Every fortnight Kevin writes a “Kev’s Column” for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 30th May) below:
Celebrating Success
I was delighted to be asked to present Year 11 students at Paignton Community & Sports Academy with their Records of Achievement (ROA).
It was great to share this moment with them and their families as they celebrated not only academic achievements, but all their accomplishments since joining the academy. I asked each of the students where they were heading next, with answers including joining the Army, taking A Levels, starting an Apprenticeship and training at a Boxing Academy.
I spoke at the end of the ceremony and recalled receiving my ROA back in 1995, plus some of the comments in it. I also reminded the students it is not those who are always lucky who succeed, but those who do not give up the first time something goes wrong.
I am certain one of the students I presented with their ROA will be back in 23 years’ time to talk about their achievements and inspire another generation of Paignton students to follow their dreams.
Park Hotel Plans
After much speculation about their intentions the new owners of the Park Hotel, Paignton are set to unveil their plans for redevelopment tomorrow (Thursday 31st May).
It is vital this key site on Paignton’s Seafront is not left derelict. I have not seen the plans and will withhold giving a specific view on them until I have had chance to consider what they are proposing. If good let’s all get behind them, if not be clear quickly we cannot accept them. The one thing which must not happen is for years to be spent dithering about whether they should receive planning permission or not.
We cannot just talk whilst other resorts make decisions and move forward at a rapid pace.
Dawlish Railway Gets Top Billing
Transport Ministers faced questions from MPs last week, so I took the chance to again push them about securing the long-term resilience of the Dawlish Coastal Railway.
A cliff fall at Dawlish could see our region isolated from the UK Rail Network for months. I was not drawn to ask a substantive question, so had to find a way to ask about Dawlish via a relevant supplementary on another subject which had been selected for discussion.
The solution came as 2 SNP members had been selected to ask what assessment had been done in relation to the impact of Brexit on the rail industry. I therefore decide to ask whether he had included securing Dawlish in his assessment, given the vital nature of goods coming into Falmouth Docks using the rail line to access the UK as a whole.
This may sound an odd tactic, but it got a result as the Secretary of State stated unequivocally securing Dawlish was “The most important infrastructure project in the country”. This is great news, but it needs to be followed by firm funding commitments to deliver the plan Network Rail has developed.
Religious Persecution
Many of us take for granted the ability to freely express our faith or to say we do not have one, yet too many people across the world face persecution for this simple act.
Since being elected I have regularly spoken on the topic of promoting religious freedom and encouraging the government to shape its aid, trade and diplomatic policies around securing more people the ability to freely express their faith.
Last week there was a debate held in parliament on the persecution of Christians. The large number of MPs wanting to speak meant only 90 seconds was available for each speech during the debate, but this did not prevent several MPs making passionate contributions highlighting how people are persecuted for their beliefs.
Speaking up for the right to choose your own faith or to have none gives hope to those who live in countries where this is denied.
Ivory Ban
The Ivory Bill was introduced into the House of Commons last week.
It will enact a ban on commercial dealing in worked ivory products which could directly or indirectly fuel the poaching of elephants, as well as the import and re-export of ivory for commercial use. This ban will be amongst the toughest in the world and cover ivory items of all ages, with only minor heritage related exceptions.
Since 2006, the total number of elephants in Africa has decreased by approximately 20%, primarily due to poaching. This poaching is driven by consumer demand for, and speculative acquisition of, ivory.
Importation of raw ivory has been banned for decades, yet more must now be done to ensure these magnificent creatures avoid extinction.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Saturday 2nd June 10am till 12noon at St Martin’s Church, Barton Hill Road, Torquay, TQ2 8HU and Friday 8th June 3pm till 5pm at Paignton Library and Information Centre, TQ4 5AG.
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.