 |
Nick Harvey MPStanding up for North Devon since 1992 |
 |
NICK DISCUSSES HOT TOPICS WITH BBC RADIO DEVON LISTENERS
August 21, 2009 11:50 AM
During a BBC Radio Devon phone in yesterday Nick Harvey took questions from the public on a wide range of general political and constituency issues.
In his role as Liberal Democrat defence spokesman Nick was asked by DJ Justin Leigh for his views on compensation levels for wounded troops and the need to maintain Britain's presence in Afghanistan.
Nick argued: "Of course the wounded should be getting compensation in the face of life changing injuries.
"I agree payments do look mean when compared to industrial payouts - soldiers and marines should be treated no differently in terms of employers' legal duty of care.
"The MoD points out they will also get pensions, nonetheless the initial awards don't go very far especially in light of how young many of these casualties are.
"I feel we were right to go in at the beginning, following 9/11 Afghanistan was a failed state and we had to drive out the Taliban and al Qaeda.
"But we now need to change the strategy we adopted in Afghanistan. After the Afghan elections we must talk with the Taliban.
"We can't overcome the insurgency just through military might alone - the conflict will only be resolved with a political solution. The Americans and ISAF are already talking with the Taliban it's the only real way ahead."
Ken from Braunton wanted to know who was responsible for the Seven Sands dredger near Fremington Quay and who would pick up the £56,000 bill for its removal:
Nick responded: I have been involved with this issue for some time and a resolution has been hampered by sorting out whose responsibility it ultimately is. The boat is on Crown Estate property, i.e. the riverbed and yet the quay is the responsibility of the local authority. Similarly the current owner of the boat only leases it and denies responsibility.
"Fortunately it has been agreed that funding will be provided by Devon County Council, North Devon Council and Crown Estates to ensure the vessel is finally removal."
Nigel from Georgeham raised the issue of South West Water charging for surface water drainage even when it does not go into their drains. SWW are refusing to back date refunds despite admitting a 10 year liability according to the listener.
Nick responded: "I have been campaigning on this issue, particularly in the Barnstaple Roundswell area where it has been identified as a problem. Water bills are twice the national average in the South West with 3 per cent of the population paying for the coastal clean up. This is an unfair burden and OFWAT needs to step up.
"The good news is that water bills are to be reduced but that is from an existing high level."
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats
-
Help out or donate
-
Tell us what you think