Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition below:
Kev’s Column:
Salisbury Attack
The attack in Salisbury using a chemical weapon dominated debate in parliament last week.
A former Russian intelligence agent and his daughter were targeted by an assassin using the nerve agent Novichok, with a Policeman who attended them also being affected by it. It could easily have killed others and its use showed scant regard for international law around the prohibition of chemical weapons.
The Prime Minister updated parliament twice last week. First in relation to the initial conclusions of the investigation into the attack pointing at Russian involvement, which have been supported by our allies around the world. Then she returned to outline measures the Government would take following Russia’s failure to respond when asked for an explanation.
On both occasions there was (almost) unanimous support for the Government’s conclusions and actions from MPs across the political spectrum, including Exeter’s Labour MP Ben Bradshaw and the Leadership of the Scottish National Party.
The denials by President Putin’s regime are unsurprising and unconvincing when set against its track-record. Attempts by Kremlin backed media to undermine the conclusions are merely aimed at preventing a united response by sowing confusion and feeding fake conspiracy theories. Yet attacks like this in our country cannot be tolerated or left without response, hence I support the actions being taken against Russia.
The increasing crackdown on dissent in Russia, the use of force to change borders in Europe and the targeting of dissidents living abroad have worrying similarities to darker periods in history when autocratic leaders sought to challenge the international rules base system.
We must work with our allies to be clear if Mr Putin follows their path it will only lead him to disaster and defeat.
The Bus Is Back
The bus was back in Babbacombe, Plainmoor and Hele this week as the new 65 community run service hit the streets.
It will run between Torbay Hospital and The Strand, serving The Willows, Hele, Babbacombe and Plainmoor on the way. The service will run every two hours and concessionary passes will be valid for travel on it.
This is a great victory for the residents who supported the campaign to restore services and I am delighted to have been able to help achieve this result.
Night Out
It was a late finish for me as I joined Torbay Street Pastors for a night out in Torquay.
Torbay Street Pastors are a dedicated group of volunteers who go out on the streets till the early hours assisting those who might have had a bit too much to drink or are vulnerable. Their Safe Place van on The Strand is well known as the place to head for if things get a bit too much on a Friday or Saturday night.
I stayed with the team till 3am and saw them reacting to the range of issues present during the night time economy. This followed a similar session with Torquay Police two weeks ago.
It was also a good chance to catch up with some of the door staff and premises managers, along with talking to those who were enjoying an evening out, feeling safer due to the Pastors’ presence.
Free School Meals Are Staying and Expanding
Last week parliament set the earnings threshold under Universal Credit for Free School Meals.
Universal Credit will see a range of benefits combined into one monthly payment. The earnings level set means a total income, once benefits payments are included, of between £18k and £24K (Depending on exact circumstances) before school meals need to be paid for. This compares to an average income of just over £18k in our bay. Universal Credit will be rolled out to Torbay in September 2018.
To ensure continuity those who receive free school meals currently will continue to do so and the universal provision for infants will remain as it currently is. It is estimated, by 2022, 50,000 more children nationally will be covered by Free School Meals compared to today.
Extending free school meals into school holidays for those families who receive them would be a better investment than expanding the criteria to include those earning up to £40K a year as some argued last week. The cost for those who pay is low, for example at Torre Academy a two-course hot lunch is only £2.20.
False claims have sadly been made on Social Media stating Free School Meals were being “scrapped”, “abolished” or “taken” from children who receive them. This prompted some parents to get in touch worried their child would lose their free meal when this is not the case.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Saturday 24th March 11am till 1pm at The Acorn Centre, Lummaton Cross, Torquay, TQ2 8ET and Thursday 5th April 11am till 1pm 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.