Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 21st June 2023) below:
Armed Forces
Armed Forces Day gives a chance to recognise and celebrate the work done by our armed forces, plus the families who support them.
It was great to see a large crowd lining Paignton seafront to applaud the cadets, serving personnel and veterans on parade, including one of our bay’s remaining World War II veterans at last Saturday’s event marking Armed Forces Day here in our bay. It was organised for the 3rd year in a row by the Torbay Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club, with special thanks due to Ronnie Carter for all the work he put in to produce a fantastic day of events and entertainment.
Partygate
Christmas 2020 was a difficult time for many families across our bay, whilst our tiering meant some hospitality venues were still open, trips to see family across the country were not possible.
For many this meant missing time with loved ones, including those who were unwell and, in some cases, not being with relatives on what would be their last Christmas. This included Hazel and I. My Stepdaughter was fighting cancer at the time, a battle which would have a sad end less than 6 months later. Hazel and I did what was being asked of others, missing seeing her at Christmas and for some time afterwards.
We don’t regret doing this. We followed the rules to protect our family and community, yet seeing a video of some partying and immaturely joking about breaking rules in place at that time inevitably hurts those who did their bit and made difficult choices.
Those at that event don’t deserve to receive an honour now.
Boris
The report by the Privileges Committee has been the subject of much debate since its publication.
Most of those commenting in the debate had made up their view on Boris some time before, either for or against. There were also plenty of indications some Labour MPs on the Committee had not been open minded and the sanctions being beyond what might normally be imposed.
Yet the core purpose of such reports, whether someone continues as an MP, had already been resolved, with Boris Johnson resigning his seat in Parliament and indicating he did not wish MPs to vote against the report.
Jo Cox
7 years ago, Jo Cox was assassinated leaving her Surgery.
Jo was someone who campaigned passionately for the causes she believed in, whilst working with MPs on all sides to achieve her goals, with her comment we all have “more in common” becoming the motto she is now remembered for. After some of the bitter personal arguments of recent times, her words are ones it is good to remember.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Saturday 24th June 11am till 1pm at Paignton Library, Great Western Road, Paignton TQ4 5AG and Friday 7th July 10am till 12Noon at Torquay Library, Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989, surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with. There are also drop-in sessions from 10am till 1pm, Monday to Friday at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD where a member of my team is available to assist residents with urgent queries.
