Labour Government threatens rural life

Every day I meet new people from across rural West Cornwall and I am finding that, from whatever walk of life, we all face similar challenges. Many of these challenges can be overcome but now, more than ever before, we need the help of a Parliament that understands rural life.

In West Cornwall regulation and red tape continually obstructs our farmers and small businesses. Our post offices, small schools and public services face ongoing threats and housing and employment opportunities are bleak for young people; you may be aware that South Kerrier has the highest level of young people out of education, employment or training in Cornwall.

The economic crisis is affecting all of us in different ways, but without the appropriate help rural Cornwall faces grave levels of isolation and unemployment. Without stronger representation the hidden poverty on the Lizard will be forgotten by those with power to affect change at Westminster.

I have decided to hold an event in each village on the Lizard; I want to hear your concerns and do what I can to help. The events will be free, there will be free tea and coffee and a stall selling cakes and pasties. So far we have the following planned and more will be coming as the year progresses:
Tuesday 24th February - Mawgan-in-Meneage Recreation Hall 6.30-8.30pm
Saturday 7th March – Manaccan Parish Hall 1 - 4pm
Monday 23rd March - St. Keverne Parish Hall 6.30-8.30pm

I recenty attended the Daffodil Festival in the Parish Church at Mawgan-in-Meneage (pictured above). It was a great example of a rural community celebrating one of the many traditions in Cornwall's history. Cornwall is a big player in the Daffoldil Market.

We need change in West Cornwall, rural communities need a government that works with them, not against them.

Farmers need less regulation and supermarkets should be forced to label British produce so we can make informed choices as consumers.

The basic state pension should be raised in line with earnings and we must provide long-term care for those who need it.

We must break down the barriers between health and social care and provide personalised services in the community as well as in the home.

Young people need meaningful apprenticeships, local jobs and homes that they can afford.

Finally, a government that borrows with no regard for the future fills me with great concern.

As a member of an incoming Conservative Government at Westminster I will be able to effectively defend the interests of this Constituency and advocate achievable solutions to our problems.

Our communities deserve more than rhetoric and empty gestures; we need constructive and deliverable solutions to local, national and global challenges.

Pledge to oppose surgery cuts

Today Mark Prisk MP, the Shadow Minister for Cornwall and I pledged to give our full support to save dispensaries in GP’s surgeries throughout West Cornwall.

Mark and I visited three dispensing surgeries today and we both pledged to fight Government proposals to cut local dispensing surgeries. A proposal in the "Pharmacy in England; Building on Strengths—Delivering the Future" White Paper issued by the Department for Health, could result in many rural practices having to stop dispensing medicines to their patients.

We were both fortunate to hear the concerns of local patients and practitioners at St. Keverne Surgery, Helston Medical Centre and Marazion Surgery (photo above with Practice Manager Jackie Brown and Dr. Walden). We witnessed the depth of local feeling throughout West Cornwall and pledged to campaign to save the dispensaries with local patients. The campaign has so far led to hundreds of local residents writing letters of objection to the Government regarding the possible loss of rural dispensing surgeries.

Mark said that the Conservatives favour keeping the current arrangements within surgeries: “I cannot stress enough the importance of services such as dispensing surgeries and post offices in small rural communities. The Conservatives oppose any change in the provision of dispensaries in local GP’s surgeries.”

We were both appalled that under Government proposals, up to 80,000 of the 140,500 patients in Cornwall who have their medicines directly dispensed by their GP’s surgery could lose this choice. Surgeries would also lose the valuable source of revenue provided by their dispensing capability, which could adversely contribute to the future viability of the surgery.

Mark and I were not able to visit all of the dispensing surgeries that could be affected by the Government’s proposals. However, these surgeries alone dispense to almost 9,000 patients; to lose their dispensing service is unacceptable and unnecessary, particularly when you consider that many of these patients are older of vulnerable people. I invited Mark today to witness our concerns first hand and to make our views clear back at Westminster. The Government White Paper provides limited options, including the status quo. This is the only option that would protect rural dispensing surgeries and ensure patients retain choice when collecting their prescription.

Mark assured me that he will return to Westminster to make representations to the Government on behalf of all of us in West Cornwall.