Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 31st August 2022) here:
Kev’s Column:
Leadership
The dramatic rise in the energy price cap announced on Friday may have been expected, but this did not lesson the shock of it.
From being out and about talking with residents, alongside the response in my email inbox, there are plenty who will struggle with such a sudden rise in energy costs. Whilst many lower income families across our bay will qualify for the £1,200 of support from the Government already being made available, it is clear support will have to go much further. This includes for small businesses and sectors such as hospitality, care and manufacturing which are not covered by the price cap.
This time next week, a new Prime Minister will be in office. I hope the new PM will be Liz Truss, but both candidates know the energy costs crisis must be the first thing on their agenda. Local families and businesses cannot be allowed to fall victim to Vladimir Putin using energy supplies as a weapon to get his way in Ukraine. The Treasury and both leadership teams are already working on options so there can be swift action once the new Prime Minister enters the famous black door of Number 10.
When I see families and businesses facing disastrous hikes in energy costs, I want to get on with making decisions and implementing solutions. It is what I was elected to do. Monday cannot come soon enough so we can get on and do this to provide certainty for the months ahead.
Ukraine
Last week Ukraine marked its Independence Day.
I was pleased to attend an event in Torquay arranged by our local Ukrainian Community to mark it, plus donate a couple of Boris Johnson pictures which they choose to be the star prizes for their raffle. Whatever anyone thinks of Boris, the sight of our Prime Minister joining the Independence Day events in Kyiv was a welcome boost for morale in a nation fighting for its survival.
The war is having an impact on our country and our bay, not least the dramatic rises in energy prices, but the Independence Day address from President Zelensky brought home the price being paid in Ukraine. Images of destruction in towns and cities, civilians in air raid shelters and young Ukrainians answering the call to arms to defend their homes and nation make clear the cost of their fight for freedom. The images reminiscent of those from when our nation faced its darkest hours 82 years ago, as is the determination of the Ukrainian people to go on until victory is secured.
They deserve our every support to do so.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Saturday 3rd September 10am till 12Noon at St Martin’s Church, Barton Hill Rd, Torquay, TQ2 8JA and Friday 9th September 10 am till 12Noon at Torquay Library, Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT.
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, 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.
