MP for South Devon
Agricultural Property Relief
Since the family farm tax was announced, I’ve met with local farmers and NFU representatives to learn more about how this policy will affect those in our area. I’ve also sent out a survey to every farmer in South Devon, and the results I received back were devastating. The Chancellor’s family farm tax will be a disaster for hard working farmers across the country who have already suffered under Conservative cuts. Liberal Democrats understand that farmers are the backbone of rural communities, and have called for an extra £1bn a year in support to them. I’ve joined Liberal Democrat colleagues in calling on the Secretary of State to consider the implications of the Budget on farming communities, which you can watch on my About page. I also spoke of my support for farmers in my speech during a House of Commons debate on the Budget, and in an appearance on the BBC Politics Show, which you can watch on my News page. I can assure you that I will continue to work with Lib Dem colleagues and press the Government to reverse this policy immediately. Updated: December 2024
Animal Rights
The Liberal Democrats believe that humans have a responsibility to care appropriately for animals. We should respect animals and understand that every animal has specific inherent needs, regardless of their circumstances. I, and my Liberal Democrat colleagues, absolutely support calls for higher animal welfare standards. We are determined to ensure that the humane treatment of animals is upheld. That’s why we opposed the decision by the previous Conservative government to scrap its planned ban on the imports of fur and foie gras. Given this, I welcome the current government’s calls to strengthen the law on fox hunting and will support any such legislation. On the topic of badger culling, I would first like to say that I would very much like to see an end to the cull. The killing of wild animals is always extremely distressing. However, I am also aware of the distress, both financially and emotionally, caused to farmers when their cattle must be killed due to the transmission of bovine tuberculosis. The mental health crisis among farmers is chilling and many have taken their own lives after losing their herds. While I agree that the science does not universally support the effectiveness of badger culling as a preventative measure, it also does not unambiguously state that such measures are ineffective. Local farmers have reported to me a 60% reduction in incidences of bovine TB since the culls started. While I recognise that this reduction could be a result of improvements in the control of cattle movement and better TB testing, the science at this time remains genuinely inconclusive. We must continue existing trials on new and more accurate TB tests so that farmers can have more confidence in the test and the transmission between cattle is reduced. Date: December 2024
Climate-Friendly Schools
The issue of inadequate school funding has long been on my agenda, and I am deeply concerned by the fact that nearly 3,000 schools have pledged to go zero-carbon by 2030, yet lack the financial resources to do so. The current rate of spending from the Department for Education is simply insufficient to meet these goals. The Liberal Democrats strongly support increased investment in retrofitting and rebuilding schools, not only to address immediate safety concerns but also to contribute to the UK’s net-zero ambitions. A well-funded program to decarbonise schools would cut energy costs, create green jobs, and ensure that our children can learn in environments that are both safe and sustainable. I also fully support your call for climate education to be embedded within the curriculum. The Liberal Democrats believe that schools must prepare young people for the realities of the climate crisis and equip them with the skills and knowledge to contribute to a green economy. We have long advocated for reforms to ensure that climate education is a central part of the national curriculum. The Climate Education Bill is a vital step toward ensuring that every student learns about the climate crisis and the solutions we must adopt. We cannot afford to wait any longer to act on these issues. I will continue to press the government for increased funding for school infrastructure and climate education, and I will continue to discuss this issue with our party's education and environment spokespeople to ensure that it remains a priority for the party during this term. Date: December 2024
Community Energy
Areas like South Devon have been leaders in community energy and a shining example of what can be achieved with an Energy Local Club. I, and the Liberal Democrats, are strong advocates for community energy. We believe that communities should have the power to generate their own clean, renewable energy, putting them at the heart of the fight against climate change. We are committed to making it easier for communities to get energy projects off the ground, including ensuring access to funding, simplifying planning processes, and providing the technical support that local groups need to succeed. We believe that with the right government support, community energy can thrive and play a significant role in the UK’s transition to a green economy. At its core, community energy is about giving power back to people, enabling local communities to take control of their energy future, lower their bills, and contribute to tackling the climate crisis. The Liberal Democrats will continue to champion these initiatives as part of our broader commitment to a sustainable, green, and fair society. We have put forward an amendment to the GB Energy Bill, which includes community energy schemes in the objects that the Great British Energy company will be restricted to facilitating, encouraging and participating in. As your MP, I will work hard over the coming years to push for the reforms needed to unlock the full potential of community energy, including advocating for: > A Community Energy Fund: I will press the government to consider a dedicated Community Energy Fund to provide grants and low-interest loans to local groups looking to establish renewable energy projects. This will ensure that communities have the financial support they need to get projects off the ground. > Simplified Planning and Regulations: I will push for a streamlined planning process for community energy projects, cutting red tape and removing unnecessary barriers that often delay or block these vital initiatives. This will help communities act swiftly in setting up their energy systems. > Fair Access to the Grid: I will push for reforms that make it easier for community energy projects to connect to the national grid, ensuring they can sell any surplus energy they generate. Communities should be able to benefit fully from the energy they produce, without being penalized by restrictive or expensive grid access. > Local Ownership and Benefits: I will advocate for policies that encourage local ownership of renewable energy projects, ensuring that profits and decision-making stay within the community. This will allow communities to reinvest the benefits locally, creating more jobs and furthering the green transition. > Energy Democracy and Education: I will work to raise awareness about community energy, ensuring that people understand how they can get involved. I’ll also push for educational programs to help local groups navigate the technical and financial aspects of setting up energy cooperatives. > Push for Ambitious Climate Goals: As part of our fight against climate change, I will press the government to set ambitious renewable energy targets, with a clear role for community energy in meeting those goals. Community energy is part of the key to decarbonizing our economy, and I will work hard over the coming years to ensure it is a priority in any national climate strategy. Date: December 2024
Dementia Support
Dementia is a significant public health issue, and it is essential that we ensure adequate resources and support are available. The financial burden should not fall on patients and their families, and I am committed to advocating for comprehensive services under the NHS that reflect the seriousness of this disease. It is shocking that in a county with a high number of elderly residents, there is no dementia strategy and this is something I will be raising with NHS Devon. The waiting times for diagnosis and the gaps in social care are pressing issues that need our attention, and I am committed to trying to improve the situation for my constituents in South Devon. Rowcroft Hospice in Torquay, which provides a vital service to local residents in our constituency, have exciting plans to transform care in the community with a remodelled hospice, a world class specialist dementia care unit, assisted living and a nursery. The plans envisage bringing multi-generational care to this glorious wooded parkland site, with the very young and very old engaging on a daily basis. The dementia care facility would be unique in the UK, modelling an exemplary way to care for patients with dementia in a village like setting. It is genuinely exciting, and could inspire hospitals and hospice sites across the country to try and offer care in a different way – better for the patient, easier for families and genuinely better for the community itself. I truly believe that initiatives like this can truly transform the landscape of dementia care and serve as a blueprint for future developments elsewhere and I will be championing it as a model. Dementia is affecting my own family, so I am only too aware of the distress and burden it places on family members. I met with Dementia UK at the Lib Dem conference in September and will work with them to further their campaigns for more support for those who live with dementia. Date: December 2024
Israel Gaza War
The devastation in Gaza has caused anguish around the world and has left many people, including myself, incredibly distressed. A humanitarian catastrophe is taking place in Gaza with tens of thousands of civilians being killed by Israeli airstrikes. While I recognise the need for Israel to respond to Hamas’s appalling crimes on October 7th, they must also respect international humanitarian law regarding civilian populations. Currently, they are failing to do so. I, and my Liberal Democrat colleagues, continue to call for international law to be upheld and the role of international courts to be respected. We are continuing to press the UK Government to uphold the roles of the ICC and the ICJ. I have signed a number of EDMs on the issue, including EDM 208, (Peace in the Middle East), EDM 207, (Conflict in the Middle East) and EDM 209, (Immediate Ceasefire in Lebanon). I wrote also directly to the Foreign Minister last month to express my views on the situation. It’s important that he hears directly from MPs of all parties. I spoke in a Westminster Hall debate about the Humanitarian situation in Palestine last week, bringing up the UK’s arms sales to Israel. You can view my contribution on my about page. In addition, I wrote to the Prime Minister recently, pressing him to clarify Government’s position. I can assure you that my Lib Dem colleagues and I are working hard behind the scenes in ways that, while not necessarily visible, are more likely to be effective. Of course, being on the opposition benches, with such a strong majority across the floor, it’s always going to be a battle. The Liberal Democrats have been calling for an immediate bilateral ceasefire for months, which would put an end to the humanitarian devastation in Gaza, get the hostages out and provide an opportunity for a political process. I will continue to do everything I can to call for de-escalation, for International Law to be observed and for an end to this appalling conflict and the suffering of so many men, women, and children. Updated: December 2024
