the coming weeks will be a time of continued uncertainty and challenging for many. But we are making progress towards getting life back to normal. We are now very much in a different phase and we should apply these changes to our own lives as most appropriate for us.

As always, my office is available for any constituents needing help, advice or guidance. Please do get in touch if I can help – tel. 01726 829379, email – office@stevedouble.org.uk

 

Campaign response: Please sign an EDM calling for an end to 'at-home' abortion

 

 

Thank you to constituents for their emails asking me to sign EDM 2 tabled by Carla Lockhart MP which calls for an end to ‘at-home’ or DIY abortion.

As I am sure they can imagine, I get hundreds of requests to sign EDMs on a regular basis.

However, when I was elected in 2015 I pledged that I would not sign any, since they have no legislative power, rarely achieve anything, and cost the taxpayer a substantial amount.

I find that making representations directly to Ministers on these issues far more effective and I will endeavour to do this when I get an opportunity.

The issue of DIY abortion, in particular, is one that I have taken a great deal of interest in, not least because many constituents have been writing to me to express their opposition to this appalling practice.

Constituents who have previously written to me on this will be aware of my position, which has not changed since we last corresponded: 

Since this measure was introduced at the start of the pandemic in 2020, as has been reported extensively in the media, a number of significant problems have put the lives and health of many women in danger. For instance, police in the Midlands launched a murder investigation last summer following the death of a newborn after a mum took abortion drugs posted to her. Other cases include a pregnancy being terminated at 28 weeks — four weeks after the legal limit. Inspectors at the Care Quality Commission are now investigating 13 significant incidents after identifying an “escalating risk” with medical terminations at home.

Furthermore, a nationwide undercover investigation has found evidence of abortion providers putting women at significant risk by not carrying out basic checks before sending them home abortion pills. The investigation also discovered home abortion pills can easily be obtained and administered to others, potentially in a coercive manner, which is especially concerning for domestic abuse victims: https://christianconcern.com/ccpressreleases/undercover-investigation-exposes-diy-abortion-service-as-unsafe-and-crossing-legal-boundaries/ 

Based on the evidence we have seen so far I am concerned that this form of ‘DIY’ abortion should become the norm after the pandemic. More than anything, I believe the health and safety of women have to be the priority and I am far from convinced that the current arrangement where women are able to easily obtain pills without adequate consultation and clinical assessment and carry out abortions without of any direct access to medical should be allowed to remain beyond the pandemic.
 
In Westminster I have the privilege of serving the Health Secretary Matt Hancock as his Parliamentary Private Secretary, and I have spoken to him at length about the contentious matter of abortion, as it is a conscience issue and MPs are free to vote based on their beliefs and personal views.
 
I know he is very much aware of the latest situation with at telemedical abortions and is consulting with the care minister and medical professionals urgently to look into the issues that have come to light. 

I will continue to do all that I can to oppose DIY abortion and any move to extend its provision beyond the pandemic.

I hope the above adequately sets out my position on this important issue.

Newspaper column 19 May 2021 - The Queen's Speech and housing

Last week Parliament returned from the prorogation with the State Opening of Parliament when Her Majesty the Queen began a new session of Parliament with the ‘Queen’s Speech’. This is where the government lays out its programme for the new session.

The Queen’s Speech laid out a comprehensive programme of bills and other measures the government will be bringing to Parliament including key areas such as the environment, animal welfare, crime and victim support, protecting free speech, supporting the NHS, providing people with the skills they will need for the future, planning reform and levelling up our economy.

Every new session of Parliament begins with several days of debate on the topics in the Queen’s Speech. I am pleased to be able to contribute to the debate last Thursday. In my speech I raised one of the issues that I know is currently a major concern for local people – housing.

We have seen a dramatic increase in demand for housing, to purchase and rent, in Cornwall. Some reports indicate that there have been over 15 million searches for properties to buy in Cornwall already this year, the highest in the country, and over 1 million people looking to rent a home. I have often said that I can appreciate why so many people are interested in living in what is the most amazing place in the UK, I mean I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. But the current situation is unsustainable and is having a very negative impact for local people and businesses.

My office is regularly being contacted by local people who are finding it impossible to find a place to live, whether to purchase or rent. I also know of many businesses that are struggling to find the staff they need, not because they cannot recruit staff, but because often those staff are coming from elsewhere and although they find a job they then cannot find anywhere to live and so have to decline the job offer.

In my speech in Parliament, I highlighted the concerns many local people have raised with me. Clearly part of the solution is that we do need to build more homes in order to meet the housing need both locally and nationally. The government are proposing new legislation that will seek to simplify the planning process to make it easier to build the new homes we most definitely need. However, I also acknowledge the reasonable concerns some have about the impact any reform of the planning system may have.

The experience in Cornwall of the past decades is that just building more houses does not necessarily mean local people are able to access these new homes. Too many are purchased by people who use them as an investment – whether that is as 2^nd homes, holiday lets or buy to rent properties. There is little point in building lots of new houses if they aren’t available for local people to buy or rent as their main residence.

This is a hugely complex matter and anyone who pretends there are quick or easy solutions doesn’t understand the realities of the housing market. We live in a free country where people are free to purchase property and live wherever the wish – I do not think anyone would seriously want to change this. The government has and continues to take steps to assist people onto the housing ladder. Schemes like Help to Buy have helped many first-time buyers. New measures such as 95% mortgages and a new homes discount scheme will further assist. I believe we also need to make more use of community land trusts and self-build opportunities as well as building more ‘affordable homes’ that are only offered to local people.

Following the debate, I have since spoken to the housing minister to ask him to ensure his office is aware of the current situation in Cornwall and what steps the government could take in the short term to help. There is not going to be a single solution to this challenge, but it is something that we need to work for a long-term sustainable solution to. I will continue to work to find the solutions we need so that local people, particularly our young people, have the opportunity to own or rent a home in the place we all love to call home.  

Newspaper column 12 May 2021 - Local elections update

 

Last week’s local elections proved to be historic for Cornwall. For the very first time the Conservative Party will form a majority administration at County Hall. This was the outcome of the hard fought campaign which saw the Conservatives win 47 of the 87 council seats.

Obviously, I am pleased with this outcome which will mean that with the council leadership being from the same party as all of Cornwall’s MP we will be much better able to work together for the benefit of Cornwall.

Here in St Austell and Newquay it was also a very positive result with the Conservatives taking 11 of the 16 seats. I want to pass on my congratulations to all those who were elected including the three Mebyon Kernow and two Independents.

There were some disappointments with two sitting Conservative councillors losing their seats. I want to say a big thank you to Mark Formosa and Sally-Anne Saunders for all their work for the residents of their divisions. Politics can sometimes be brutal, and it is sad to see hard working and dedicated councillors miss out on re-election. I am sure we would all wish them well for the future.

There were also a number of other councillors from different parties, who were not re-elected, many of them were long serving councillors over many years. I want to say thank you to them for all they have done for the communities they represented.

Having spent the past 6 weeks out and about speaking to local residents there were a number of clear priorities that were raised time and time again. Issues of anti-social behaviour, housing for local people, inappropriate and over development and traffic and speeding were the issues most often raised. The one thing I know is that the newly elected council will ensure that it works to deliver on the priorities of the people of Cornwall and I look forward to working with all those elected in a constructive and positive way to address the priorities of local people.

I know each of the Conservative Councillors well and I know they will be dedicated to representing and serve their communities. We do not have a magic wand to change things overnight, but I do know with Conservatives now representing a very large part of this constituency, including all of the seats in our two main towns of Newquay and St Austell, we have a team that will be determined to get things done and I know they have already made a start.

This election was of course quite different to normal, being held as we emerge from the lockdown. Despite this the election went off without a hitch and thanks should go to the council officers who made it possible. It also demonstrated that despite what some parties were claiming, it was the right decision to go ahead with the elections at this time.

Next week we will continue our journey out of the lockdown with another important step in easing the restrictions. As I write this we await to hear the precise details of what the Prime Minister will announce but all the indications are that indoor meetings will now be allowed.

I am sure we will all welcome this, particular as the weather currently seems to be against us. It will also enable pubs, bars and restaurants to serve customers inside which will be another important step on our economic recovery.

With the lifting of restrictions, I will be recommencing my regular Advice Surgeries. If you would like to book an appointment to see me, please contact me office on: tel. 01726 829379 or email office@stevedouble.org.uk

Newspaper column 21 April 2021 - Keeping Mid-Cornwall tidy!

With the COVID restrictions further easing over the past couple of weeks and the great weather we have been having, it has been good to see so many people out and about enjoying the sunshine and the beautiful countryside and beaches in Cornwall.

However, with the increased outdoor activity, and the fact that many of the pubs and restaurants that have now re-opened are doing so on a takeaway basis only, we have seen a massive increase in littering  - something which really blights our countryside and coastal areas and makes it unpleasant for everyone who lives or visits here.

I have always been clear that we should all do our bit to keep where we live tidy – and the vast majority of people do this. But there is a small minority who ruin it for everyone. Littering is a crime after all, and people who litter should be treated accordingly. It is unacceptable that there are those who feel they are above the law and choose to leave their litter for someone else to clear up. We should all be responsible for our own litter, by putting in a bin, or if the bin is full or there isn’t one nearby, taking our own rubbish home with us. It is the right thing to do both for our environment and our communities.

In my time as Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay I have always supported our local litter pickers and also organised my own to do my bit to clean our communities clean and tidy. With the easing of restrictions this is something I hope to get back to soon and I hope to be able to arrange some, in a Covid-safe manner over the next couple of weeks, to coincide with World Earth Day.

As well as doing our bit locally, I am also involved with a number of groups in Parliament that look to tackle these issues on a wider scale. I am pleased to be a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Keep Britain Tidy, as well as Chair of the Ocean Conservation All Party Parliamentary Group, which works with Cornish-based charity Surfers Against Sewage. Both Keep Britain Tidy and Surfers Against Sewage have done commendable work over the years in raising the profile of why we should absolutely not be littering in any environment, as well as running nationwide campaigns that get thousands of people together to take part in litter picks or beach cleans every year.

So, what is needed to tackle the littering scourge is joined up action, not just people working locally to tackle the issue itself, but also the good work of national groups to bring about the culture change that we need to make litterers think again before dropping their rubbish. This needs to be combined with stronger penalties and more committed enforcement from local authorities like Cornwall Council, who are responsible for issuing fines for littering. We all have a part to play in stopping littering and keeping our Cornwall tidy for residents and visitors alike.

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. If there is an issue you would like my assistance with then please contact me on either 01726 829379 or office@stevedouble.org.uk.

Newspaper column 31 March 2021 - The roadmap to recovery continues

This week we took another step on the roadmap out of lockdown. From Monday the instruction to stay at home was lifted and we are now able to leave home without the need for one of the permissible reasons. Also, we can now meet family and friends outdoors in groups of two households or up to six people and outdoor sports and activities can recommence.

I am sure like me, many people will very much welcome being able to see our family and friends, albeit outdoors. I will certainly be making the most of this to catch up with people I have not been able to meet for several weeks.

These deliberate and cautious steps are important to ensure we continue to win our battle against the virus. The Prime Minister is clear that he wants each step to be irreversible, and that this will be the last lockdown needed. So although I understand those who feel frustrated at the cautious approach being taken, particularly in the light of the very positive news of the reduction in infections, hospitalisations and deaths, I believe it is the right approach in ensuring this is a one way street now.

In other news there were a couple of very welcome announcements from the government last week. Firstly, in a review of a number of tax policies the government committed to close the loophole that allows holiday home-owners to avoid paying council tax or business rates. This is an issue I have been campaigning for action on for several years and I know something that many local people feel very strongly about. I am pleased we are now seeing action on this which will ensure in future, those owners which are not genuine business will not be able to avoid paying their fair share of the contribution to local services.

Also, the government announced a new policy to kerb the number of illegal immigrants coming to the UK, whilst ensuring those genuinely seeking asylum will be treated fairly and compassionately.

Again, this is an issue many people have contact me about, concerned at the number of people we have seen crossing the Channel in dinghies, and coming through other routes. Many of those coming were economic migrants and had paid people traffickers to get here.

I believe we need a system that enables people who legitimately need asylum to and be able to go through the legal system more quickly, while discouraging those who seek to abuse the system. It is inevitably a difficult balance to strike, but I certainly want the help we provide to be made available to those who need it most and not based on one someone’s ability to pay the trafficking gangs.

We also need to ensure that those we are legally seeking to deport, because they have come here illegally, are able to be returned without having our legal system clogged up with lawyers exploiting the current system.

The UK has always provided a safe refuge for those who need it and approach us through legitimate means, and we will continue to do so. But we also need a system that makes it difficult for those who seek to exploit vulnerable people and discourages people from making dangerous journeys. The proposals put forward by the Home Secretary strike this balance and address the key points that I know many people have been concerned about. I look forward to this legislation coming forward.