Hello, Cornwall. One of my main priorities this week has been to continue the fight against the proposed changes to the Agricultural Property Relief (APR) rate, which might well mean that hundreds of farmers here in North Cornwall will be unable to pass their family farms onto the next generation.

As I write this, I plan to welcome hundreds of Cornish farmers to Parliament very soon during the NFU’s protest. I will stand by the farmers and demand the government reconsider this damaging change to inheritance tax and give farmers the clarity they need. Their farms - many of which have been in their families for generations - should rightly be protected from huge tax bills when passed down to their sons and daughters. I met with the Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner just last week to urge him to reconsider the changes to the APR, and I look forward to seeing the farmers who plan to travel up to Westminster.

Additionally, I raised concerns about the delays many farmers are experiencing with their Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) payments, an issue I know is causing great uncertainty. The Minister has assured me that this will be prioritised and addressed as quickly as possible, but I will continue to hold the Government to account to ensure that our farmers are not left behind. I was also pleased to hear that his department will be looking closely into reforming the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) - as their handling of seaweed farm applications has been frustratingly opaque. I’ve seen firsthand how their approach is breaking down public trust, and the communities around Port Isaac, Port Quin, and other parts of the North Cornish coast have been outraged at the lack of public consultation. As a result of our meeting, the Minister has committed to publishing clearer guidance for applicants.

I was honoured to welcome Avril Greenaway (from North Cornwall) and her team from the Cleaner Seas Group to Parliament this week. They were in Westminster to demonstrate their impressive microfibre filter, which is designed to tackle the problem of microplastics in our oceans. Over a third of all microplastics in our waters come from our clothing, and these harmful fibres make their way into the food chain, threatening both human and animal health.

I was reassured that the police and National Highways have now put temporary measures in place to prevent further fatalities at Plusha Junction, following a string of serious accidents. However, we must keep up the pressure to ensure a permanent, long-term solution is found.

Lastly, I had the privilege of attending services in both Camelford and Bodmin for Remembrance Sunday and Remembrance Day itself, where we paid tribute to the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. As always, it was a moving occasion, and I was reminded of the sacrifices made by the countless Cornish families who waited anxiously for the safe return of their loved ones. We must never forget the bravery and dedication of those who serve our country, both past and present.

Ben Maguire

Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall