There are numerous reasons why West Cornwall and Scilly has to be one of the best constituencies to represent as a Member of Parliament. One such reason is how engaged and active we are if there is a battle to be won. Last week we heard the great news that Government had rejected rail industry proposals to close permanent ticket offices in train stations. The decision was for the network but when you look at the results of the consultation, what stands out is how many people took action in support of the ticket office and staff at Penzance Station. 20% of all respondents across the GWR service came out in support of Penzance. I was at the ticket office over the weekend and it’s obvious why staff are relieved at this decision but it’s a great shame they had to endure this uncertainty over a lengthy period. I feel so pleased that we came out in strength during the consultation and made our views known so clearly.
This week is Parliament Week which could not have fallen on a better week. Parliament Week is when schools, uniform clubs and other community organisations learn more about what Parliament does. We have one of the greatest democratic systems in the world and the week is intended to introduce more people to how it works and, hopefully demonstrate that it is relatively easy to engage with MPs, our workplace and Parliament itself. The fact that this week His Majesty carried out the State Opening of Parliament for his first time as King, added a little something extra for Parliament Week - State Opening is always a grand occasion but, this year, we missed the late queen and welcomed her successor which made everything so much more profound.
Parliament Week gives me added opportunity to visit these schools and groups which is a great honour. Another great honour is to remember all those who have served and who serve in our armed forces. As an MP I’ve had the privilege of laying a wreath on an early morning train destined for Paddington Station where wreaths from across the GWR rail area are laid in remembrance at the station. With track improvement works on Cornwall’s rail network this has not been possible. On Monday I joined veterans and community representatives at RNAS Culdrose to lay our wreaths on a Merlin Helicopter to be transferred to Plymouth as the first leg of this poignant tribute. Marking November 11th and taking part in Acts of Remembrance leading up to this date remains the most significant moment of the year and, if anything, this time feels more important as the world becomes more troubled.
On Friday I continue with my ‘drop-ins’. These are open to anyone and are an opportunity to raise any concern or idea. At 7pm I’m at the Friends Meeting House, Marazion, and at Mounts View Hotel, Long Rock, at 8.30pm. On Saturday I’ll be at the North Inn, Pendeen, at 12.45pm and 2.30pm at Red Lion, Newlyn.
