Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 19th February 2020) below:
Bus Funding
The Government has announced £30 million of extra Bus Funding will be paid directly to local councils.
The money was part of an overall package of funding for buses worth £220 million. I am advised the funding for Councils is intended for improving current services and restoring lost services where they’re needed most.
I look forward to hearing how Torbay Council will spend its allocation, especially in terms of restoring the much missed 65 service to parts of Babbacombe and Hele who feel cut off without it.
Reshuffle Day
Thursday was Reshuffle Day, but rather than sit glued to my mobile phone I carried on with a series of planned meetings and work, finally catching the 7pm train home from London.
Whilst in the past Ministers would go to Downing Street, most appointments or reappointments are now done over the phone, except for Cabinet or some significant briefs where the Prime Minister may wish to have a longer chat. The invite no Minister wants is one to the PM’s office in the House of Commons on the morning of or the night before a reshuffle, this is never a sign of good news. If the PM is conducting a reshuffle, rather than filling vacancies, all Ministerial posts become vacant at the start, hence everyone must be reappointed.
In many ways getting the train was a lucky decision as, like in December, the call reappointing me as a Minister at the Home Office came in an area of poor mobile reception whilst in a crowded carriage!!!
Deportation Flight
Last week I responded to an Urgent Question concerning a charter flight to Jamaica.
What was not made clear by those Opposition MPs calling for it to be cancelled was all due to be on the flight were Jamaican nationals with serious or persistent criminal records.
Deportations of foreign national offenders take place every week, with the most regular destinations being other countries in Europe. Jamaica has also deported UK citizens who abused their hospitality by committing crimes there. It is the criminality, not the nationality, which decides the outcome in each case.
By law a Deportation Order must be made if a foreign citizen is sentenced to 12 months or more in prison, similarly those who are persistent offenders can also be considered for one. There are exemptions, such as the offender being under 18.
The Government is clear we will apply the law and make no apologies for seeking to protect residents by deporting serious and persistent criminal offenders from the UK.
Storm Dennis
The last week has seen stormy weather batter our bay.
A big “Thank You” goes to the emergency services, plus workers from Torbay Council and the Environment Agency, who battled the elements to help keep residents safe.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Friday 21st February 3pm till 5pm at Paignton Baptist Church, TQ3 2RB and Saturday 7th March 10am till 12noon at St Martin's Church Barton Hill Road, Torquay, TQ2 8JA.
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.
