Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 25th May 2022) below: This column was published just before the Chancellor's statement.
Kev’s Column:
Prices
The last few weeks have seen many feeling the pinch even more when doing their weekly shop or paying an energy bill.
Coming from a family rich in love not money I know all too well what it is like to be shopping in the reduced to clear section, with it being clear support is needed for those in the same situation now. The Government has made moves already with the Council Tax rebate and household support fund, but more will be needed later this year.
A core part of getting energy prices down here in our bay is ensuring alternative supplies in the global marketplace, especially of natural gas, to replace what was previously supplied by Russia. This is not just about potential domestic production but working alongside countries with large reserves to bring more on stream in the short-term, whilst we also look ahead to the transition away from reliance on fossil fuels in the longer term via renewables, changing technology and new nuclear.
We also need to find ways to get Ukrainian produce back into the international market to keep food prices down. It is tragic to think millions of tonnes of Ukrainian grain could go to waste due to Russia blockading Odesa, the main port it is exported through, whilst across Europe families struggle and in Africa some face famine as a result. Supporting work to remove sea mines laid by Russian Forces and developing alternative shipping routes via rail are a vital part of this.
When the attack on Ukraine was launched it was clear the actions necessary to respond to this invasion would bring a price for economies across Europe, one which will hit our bay as well. We now need to ensure this price does not fall disproportionately on some in our community.
Tours
After many months when the Houses of Parliament were closed to visitors due to the pandemic, we are now able to welcome visitors back.
My team and I are always happy to host local groups for a visit, although this does require some advance planning. There are also limits to the numbers we can take around the building at any one time and when the house is sitting some parts of the building are out of bounds.
The Stranger’s Gallery has also re-opened for those who would like to watch a debate in the Chamber. Occasionally I can nominate 2 constituents for tickets to watch PMQs from the Gallery, do email me at [email protected] if this would be of interest and I can add you to the list.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 27th May from 10am till 12pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay TQ2 5SD and Saturday 11th June from 11am till 1pm at Preston Baptist Church, 62 Old Torquay Rd, Paignton TQ3 2RB.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989, surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with, such as housing or welfare, rather than a wider policy debate. There are also drop-in sessions at my office 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday where a member of my team will be available to help with any queries.
