Campaign for the EU referendum

For over a year now, I have been campaigning for a referendum on ratification of the EU Constitution, or the Lisbon Treaty. I am grateful for the huge amount of local support I have received for this campaign from people who feel as I do, that the British people were cheated out of a say on our future within the EU.

On March 5th 2008 the majority of Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs voted against a Conservative proposal for a UK-wide referendum on ratification of the EU Treaty. The Conservatives are the only Party committed to a referendum.

The new EU Treaty is essentially the same as the EU Constitution. There will still be a new EU President, an EU Foreign Minister (renamed but with exactly the same powers) with his own diplomatic service, more than fifty vetoes given away, new powers for the EU over criminal justice and a ratchet clause that will allow surviving vetoes to be abolished without the need for a new Treaty.

In 2008 I thought our battle was lost when Gordon Brown signed the EU Treaty. Thankfully Ireland rejected it. They must not be bullied into having another vote.

David Cameron has promised that if we form the next Government and the Treaty is not ratified than the British people will get a referendum.

Please be assured that I will continue to campaign to ensure that the views of the people of the St Ives Constituency are heard.

(pictured above: European Parliamentary Candidates Julie Girling & Don Collier, Garfield Gilbert and myself in St. Buryan)

Small Business Rate Relief

I am visiting as many small businesses as I can during January and February. The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself and ensure that they are benefiting from the small business rate relief available to them. I am also making them aware of the Conservative Website that informs them of a host of Conservative policies that will help them to survive this current economic downturn.

I also took part in the launch of the Cornwall Manifesto for Small Businesses and the Penzance Shoppers Loyalty Scheme.

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.