Just Stop Oil
The Liberal Democrats have expressed strong opposition to the imprisonment of climate activists. We believe that peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right and the current government’s approach to criminalising climate activism is overly harsh and counterproductive. We advocate for a more balanced approach that addresses the root causes of climate change while respecting the rights of individuals to protest peacefully and will be pushing for changes in laws or policies that might prevent similar situations in the future. Unfortunately, MPs cannot overturn or interfere with court decisions due to the separation of powers between the judiciary and the legislature. Reducing a prison sentence is complex and depends on various factors, including the nature of the crime, the circumstances of the case, and the legal options available. I have written to Shabana Mahmood, The Minister of Justice highlighting my concerns at the length of the sentences handed down to those involved in Just Stop Oil. Updated: December 2024
Protecting Tibet
The Liberal Democrats have consistently advocated for the rights of Tibetans and have called for greater autonomy for Tibet within China. We have been vocal about the human rights abuses in Tibet, urging the UK government to take a stronger stance against China’s actions. They have called for international pressure on China to respect the cultural and religious freedoms of the Tibetan people. We support peaceful dialogue between the Chinese authorities and Tibetan representatives, including the Dalai Lama and believe that negotiations are essential for resolving the Tibet issue and achieving meaningful autonomy for Tibetans. The Lib Dems advocate for working with international partners to address the situation in Tibet. We support initiatives like the US’s Resolve Tibet Act, which calls for peaceful resolution through dialogue and counters Chinese disinformation about Tibet. We emphasize the importance of preserving Tibetan culture, language, and religion, condemn policies aimed at “sinicizing” Tibetan culture and call for the protection of Tibet’s unique cultural heritage. These policies reflect the Lib Dems’ commitment to human rights and our support for the Tibetan people’s struggle for autonomy and cultural preservation. I, and with my Lib Dem colleagues, will do what we can over the coming years to call on the government to push China to address the issue of Tibetan autonomy and human rights. Date: December 2024
Restoring Overseas Aid
The Liberal Democrats wish to restore the UK’s overseas aid budget to 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI), a commitment we originally helped enshrine into law and want to re-establish an independent international development department. The primary focus of our aid policy is on poverty reduction and economic development in partner countries. It’s shameful that our aid spending was slashed under the Conservatives - it’s hurt the most vulnerable people around the world. Date: December 2024
Sewage Crisis
England’s water companies have been allowed to get away with dumping sewage in our rivers, lakes, and coastlines for far too long. Our water industry is broken. Privatisation has clearly failed, with profit and shareholders having been the priority for water companies for too long. South West Water has been underperforming for over a decade, yet millions of pounds have been paid in dividends each year while hundreds of thousands pounds have been paid in bonuses. The Liberal Democrats have been campaigning hard on water issues for some time and we will continue to do so. We want to see the water industry reformed, with local environmental experts on company boards, and legally binding targets on sewage discharges. We have called for Ofwat to be abolished and replaced with a new body that would be given powers to ban bonuses for water company bosses, revoke the licence of poorly performing water companies and force water firms to publish the full scale of their sewage spills. We also need the Government to properly fund the Environment Agency so it can regulate effectively. As well as meeting with South West Water CEO Susan Davy, I have previously met with local and national campaign groups to discuss further action. I have joined local councillors and key stakeholders including the Environment Agency and South West Water to speak about this issue in further depth. A great deal of work is going on behind the scenes, and I believe some progress is being made. I also raised the issue of flooding in Kingsbridge in the House of Commons – you can watch my contribution on my about page. I can assure you that we will continue to hold the Government to account on all these issues and try and make some progress. Updated: December 2024
Supporting Our Pubs
I understand the immense pressure the pub sector is under, with rising costs, high taxes, and the lingering impact of the pandemic. The Liberal Democrats have long advocated for fairer taxation and support for small businesses, including our beloved pubs. At our recent party conference, we discussed the importance of protecting community hubs, such as pubs, as part of our wider economic and social strategy. I support the aims of the Long Live the Local campaign, and I am committed to standing up for pubs both in Parliament and locally: The Liberal Democrats have consistently called for a review of alcohol duties to ensure that they are fair, support the hospitality industry, and reflect the pressures on smaller businesses. A cut to beer duty would relieve some of the financial burden on our pubs, allowing them to remain competitive and accessible for consumers. During the pandemic, the temporary reduction in VAT provided crucial support to the hospitality sector. I would certainly back a reinstatement of this reduced rate for pubs to help them navigate the economic challenges they continue to face. I am the vice-chair of the Hospitality APPG and these issues are very much front and centre of the work we will be doing in this parliament to support the sector. Updated: December 2024
