Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on 27th October 2021) below:
Surgeries
Following the attack at his Constituency Surgery the House of Commons observed a minute’s silence in memory of Sir David Amess.
Due to being in self-isolation, I took part from home in Torquay, joining colleagues by watching proceedings on live television. This was followed by a series of tributes in a session where MPs of all parties shared their memories of Sir David, many having known him for decades. Having known David well Herald Express readers will appreciate it was difficult not to be able to attend these events in person.
Given the nature of David’s death he would have welcomed how the focus was on him and his life, with plenty of laughs and jokes, rather than on the attack which ended it. He would also have been delighted to hear Southend would finally become a City after his long campaign for this.
This week I will be holding my surgery as normal. I know David would not have wanted the legacy of his death to be MPs backing away from their constituents. We cannot let the actions of one person put a permanent barrier between those in Parliament and those who elect them.
Democracy
Recent events have highlighted the hostility and abuse many in public life face, along with the way an exaggerated or simply false claim can be used to stir up anger on social media.
Within a few days of David’s death colleagues had received death threats and abuse, whilst on social media some shared sensationalised claims which owed more to a desire to personally attack individuals they politically disagree with, than any meaningful engagement with the issue itself.
A future where the prerequisite for elected office is having a thick skin to deal with abuse and being prepared to take the risk of physical attack, whilst many voters only experience political debate within a self-selected echo chamber on social media, is not a healthy one for our democracy.
Covid-19
With case numbers rising a major drive has been launched to ensure those eligible get their booster jab.
At this stage the rise in cases has been most noticeable in those aged 16 or under, the age groups least likely to have received a vaccination shot. Thankfully the impact in older age groups has been less, with approximately 90% of bay residents aged 16 or over having received at least one dose of a covid vaccine.
We can all make a difference to the situation here in our bay by observing guidance, regular testing, wearing a face covering in confined spaces, ensuring we ventilate our home or workplace if receiving guests and not forgetting to get the Flu Jab if eligible as Covid-19 is not the only threat over winter.
Surgery Times
My next surgery is on Saturday 30th October, 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library and Information Centre, Great Western Road, TQ4 5AG. Sadly, my surgeries must remain appointment only at this stage given the prevailing public health guidance.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989. You can also drop into my office at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday, please note you may have to wait outside if others attend at the same time.
