Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read this week's edition below:
Kev’s Column:
End of The Beginning for Brexit Talks
The famous saying “a week is a long time in politics” was demonstrated last week as the UK and the EU finally agreed to move onto the next stage of Brexit talks.
After an abortive attempt in the earlier part of the week, the Prime Minister made a 4:30am dash from RAF Brize Norton to agree the EU and UK had made enough progress on three key issues, including the Irish Border, to move onto the next phase of talks. This is welcome progress and means we can focus on discussing what our future relationship will look like, based on the UK being outside the EU.
A key point to remember is nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. There will be some areas we will wish to retain, such as continuing to share information between Police Forces and arresting cross border criminals, and others we have no interest in continuing to be involved with, such as the disastrous Common Fisheries Policy.
Friday’s agreement is not the end for these talks, or even the beginning of the end, as there are many months of detailed negotiations ahead before a final deal may be reached, with some thorny issues still to be covered. Yet it is definitely the end of the beginning for this process.
Murderers In Our Sights
Those who left the UK to fight with DAESH in Iraq & Syria joined an organisation based on a medieval level of terror, torture and death.
Any who continue to fight with DAESH will carry on murdering people until they are physically stopped from doing so. There is no realistic prospect of arresting them, so Gavin Williamson (Secretary of State for Defence) was right to say UK military forces will not hesitate to target those UK Nationals who are part of this death cult.
We are not ignoring the rule of law, we are enforcing our right (under International Law) to defend ourselves and our allies from the on-going threat those complicit with DAESH’s atrocities present.
Cats & Dogs At Westminster
Last week I hosted Cats Protection's Annual Christmas Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons.
The Annual Event celebrates the charity’s work speaking up for cats and highlights their current campaigns aimed at improving the welfare of our feline friends. These include licensing airguns (which are regularly used to injure cats), tougher sentences for animal cruelty and better regulation of commercial kitten sales.
I was pleased to be joined at the event by Torbay Cat Lover and Council Vice-Chairman Cllr Ian Doggett, a leading figure in Cats Protection locally.
In an interesting twist the Dogs Trust Christmas Reception took place on the same day. Yet, unlike the famous Tom & Jerry cartoons, there was nothing but co-operation as cats & dogs issues rained on Westminster.
Walking Over The Line
Walking the ball over the line got a new meaning when I joined the Stroke Association and “Stroke City” football club for a game of walking football.
The idea for the game originates from a training technique used by some professional clubs to develop their team’s tactics, yet it can give those recovering from stroke a chance for a lot of fun and exercise. Cheered on by their own pom-pom girls the “Paignton Sea Gals” (All Stroke Survivors) it was great to join the team for a quick walk about.
Home for the team is the Paignton Community and Sports Academy and if this sounds like a game for you more details can be found on www.walkingfootball.com
Torre Marine Play Area
After a decade of waiting it now appears Father Christmas will have the long-promised Play Area for Torre Marine in his sack.
The area next to Kwik Fit had for too long been an eyesore until last year a concerted effort by the local Community Partnership, Councillors and myself, plus a helpful new Managing Director of Barratt’s, finally got things moving.
On Saturday it was confirmed the new play equipment for the park has been ordered and should be in place by Spring. The irony being the children who first heard a park would be built for them are now adults!!!
And finally….
Congratulations to Torquay’s Georgia Toffolo on winning I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!
A few politicians have now appeared on the show, but safe to say I will not be adding to this number in future. I much prefer the prospect of a freezing cold walk into the sea with Paignton Lions on Boxing Day than the heat of the famous Jungle Camp.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Saturday 16th December, 11am till 1pm at Torquay Library, Lymington Road, TQ1 3DT and Friday 22nd December 3pm till 5pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD.
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. My team also run drop in surgery sessions Mon to Friday 10am -1pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD.