Every fortnight Kevin writes a “Kev’s Column” for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 24th July 2019) below:
New PM
As I write this column the result of the Conservative Party Leadership election is yet to be confirmed, yet by the time you are likely to read it the new leader will be Prime Minister.
Whatever the outcome of this contest the vital challenge of resolving Brexit must be faced. I voted for Boris Johnson as a party member based on him being the best placed to finally bring this issue to a decisive conclusion after so much delay and indecision.
Over the last week some MPs again sought to frustrate the Government’s Brexit efforts. I voted against the amendments being moved as just playing procedural games in parliament does not resolve this issue, it only weakens the Government’s hand in doing so and makes it harder.
If it is Prime Minister Boris he needs to be clear and set a deadline of 31st October for finally resolving this. Further delay and uncertainty is no good for our country or our democracy.
Census Bill
The next Census will take place in March 2021 and preparations are already well underway.
In 2021 questions on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity will be added to the census for the first time. Information on these two areas has been requested to enable better planning of public and health services, prompting the Office for National Statistics to recommend they be included for the first time on a voluntary basis. Currently the only optional question is the one on Religion first introduced in 2001.
As the Minister responsible for the Census I am sponsoring a bill in parliament to alter the law to allow questions on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity be undertaken on a voluntary basis. Other new questions, including a proposed one on Military Service aimed at identifying veterans, will be compulsory.
The final Census Questions will be decided by Parliament later this year.
Great South West
The Northern Powerhouse and the Midlands Engine initiatives have helped drive economic development and transport improvements.
Our region needs a similar approach and last week I attended the latest meeting of the Cross-Party group for the Great South West. This group sees Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset come together to push a joint case for investment in areas such as transport, skills, digital, urban regeneration and housing.
A South West Peninsula Powerhouse could provide a powerful and united strategy to secure the investment our region needs for the future.
Duchess
I have fond memories of trips to Paignton Zoo and the great Matriarch of the Zoo, Duchess the Elephant.
It will seem strange seeing an empty Elephant House, but a visual reminder it might not just be Paignton where Elephants can no longer be seen if global action to protect them is not taken.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Friday 2nd August from 3pm till 5pm at Paignton Baptist Church, 43 Winner St, Paignton TQ3 3BJ and Saturday 10th August from 11am till 1pm at Torquay Library, Lymington Road, TQ1 3DT.
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.
