THIS week has been a busy one, both in Parliament and across our constituency, as I continue to push forward on key issues that matter most to us here in North Cornwall.
Following another tragic accident at the Plusha Junction, the safety of our roads remains a top priority, and I’ve been relentless in pressing for action at the junction. How many more lives must be lost before the Department for Transport, National Highways, and Cornwall Council commit to implementing a flyover at this accident black spot? I will not let this issue drop until we see a safe, permanent solution put in place, and spoke up in the House on Thursday to call for the Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, to demand action.
I was privileged to meet with farmers from North Cornwall in Westminster this week to discuss Labour’s damaging proposed changes to the Agricultural Property Relief (APR), as well as delays to their Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) payments, and much more. These changes threaten the livelihoods of family farms and jeopardise the future of rural communities. Meanwhile, thousands of farmers marched through Westminster to make their voices heard, and they have my full support. I’ll continue to stand with them - and my Liberal Democrat colleagues - to ensure these disastrous proposals are overturned.
It’s been fantastic to see so many schools across North Cornwall celebrating UK Parliament Week this week, and using resources to learn about our democracy and how Parliament works. Inspiring the next generation to take an interest in politics is crucial, and I’m thrilled to see their enthusiasm. Every single time I visit a school in the constituency, I am truly proud of how bright, interested, and impressive our pupils are. In the new year, I plan to hold ‘MP for a Week’ sessions with schools to engage with young people and help them better understand how Parliament works and get them involved, and I’m very much looking forward to these opportunities to connect and inspire with the next generation.
I highlighted the failings of regulators like the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Natural England, and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on behalf of constituents in Parliament this week.
Lastly, I was pleased to hold a number of telephone surgery sessions this week, giving constituents who can’t attend in-person surgeries the opportunity to raise their issues with me directly over the phone. It was a very productive session, and my team is already working through the cases raised. If you have questions, casework, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email at [email protected] or write to me at: Ben Maguire MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out in these last few weeks - and for those awaiting a reply, please bear with my team and I as we continue to work through the thousands of constituents who’ve already got in touch. We’ll be in contact very soon!
Ben Maguire
Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall