This week, the other five Cornish MPs joined me in a meeting with the deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, and firmly put forward our case for Cornwall’s future. We pushed forwards Cornwall’s unique culture, heritage, and national minority status, and made it clear that we won’t accept any ‘Devonwall’ proposals that lump us together with neighbouring counties under a mayoral model. Angela Rayner seemed very receptive to our position, but now the real work begins to ensure any devolution deal fully respects our Duchy’s distinct identity.

I’ve also spoken out this week on the disgraceful way WASPI women have been treated. After the Government refused them fair compensation for changes to the state pension age brought about without sufficient notice, I joined my Liberal Democrat colleagues in greatly condemning this move. Many North Cornwall constituents of mine have shared heartbreaking stories of how these changes completely blindsided them. Their voices will be heard, and I will fight hard to see their injustices addressed by this Government.

Meanwhile, local issues continue to demand urgent attention. Christmas swims are being cancelled due to sewage dumping in our waters - a completely unacceptable situation, especially while South West Water’s profits continue to soar. I pressed the Environment Minister in the Chamber on Thursday on what exactly he plans to do to fix this problem, because our coastal communities should never, ever have to choose between tradition and their health.

On a more hopeful note, I was very glad to meet with campaigners from Herbie’s Law and Animal Free Research UK this week. Many of you have written to me about the need for non-animal testing methods in research, and I’ll be working hard to make sure the government honours its manifesto pledges on this. Compassionate, forward-thinking science can protect both animals and public health, and the campaigners behind this cause are making impressive progress, which I will continue to support.

I also had the pleasure of visiting Camelford Primary School at the start of the week to present Bethany, our Christmas card competition winner, with her prize. It’s moments like these that remind me of the incredible community spirit thriving here in North Cornwall, and Bethany seemed over the moon with her achievement.

Prior to the holidays, I stopped by the Bodmin Delivery Office to meet our hard-working posties who are striving to get everyone’s cards and parcels delivered on time. Their dedication deserves our appreciation, especially at such a busy period, and I saw firsthand just how much effort they’re putting in, in the days before Christmas.

Ben Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall