Hello, Boscastle! What a pleasure it is to be able to contribute here, and reach out directly to constituents in such a beautiful part of the country. I’d like to use this space to give you all a routine update on my campaigns, the issues I’m working on, and how I’ve been speaking up on your behalf in Parliament.
After 14 years of Conservative mismanagement, I stood up to Labour in the Chamber recently and told them that we don’t need damaging measures like the new ‘GP Tax’, the ‘Family Farm Tax’, or the Winter Fuel Cut. These policies will hit North Cornwall hard, impacting everything from healthcare to agriculture. In my Budget response, I urged the Labour Government to instead reverse the Tory’s huge cut to the Big Bank’s Tax, which would raise £4 billion per year. This funding could help with critical hospital building upgrades at Treliske, North Devon, and Derriford hospitals – something our region desperately needs.
The £1 billion boost for SEND provision announced in the budget was a welcome announcement, and I’m proud of the role we played in pushing for this outcome following our SEND Summit in Bodmin – but I’m very concerned that a large number of their plans will hurt the “working people” they claim to represent.
I’ve also been out in towns like Bodmin, Camelford, and Bude recently, to hold face-to-face surgeries to connect with constituents and hear your concerns firsthand. Following the recent surgery in Bude, I spent the afternoon knocking on doors and engaging with residents directly in a doorstep surgery. It’s essential to me that I remain accessible and responsive to your needs, and these visits are always invaluable. If you’d like to learn when I’ll be coming to a town or village near you, and want to book a surgery appointment, please email me at ben.maguire.mp@parliament.uk. I also offer phone surgery appointments for those who might be unable to get out to one in person.
Community safety was another big topic on my agenda recently. I met with the policing inspector in Bodmin to address rising issues of anti-social behaviour and drug abuse. Ensuring our towns remain safe and welcoming for everyone is a top priority, and I’m committed to working closely with local authorities to find effective solutions.
And of course, this month has also marked an important moment of reflection. I laid a Remembrance Cross in the Remembrance Garden at the Palace of Westminster to honour the Cornish soldiers who gave their lives in conflict. Inscribed on the cross was the phrase Yn Kovadh (In Remembrance), complete with a small Cornish flag. It’s vital that we never forget the sacrifices made by so many in our communities, and those who never returned home. I attended a service in Bodmin to lay a wreath on Sunday 10th November, and a separate service in Camelford on the 11th to pay respects.
Lastly, on a slightly lighter note, I’d like to give a huge thank you to all the children and schools who have participated in our Christmas Card competition. I am thrilled to say we received hundreds of creative and heartwarming entries from across North Cornwall. I’m looking forward to showcasing the winning designs soon!
Ben Maguire
Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall
