Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 21st August 2019) below:
Kev’s Column:
Sarah Wollaston
Since being elected Sarah Wollaston and I have worked on several issues of mutual benefit to our bay.
Her latest move to another party is wrong as Totnes residents did not vote for it in 2017. Ironically the move being possible without a by-election because a bill Sarah supported in 2011 requiring one failed.
Yet I do not intend to run down or attack Sarah, rather I will focus on supporting the positive campaign to elect the superb Anthony Mangnall as Totnes’ next MP.
I Would Do Anything....
Fans of Meatloaf’s greatest hit may feel it applies to politics currently.
Those who state they would do “anything” to avoid the UK leaving the EU with no withdrawal agreement have spent most of the last two weeks saying, “but I won’t do that”.
Yet those now saying “no to no deal” were all too quick earlier this year to vote no to a deal on three separate occasions, even though they knew this meant No Deal would stay as the legal default. Indicative votes and merely issuing press releases were hollow distractions as they would not have this effect.
Leaving without a deal is not the ideal outcome, but many of the scare stories and predictions being made by some are very wide of the mark. Yet if some believe what they are saying about No Deal, why did they vote against a deal on three separate occasions? Some voted no because they were open about wishing to stop Brexit, yet others just saw it simply as a political game.
The UK will leave the EU on 31st October 2019 and the Government is preparing to do so without a deal if necessary. The alternative of further delay and confusion from those whose focus is playing games in parliament is not even worth considering.
Op Banner
Op Banner lasted nearly 38 years, one of the longest continuous deployments of UK Forces, with 1,411 service personnel being killed as a result of operations in Ireland or paramilitary actions in other countries.
Over 300,000 service personnel served on it, including the current Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. Those who served on Op Banner showed bravery and skill whilst under enormous pressure, laying the grounds for a future peace process by maintaining the rule of law and defending democracy.
In recent years some veterans have felt a lack of support due to the disproportionate focus of legacy investigations on the security services, especially on matters which have already been reviewed several times in the past.
The 50th Anniversary of Op Banner is a chance to remember those who died, thank those who served and review the law so veterans are not dragged through the courts simply for doing their duty.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Friday 30th August from 3pm till 5pm at Age UK, 12 Dendy Road, Paignton TQ4 5DB and Saturday 7th September from 10am till 12 Noon at St Martin’s Church, Barton Hill Road, TQ2 8HU.
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.