Sustainable Shooting
It is clear from the Value of shooting Report 2024 that shooting enthusiasts see it as an activity that plays a significant role in supporting jobs, generating economic activity, and encouraging conservation efforts across large areas of land. As the Member of Parliament for South Devon, I am particularly aware of the importance of balancing economic activities with the need to protect and enhance our natural environment. And I am very aware that opinions differ widely on this issue. The Liberal Democrats have a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, and at our most recent party conference, we reaffirmed the importance of promoting conservation efforts while also encouraging responsible land use and management. Personally speaking, I have serious issues with many aspects of shooting; the cages pheasants are reared in – with welfare standards below even those of farmed birds, the appalling effects of snares on wildlife, the impact of shooting estates on access to land, and the impact of gamekeeping on raptors, game and other wildlife. I read that 82% of vets are in favour of a ban on snaring, rising to 85% amongst those with experience of snared animals. I’ve had many emails from constituents desperate to see a ban on snares. The Liberal Democrats support policies that ensure habitat protection and encourage landowners and shooting organisations to adopt practices that enhance biodiversity, including ensuring that any shooting activities are environmentally sustainable and contribute to the restoration of nature. At the same time, the party believes that any economic activity—whether it is shooting or another land-based industry—must be held to the highest standards of environmental responsibility. I would want to see greater transparency and rigorous monitoring to ensure that sustainable shooting practices continue to provide these conservation benefits and do not undermine local wildlife or contribute to environmental degradation. There are other voices in this debate who question the assumptions the Value of shooting report has made about the economic impact of the industry. Beaters, for example, are paid in cash and thus pay no tax or NI. Wages are extremely low, often below minimum wage. Shotgun licences cost way less than the true cost of processing firearms licences – adding an estimated burden of £19m every year to the public purse. In short, the industry benefits from tax breaks and exemptions that others do not. It is arguable that the conservation and wildlife sectors could bring in as much to the rural economy, if not more, and create more jobs. At a time when we are in a nature and climate emergency I believe it’s vital that we do everything we can to encourage conservation and I don’t believe killing birds for sport needs to be a part of that. Clay pigeon or target shooting yes, but not birds. Updated: December 2024
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill
Although the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed its second reading, it does not mean that assisted dying will become law. Instead, it is the start of what will be a lengthy process where the Bill will be moved through parliament and be scrutinised, debated, and voted on repeatedly in the process. But despite this early stage, the vote has understandably, generated much discussion. The debate to legalise assisted dying is a complicated and highly emotive issue, and I greatly appreciate all the insights and perspectives you have shared in your emails and letters to me. I’ve read every email and letter about this topic carefully and have taken your views on board, and, so far, the weight of feeling I’ve received from you is in favour of providing terminally ill people with a six-month diagnosis the choice to end their life. This is also my view as well. This is not a decision I’ve taken lightly, but after taking all opportunities available to read background information on this subject, listen to my constituents, consult experts on both sides of the debate, and consider the moral and practical implications of the issue, I voted for the Bill at its second reading. Fundamentally, for me, this Bill is about giving people who already know they are dying a choice at the end of their life, and I support this. However, this is the start of the process and there are some changes I would like to see both to the Bill and to the healthcare in which assisted dying would run alongside before it becomes law. Offering the choice presented to us in this Bill does not take away from the fact that we also need to see significant improvements in our health service, particularly around end-of-life care. Currently, this service is a postcode lottery, with rural areas like South Devon receiving far less funding than places like London. Addressing this geographical inequality and increasing funding for palliative care is a must if we are to give those suffering from terminal illnesses a genuine choice, so no one is in a situation where they cannot get the care they need or feel they are a burden and believe they have little option but to end their life. It is also clear that social care in the UK is currently in a parlous state, with thousands of elderly and ill people unable to get the care they need to live in a safe and dignified way. The Liberal Democrats have campaigned on care issues for years and will continue to do so – it is vital that we improve our social care offer for all those living with long-term conditions or illness and the families who support them. I want to take a moment to also address some of the arguments I’ve heard against this Bill. I’m aware of the arguments of a ‘slippery slope’, where the door is opened to assisted dying for one category of people and bit by bit it encompasses more people and becomes more widespread. I’m aware too of the concern around potential coercion. I want to reassure you that the safeguards in this Bill are crucial and robust. As the Bill progresses through parliament, I’ll continue to take time to listen to the arguments on both sides to ensure that we don’t enter a world where someone who cannot get the care they need, or who feel they are burden, believe they should be obliged to end their life. I’ll also be watching the Bill’s progress extremely closely to ensure that the concerns I’ve outlined above are addressed. I appreciate that for some of you this will not be the decision you were hoping for, but I hope you can understand my position on this. It is a position underpinned by extensive consideration of both sides of the debate, and one that has been made with the intention that as the Bill is scrutinised in parliament the issues some have raised with it will be addressed. Updated: December 2024
WaterAid
Access to clean water, decent sanitation, and good hygiene is a fundamental human right. The fact that millions of people still live without these basic necessities is deeply concerning, and as you’ve rightly pointed out, the water issues we’ve experienced here in Brixham only serve to highlight how critical access to clean water is, both at home and abroad. I appreciate the work wateraid does to bring attention to these issues. It is unacceptable that 293 million children attend schools without clean water and that many girls and women spend hours each day fetching water instead of pursuing education or employment. The Liberal Democrats have a strong record of championing international development and addressing global inequalities. Our party is committed to increasing the UK’s role in supporting international efforts to achieve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for all. We believe that investments in these areas are essential for improving global health, gender equality, and the resilience of communities in the face of climate change. I will raise questions in Parliament to help ensure that this issue receives the attention it deserves and engage with my party’s international development spokesperson to prioritise clean water and sanitation in our policy discussions. The ripple effect of clean water is transformative, empowering communities by improving health, education, and economic opportunities. It is vital that the UK continues to play a leadership role in global development, and I will do everything I can in this Parliament to ensure that access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene is a priority. Updated: December 2024
Winter Fuel Allowance
I completely share my constituents’ concerns regarding the withdrawal of the winter fuel allowance from all pensioners not receiving pension credit. That’s why, at the first opportunity, I voted for a motion to block these cuts. I’m extremely disappointed that the Labour Government is pushing forward with these plans. In no way is cutting payments to vulnerable pensioners across South Devon the right approach to bring the change this country deserves. I can assure you that together with my Liberal Democrat colleagues in Parliament, I will continue to press the Government to reverse their cuts to the winter fuel allowance and take action to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, end fuel poverty and support pensioners. Date: December 2024
Youth Homelessness
Youth homelessness is a serious and growing problem, and we need more robust protections and policies to tackle it. I have been a regular supporter of Centrepoint for some time now and they do fantastic work with young homeless people. The Liberal Democrats propose a range of policies to reduce homelessness, such as an end to the Government's policy of forcing local authorities to sell their higher value council homes, increased funding for local authorities from central government to meet their homelessness duties, a strengthening of these duties to allow earlier intervention in homelessness preventions, a ban on no-fault evictions, three-year tenancies and building new homes. However, we recognise that homelessness among young people has unique challenges and while the above steps are much needed to tackle the housing crisis and rise in homelessness in general, they do not fully address the often specific causes and problems surrounding youth homelessness. The Liberal Democrats propose specific policies aimed at addressing homelessness in young people, for example: > Support Services: We propose increasing funding for support services that help young people who are at risk of homelessness, including mental health services and educational support. > Housing First Approach: We advocate for a “Housing First” approach, which prioritizes providing stable housing to young people before addressing other issues like employment or education. >Youth Homelessness Prevention: We aim to implement early intervention strategies to prevent youth homelessness, such as providing better support for young people leaving care and those facing family breakdowns. These measures are part of our broader commitment to ensuring that all young people have a safe and secure place to live. Date: December 2024