Dear Friend, In March, we kicked off the second parliamentary term of the year, tackling some big subjects, including supporting rural communities, domestic abuse, and ambulance response times. Aside from regularly speaking in the House, I also attended multiple meetings, visited schools, businesses, Brussels, and Harrogate for our Lib Dem conference. Below, you’ll discover a snapshot of my activity in Westminster and South Devon, including… My parliamentary debate about addressing the rural/urban divide The Safer Phones Bill debate My bill aiming to set up a Government Office for Green Spaces
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My reflections on the rural/urban divide |
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In Totnes Times, I reflected on my parliamentary debate about addressing the rural/urban divide, and outlined why the Government must invest more in the south west. |
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Watch my contribution to the Safer Phones Bill debate |
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I was proud to co-sponsor the Safer Phones Bill, and while I was disappointed by the watered-down version which we debated, I’m pretty sure this is just the start of a long conversation. I will continue to campaign on this issue to protect our children from online harms. Watch my contribution to the debate – and read my takeaways from it below. |
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Why NHS Devon must reconsider moving out-of-hours cardiology services from Torbay to Exeter |
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I met with a dozen cardiologists from Torbay Hospital about the proposed move of out of hours cardiology services from Torbay to Exeter. The response they gave was resounding: do not do it! In Western Morning News, I continued my call for NHS Devon to listen to the experts and reverse this proposed move. |
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How will the foreign aid cut impact Gaza? Listen to the Minister's response |
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I was proud to shout out Totnes Friends of Palestine for their amazing fundraising work. I just wish the context in which I spoke about them was better! I asked the Government how it will fulfil its funding obligations to Gaza given the UK’s foreign aid cut. Listen to the Minister’s response above. |
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I introduced my Green Spaces Bill to boost nature access |
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I presented my Green Spaces Bill for its Second Reading. As it was the last Bill to be heard, I only had a few minutes to outline the Bill’s aims – to create an Office for Green Spaces which would be responsible for promoting access to green space across the UK – and to share the reasons behind it. While it’s unfortunate the Bill won’t progress any further, I’m looking forward to working with the Minister to bring some of its aims to fruition. |
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Take part in my business survey |
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With Trump announcing new tariffs and employer national insurance rising, it’s hard to think of a trickier time to be a business. That’s why I’ve launched my Business Survey to learn the biggest challenges our small businesses are facing and what I can do to help. |
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Supply chains, ambulance wait times, and rural housing - My questions in parliament |
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| | I asked what the Government is doing to make supply chains fairer |
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| | I spoke about the terrible ambulance waiting times in South Devon |
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| | I spoke about boosting the affordability of rural housing |
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| | I challenged the Government's NI tax hike on employers |
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Here, There, and Everywhere - My visits in South Devon |
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| | I visited Harbertonford Primary School, where I met with staff and students, and even ran a few laps during their runathon fundraiser! |
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| | I visited Paignton Zoo, one of the biggest employers in Torbay. It’s vital local attractions like Paignton Zoo flourish, but like many businesses, they face serious challenges, particularly with the Government’s national insurance hike. I’ll be raising their concerns directly with the government. |
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| | I visited Kingsbridge Community College, where I had the opportunity to talk with students about the role of an MP and how they can get more involved in local and national politics. |
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| | I launched a new APPG on Shellfish Aquaculture | | |
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| | I called out South West Water for dumping sewage | | |
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| | I spoke out about the hike in rail fares and the delays caused old oak common | | |
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| | I gave my reaction on the Spring Statement's impact on farmers | | |
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While March might, on the surface, appear like a varied month, there’s actually a red thread running through all my work. Whether it’s supporting our NHS, boosting access to green spaces, or protecting our children online, health is a theme that is important to all of us and I’m fighting for it in Westminster and beyond. Face-to-face constituency surgeries are up and running and if you would like to come and see me, please email me at caroline.voaden.mp@parliament.uk With best wishes, Caroline Voaden |
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Please do forward this email on to anyone who may be interested, or follow me on social media for more regular updates. |
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