Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 10th November 2021) below:
Remembrance
Tomorrow (11th November) will mark 103 years since the guns fell silent on the Western Front.
On Remembrance Sunday we will honour the pledge first made just over a century ago that the memory of those who gave their lives would live on in the hearts of a grateful nation. Yet this year remembrance will be an especially difficult time for many veterans in our bay for whom the memories are not of battles on the Somme, but in Helmand, following events in Afghanistan over the summer.
It will therefore be important for us all to take a moment to honour and remember those who laid down their lives in the past for our freedoms, whilst also supporting the work of the Poppy Appeal helping those veterans who live day to day with not just memories, but the impact of their service.
COP26
25,000 delegates representing nearly 200 countries have gathered in Glasgow with 1 aim, tackling Climate Change by limiting global temperature rises to 1.5C.
The Presidents of Russia and China may have stayed away, but this has not prevented major progress being made on a range of fronts. This has included agreements from 100 leaders to end deforestation by 2030, pledges to cut methane emissions and 40 countries confirming a move away from coal. It may not have signed up to all the deals announced so far, but President Biden’s administration is taking a very different approach to its predecessor, helping secure wider progress in getting other nations to act.
Whilst the Prime Minister was right to caution against false hope as critical negotiations continue, real progress is being made. At this stage no one can be certain what the final outcomes of COP26 will be, yet with countries such as India making major commitments to switch to renewables and new partnerships being formed to support developing nations, there are plenty of grounds for optimism.
Greece
Given my Ministerial brief is mostly concerned with the “in” of migration I rarely accept invites to travel abroad, however last week I headed to Greece for a 2-day visit looking at its migration system.
6 years ago, Greece found itself on the frontline of a migration crisis, with thousands landing illegally on its islands every-day. This crisis resulted in major reforms to its asylum and migration system, which have made it more efficient (Delivering most initial decisions in just 24 days) and firmer, resulting in significantly reduced numbers crossing the Aegean Sea.
Given the challenges in the Channel this year, there is plenty we can learn from the Greek experience about how to deliver effective reform to our own asylum system.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 19th November 3pm till 5pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD and Saturday 27th November, 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library and Information Centre, Great Western Road, TQ4 5AG. Sadly, my surgeries must remain appointment only at this stage given the prevailing public health guidance.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989. You can also drop into my office at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday, please note you may have to wait outside if others attend at the same time
