ALL IN A DAYS WORK - 2007
December 14, 2007 12:03 PM
Well that's another year almost at an end and as ever it has been a busy but rewarding 12 months in both constituency and Westminster. Always a favourite part of my calendar was my 'roadshow' covering 300 miles during the summer - as I sought to get out and meet and greet the inhabitants of some of our smaller communities to help address the daily issues affecting them. The range of issues challenging an MP remains vast and I have tirelessly campaigned on defence, education, farming, health, law and order, taxation and transport to name but a few.
Most notably it has been a difficult time for agriculture nationally and here in North Devon, farmers have been buffeted by outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease, which impacted on local live stock markets, as well as Government dithering over how to combat Bovine TB. It continues to backslide over the contentious issue of a badger cull leaving contagion containment a costly shambles. I remain highly critical of the Government for finding no one responsible for the Foot and Mouth outbreak despite costing taxpayers millions. Similarly the disaster that is the Single Payment Scheme administering EU farming subsidies was typified recently by the local farmer who was paid just one pence. Amongst my many TV appearances this year was a debate on the role of genetically modified crops, perceived by many as the next big threat to the countryside.
On social issues I have continued to challenge the Government over its rural housing policies and its treatment of pensioners. I highlighted under age drinking and smoking as well as truancy rates. I am firmly against the proposed ITV mergers which could have a negative impact on us here in the South West. Rural post offices also remain under threat and I took a petition to Downing street calling on the Government to see reason. Another blow to us all was South West Water's unwelcome price hikes instigated with the support of the regulator.
Regarding local health issues I was involved with safeguarding our community hospitals and sought to get the voluntary ambulance car service on a more stable footing following South West Ambulance Trust's withdrawal from the scheme. I have also challenged Devon PCT over the dreadful waste of prescription drugs. Nationally I have sought to highlight the appalling overstretch facing our superb armed forces and the inadequacies of their aging equipment and medical aftercare.
On a more positive note it has been a year of achievement and recognition for local schools, businesses and our largest employer the NHS. Certainly the culmination of the year for Barnstaple has to be the opening of the new bridge over the Taw and the revamped town square. It will be with a sense of renewed optimism that I greet the New Year and a new Parliamentary session.
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