Every fortnight I write a “Kev’s Column” for the Herald Express, you can read this week’s (Which will be my last until after the General Election) below:
General Election Called
On Tuesday I went into the House of Commons expecting a normal day of meetings and catching up on correspondence, then at about 10am news circulated that the Prime Minister was about to make a statement.
There was much speculation about what it could be, yet there was not long to wait as at 11:15am Theresa May announced the Government wished to call an election for Thursday 8th June 2017. Given the challenges ahead, as the UK negotiates its exit from the EU, it is right that the Government seeks a new mandate from the British people.
A strong and clear mandate in both seats and votes will give certainty not just to our Government, but to other nations looking to agree deals with us. The Government’s small majority in parliament and the crucial fact that negotiations with the EU would reach their most difficult stages in the run up to a 2020 election all create uncertainty.
Unlike in the past when Prime Ministers could simply hop in a car for a trip to the Palace to call an election the Fixed Term Parliaments Act meant a vote of MPs was needed. I was one of 522 who voted in favour, with only 13 voting against.
The debate over the next 6 weeks will be significant as there are big choices to be made in the next parliament, which will be the most significant since the one elected in 1970 that took us into the then Common Market.
As with the Referendum there will not be an opportunity to demand a re-run the next day if your vote has been wasted on a protest or not used and the result is not what you wished. I therefore hope all in the bay will engage in the election debate and make a positive choice on Thursday 8th June as to who should take our bay and nation forward.
What Happens Now?
The calling of an election means the operation of my office here in the bay and at Westminster is very restricted.
The letters “MP” and the Portcullis Symbol have to be removed or covered at the office in East St, plus my staff can only pick up matters of very urgent casework. The daily drop in sessions with my team will be suspended throughout the election period
The Westminster office will be closed entirely for the period of the election with me having no access to it. I also cannot use House of Commons stationary to respond to queries during the election period.
If you need my help over the next few weeks the best contacts to use are 01803 214 989 or [email protected]
French Election
The first round of voting in the French Presidential Election took place on Sunday with the final two candidates chosen for the run off in two weeks’ time.
France appears a different country to the one that in 2012 elected the Socialist Party’s Francois Hollande, with him not standing and his party’s candidate finishing a distant fifth. The final two, Marine LePen and Emmanuel Macron, could not have more contrasting reputations and the debates taking place in France over the next two weeks will be fiery to say the least. The result will have an effect on the UK as France’s next President will be a key figure in the Brexit negotiations.
Many pundits are predicting a clear win for Macron in the run off, yet given the experiences of political predictions over the last 12 months anything could happen.
Scouts Parade
It was a pleasure to attend the St George’s Day Parade by Torbay Scout’s held at the Princess Theatre.
The uniforms and badges may have changed over the last century but it is clear the essential ethos of being a scout has not. The movement in the bay not only helps hundreds of children have a great time, but also does great work to support local good causes.
One issue that was highlighted though is that the movement is limited not by the numbers of children wanting to take part, but by a need for more adult helpers to cater for them. It would be great to see more come forward.
Familiar Face Not Standing
As I was writing this column news came through that my predecessor, Adrian Sanders, has confirmed he will not be standing in the forthcoming General Election.
Whilst (Unsurprisingly) we did not agree on everything I enjoyed my debates with Adrian prior to the election in 2015 and it will seem strange not to see him on the hustings this year given he has stood in every General Election since April 1992.
I wish him and Alison all the very best for their future.
Surgery Times,
My next surgeries will be on Saturday 29th April from 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library and Information Centre and Friday 5th May St Peter’s Centre, Queensway, Torquay.
Just call 01803 214 989 or e-mail me at [email protected] to book a slot. You can drop in, but appointments are recommended to avoid a long wait or disappointment.