Parliament is back in session, and it’s been a flat-out week in Westminster. I’ve been working tirelessly on behalf of our communities, attending debates and sessions in the Commons, and writing to Ministers in the name of constituents. Even with the busy schedule in Parliament, I’m continuing to split my time between Westminster and North Cornwall to make sure your voices are heard where it counts, having held an in-person surgery in Bodmin on Friday. These will continue to be held frequently, so if you’d like to request a surgery appointment, you can do so by filling out the form on my website (benmaguire.org.uk).

One of the most pressing issues right now is the state of our NHS and the review of new hospital projects at Treliske, Derriford, and North Devon. Our health services are in crisis, with crumbling hospital buildings, unacceptably long waiting times, and immense pressure on staff. I’ve been in touch with constituents who are sharing their difficult experiences with the current state of healthcare in our region. I’ve now invited the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, to visit Cornwall so he can see the urgent need for action firsthand.

Education is another area where North Cornwall has been let down. Since 2020, our schools have seen a real-terms funding decrease of £5.29-million. This is an issue I’m taking to Parliament by supporting the National Education Union’s #StopSchoolCuts campaign and signing an open letter to the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, calling for a fairer deal for our schools in the next budget. We need to address the per-pupil funding deficit in Cornwall, and I’m committed to standing up for our students and teachers to secure the resources they deserve right across the constituency. In my regular visits to schools, I hear the same problems raised by teachers over and over again - and will make sure to escalate these concerns to the Government at every chance I get.

On a more local level, the proposed changes to Plusha Junction and the A30 remain a major focus for my team and I. Having met with residents, parish councillors, and National Highways, I’ve pressed for transparency in their plans and a thorough public consultation. I’ve also written to the Transport Secretary to ensure that road safety at Plusha is addressed as soon as possible. With too many fatalities already, it’s time for meaningful progress to be made on this dangerous junction.

Meanwhile, South West Water continues to provide unacceptable service to many residents. Issues like low water pressure and sewage dumping are still plaguing areas like Week St Mary. Despite my previous meeting with their CEO, little has changed, and I’m pushing for another urgent meeting to hold them to account. I will keep you all updated on this front.

It’s been a busy start back in Westminster, but there’s plenty more work ahead. As always, I’ll keep fighting for North Cornwall and will continue splitting my time to ensure your concerns get the attention they deserve.

Ben Maguire

Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall