Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 16th February 2022) below:
Ukraine
The situation in Ukraine could not be more serious and it is hard to predict when writing exactly what will have happened by the time you are reading this column.
Over recent weeks the Russian military build-up has been extensive, deliberately designed to put intense pressure on Ukraine whilst demands of its allies and NATO are made by the Russian Government. For the first time since the Cold War ended the prospect of war between two states in Europe seems all too real and, understandably, many are drawing parallels with the Czechoslovakia Crisis of 1938.
During my year at the Royal College of Defence Studies I studied alongside Ukrainians. I have been in contact with one of them over recent weeks. He is clear they will fight to defend their country if Russian Forces invade, with many expecting an invasion to come in days.
We cannot just ignore the situation hoping it won’t affect us or believe endless appeasement of President Putin’s demands will be the answer. History has shown what can happen if we do. A line must therefore be drawn. Whilst we are engaging alongside our allies in diplomatic work to seek a peaceful resolution, we must ensure the Russian Government know the price they will pay if they invade, alongside the support we will provide so Ukraine can defend itself.
Parking Cowboys
Private car park operators will have to display prices more clearly, introduce a fairer system for appeals and give drivers a grace period for lateness as part of a government crackdown on sharp practices in the sector.
The moves by the government to introduce a new Code of Practice for private parking operators, follows a Cross-Party campaign for a change in the law I launched back in July 2016 following a string of complaints from residents and visitors about 2 privately owned carparks here in Torbay. The campaign included securing a parliamentary debate on the role of the DVLA in supplying details of car owners to such companies who used ANPR systems, which allowed them to send what looked like “fines” in the post after a driver had left the car park concerned.
This new code of practice is very welcome and a direct result of the campaign which started here in our bay after too many residents and visitors were subjected to sharp practices in local, privately owned, car parks, with an ineffective system of self-regulation unable to prevent them. Thanks to those who helped me start this campaign for change, private parking cowboys will have to ride off into the sunset across the UK.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 18th February, 10am till 12 noon at The Windmill Centre, Pendennis Rd, Torquay TQ2 7QR and Saturday 26th February 11am till 1pm 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, 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.
