Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 5th February 2020) below:
Kev’s Column:
Brexit Day
At 11pm on Friday the UK left the European Union.
As the hour arrived many in the bay were celebrating, others reflecting on what this means for the future. Whatever anyone’s view it was a significant moment in our recent history.
Brexit Day means a lot of work can now start on negotiating our future relationship with the EU, especially on issues like ERASMUS and continued participation in the European Health Insurance Card which have been caught up in the uncertainty of recent years. We can also start negotiations on trade deals with major economies like the USA and the members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Friday was a reminder of how this parliament will take some of the most significant decisions made about the future of our nation in a generation and how it is an honour for me to be our bay’s voice in it.
Global Talent
My first major announcement as Immigration Minister saw me heading to Glasgow University last week for the launch of the new “Global Talent Visa”, a major reform of how leading scientists and researchers can be employed in the UK.
This new, fast-track visa scheme to attract the world’s top scientists, researchers and mathematicians will open on 20 February 2020. The changes will enable UK-based research projects which have received recognised prestigious grants and awards to assemble their research teams based on skills and expertise, rather than which passport they hold.
Meeting teams working on advanced research into Malaria and the Flu Virus, showed the global nature of the work they do. Changing Visa rules will not just allow more of it at places like Glasgow University, but here in our bay as well.
Breast Feeding
A twenty-year-old ruling on breast feeding in the House of Commons Chamber has been lifted by the new Speaker Lindsey Hoyle.
Whilst it is unlikely many MPs will wish to take advantage of this change it is an important message caring for your child by breast feeding is perfectly natural and not something to be hidden away or only done in certain places.
The problem is not with a Mum who wants to care for her child, but with those who insist on staring at her whilst she does so.
Pre-School Funding
The historical underfunding of Torbay’s Schools under the previous national funding arrangements has been at the forefront of many campaigns over the last decade.
Changes are now being made, with several local schools set to receive significant increases. Yet a related issue, funding for pre-schools, needs urgent attention with some local providers struggling to continue.
Pre-schools in our bay get less per pupil than their counterparts in Plymouth or Bristol. This is the next postcode disparity which must be addressed.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Friday 12th February 3pm till 5pm at Age UK, 12 Denby Road, Paignton, TQ4 5DB and Saturday 15th February 11am till 1pm at Torquay Library, Lymington Road, TQ1 3DT.
Just call 01803 214 989 or e-mail me at [email protected] to book a slot. You can drop in, but appointments are recommended to avoid a long wait or disappointment. My team also run drop in surgery sessions Mon to Friday 10am -1pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD.
