Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition, published on Wednesday 18th April, below:
Syria
Last week the United States, Britain and France took military action against President Assad’s regime in response to its latest use of chemical weapons.
Following the attack in Douma the UK, together with our allies, took the matter to the UN Security Council seeking a resolution which would have authorised a UN backed investigation with the power to assign blame for the attack.
A majority agreed, China abstained. Russia vetoed it, following a pattern it has set in constantly using its veto to stop the UN dealing with the awful situation in Syria and tackling its ally Assad. If Russia genuinely believed its bizarre claims it would have backed letting the UN assign responsibility, its veto indicates what it really thinks.
Some who want to ignore reality for political purposes or who are just too weak to decide suggested the solution is just to continue putting pressure on Russia to agree a UN Resolution. The naivety of this position is shown by a brief glance at Russia’s long record of vetoing resolutions connected with its ally Assad.
Threatening President Assad with a trial for war crimes at the International Criminal Court is not going to change his current behaviour. There is already a very long list of charges he should face at it, which would carry life imprisonment, plus Russia has also vetoed reference of the situation in Syria to it blocking this course of action.
Asking Russia to negotiate a deal with its ally not to use chemical weapons was tried in 2013. The continued use of these weapons shows how effective the deal was.
This left the international community with a choice: Do we just ignore the use of chemical weapons despite a decades old ban? Are we prepared to see these weapons, which brought a unique horror to the trenches of World War 1, once more become an accepted part of warfare? If there is no meaningful penalty for using chemical weapons it gives the green light to despots and dictators across the world to use them.
No decision to use force is easy or without risk, yet inaction also has a price. The Prime Minister was therefore right to join with our allies and authorise military action. A position supported by Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, the EU and NATO, amongst many others.
New Zealand
Last week was a very different one from normal as I took part in a delegation from the UK Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to the Parliament of New Zealand.
Brexit has raised the prospect of a very different trading relationship between our two nations. New Zealand has a range of trade agreements in place with growing economies across the Asia\Pacific Region, which the UK could look to replicate or learn from. The Trans Pacific Partnership, which allows free trade between several countries in the region, was also highlighted as something the UK's involvement would be welcomed in by many Kiwi politicians and businesses.
In agreeing to do any visit I consider what the benefit for our bay will be. New Zealand is a place Torbay companies could do business. Digital connections mean the physical distance is less of an issue, several local firms already export their goods globally and the legal system is similar. The warmth of reception from those we met towards increased trading links with the UK was remarkable, going across political dividing lines and business sectors.
We could also see more tourists head to our bay as travel gets easier with increasing numbers of direct flights to Britain from Asia. The reason? When asked to describe my constituency I mentioned (jokingly) I would be the MP for Basil Fawlty. It was remarkable to note just how many living on the other side of the world have watched our most infamous hotelier at work!!!!
Save BMAD
There are concerns the BMAD Bike Festival taking place this year will be the last time the event is held on Paignton Green.
In its 15 years, BMAD has raised nearly £5000,000 for local children’s charities and has attracted thousands of bikers and spectators from across Europe.
Organisers of the event have said they have struggled to obtain sponsorship for the festival and so are looking at possibly moving to Dawlish in 2019. The BMAD Bike Festival brings with it thousands of visitors who spend money locally each year, and it would be a real shame if the festival were to move elsewhere.
I will be doing what I can as Torbay's MP to ensure the riders of BMAD still make Paignton their home.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries will be on Friday 20th April 3:30pm till 5:30pm, The Windmill Centre, Pendennis Road, Torquay, TQ2 7QR and Saturday 28th April 11am till 1pm at Paignton Baptist Church, 43 Winner St, TQ3 3BJ.
Just call 01803 214 989 or e-mail me at kevin@kevinjfoster.com to book a slot. You can drop in, but appointments are recommended to avoid a long wait or disappointment. My team also run drop in surgery sessions Mon to Friday 10am -1pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD.