The second of our Climate Focus events takes place on Wednesday at 4pm (24th March). You can register for a link to this virtual presentation by emailing [email protected]. Cornwall Council Officers will be presenting the work that is taking place towards the task of reaching net zero by 2030. This meeting is part of a series exploring how we can: Better inform and engage local residents in relation to climate change, Understand what action can be taken locally to support climate change action groups and Cornwall Council in their efforts to address the impacts of climate change and Understand Government policy and scrutinise its effectiveness in reducing carbon emissions and protecting the natural environment.
Most weeks I have the privilege of talking with BBC presenter Julia Scantlebury and she has introduced a feature ‘tell us what’s in your inbox’. This week my response would be the Policing Bill and Carbis Bay Hotel.
The Policing Bill has just started it’s journey through the House of Commons and includes new powers for our police in relation to protests. Although this proposed legislation was included in the 2019 manifesto the timing was unfortunate following the images of police in London responding to the vigil for Sarah Everard. The legislation will be refined as it makes its way through Parliament but I honestly believe that the majority of people, including those who take part in peaceful protests, will recognise the need to ensure legislation and police powers protect both the general public and those taking part in peaceful civil action. The key issue to remember is that the right to protest and express yourself is enshrined in the Human Rights Act and this Bill does not affect that; police commanders will have to show they have taken this into account if they use the new powers.
On Carbis Bay Hotel (the principal home of the G7 in June) planning permission is required for parts of the work that appear to have started and Cllr Linda Taylor (the representative for the area) and myself have both engaged with Cornwall Council Planning Department to ensure everything is done exactly as it should be and is completely beyond reproach. This should always be the case but the G7 Summit makes transparency and scrutiny no less important - perhaps more so. I have ever confidence that Council Officers are doing absolutely the right thing despite the critical and sensitive nature of this particular site.
The Woodland Recovery 2020 Initiative continues for just a week or two - I am looking for volunteers to help plant lots of trees. If you would like to volunteer please get in touch. We will meet all covid restrictions and keep safe! The trees are native, supplied by The Woodland Trust and mostly funded (80%) through Central Government.
