I hope you’ve been able to enjoy some quality time with loved ones in the sun over the last few weeks, making the most of what Cornwall has to offer… at the beach, up on the moors, a dog walk along the coastal path, or just some garden time with the family. I know how important these moments are, and with weather like this, it’s a big part of why so many of us are proud to call North Cornwall home.
I’m spending as much time as possible out and about in different towns, villages, and hamlets across the constituency. I’ve been attending community events, having doorstep conversations, setting up surgeries and site visits, and I’m using this time to get around every corner of North Cornwall. I’ve also been really excited to get cracking with my official Summer Tour, which started on Monday 18th August, where I’ve been hosting more organised pop-up events in places like village halls, cafés and pubs, while also going door to door and speaking to as many residents as possible. For me, it’s vital that smaller villages and hamlets get just as much of a voice as the towns, so if you do end up passing one of the events, please do pop by and say hello. The full list can be found on my Facebook page – just search for ‘Ben Maguire MP’.
I also wrote recently to the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs on two important farming issues that my constituents have raised with me. First, I offered my full support for the National Farmers Union’s new vision for the uplands, which includes proposals to better support areas like Bodmin Moor, where traditional farming continues to sustain our rural economy, and helps to protect biodiversity, heritage, and community life. I’m urging Ministers to ensure these grassroots-led ideas help shape the next stages of Environmental Land Management.
Secondly, I raised more serious concerns about the Government’s plans to change Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR). These changes could bring huge tax burdens for small family farms, often passed down through generations, and may risk encouraging land being sold off to outside investors. I’ve again called for a delay in implementing these rules, after the Government’s draft legislation was released, and have urged the Government to adopt a much fairer model – potentially including a ‘clawback’ mechanism, which is backed by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU). North Cornwall’s farming families deserve security and respect, not stress and uncertainty. I’ve been fighting in their corner since these proposals were first announced, and will continue to do so until these ill-thought-out are reconsidered.
Alongside my local work these last few weeks, I’ve also reiterated my long-standing position on the Israel/Palestine conflict, particularly in light of recent events that have prompted hundreds of emails from constituents here in North Cornwall. I remain absolutely horrified by the targeting of schools, hospitals and civilians in Gaza by the IDF. As I’ve said before, there must be an immediate bilateral ceasefire, full humanitarian access, and the UK must suspend arms sales where there’s a risk of international law being breached. I’m proud that we Liberal Democrats were the first major party to call for the official recognition of Palestine, for sanctions against extremist settlers, and for the Government to step up and push for a just, lasting peace. Thanks to all of those who have written and emailed recently – together, I’m very hopeful we can keep the pressure up on the Prime Minister to act.
That’s it for this time – so enjoy the sun, take care, and I look forward to seeing many of you across the rest of this Summer Recess period.
Ben Maguire
Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall | ben.maguire.mp@parliament.uk
