Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 15th February 2023) below:
Zelenskyy
Normally a Wednesday afternoon at Westminster would be dominated by party political argument, but not last week, as all the main parties united to send a message of support and unity in backing Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
At over 900 years old Westminster Hall is the oldest part of the Palace of Westminster and has been visited by many pivotal figures in world history. It was packed as President Volodmyr Zelenskyy addressed both Houses of Parliament.
President Zelenskyy’s address, delivered in English, was filled with optimism, not least in his declaration “Freedom Will Win, Russia Will Lose”. He also confirmed the vital role support from its allies was playing in delivering this, including a specific thank you to Boris for the role he played in bringing together a coalition to support Ukraine.
In the 1930s the world stood by and did nothing decisive as Hitler moved into Austria, then Czechoslovakia. An appeasement process aimed at bringing peace, instead near guaranteed the outbreak of war.
Supporting Ukraine to victory over Putin’s invasion, including supplying the planes they require to defend their skies, is the way to avoid repeating the mistakes of the 1930s and the immense price the world had to pay for them.
Triple Lock Honoured
Back in November, my first speech from the backbenches after leaving the Government called for the State Pension Triple Lock to be respected and made clear I would use my vote in Parliament to ensure it was.
Last week the House of Commons voted to confirm it will be honoured, with a 10.1% rise in the State Pension now due in April as a result. This follows the September inflation figure being the highest out of the % rise in earnings or a baseline of 2.5%.
With prices having risen on a range of items it is right this pledge to pensioners was kept.
Onshore Wind
The events of the last year have shown why we need to be less reliant on energy imports, hence I backed an amendment last year aimed at ending the effective ban on new onshore wind in England.
Now a consultation has been launched on how to implement the necessary change in planning rules to allow new turbines to be built, where local communities support them. At a time when many households are facing rising energy bills, part of the solution must be allowing communities living near new turbines to benefit from the energy generated in the form of discounted bills.
No solution to meeting our energy needs will please everyone, but onshore wind should play its role alongside other methods such as new nuclear and offshore wind.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 17th February 3pm till 5pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD and Saturday 4th March 10am till 12pm at St Martin’s Church, Barton Hill Road, Torquay, TQ2 8JA.
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 from 10am till 1pm, Monday to Friday at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD where a member of my team is available to assist residents
