Every fortnight Kevin writes a “Kev’s Column” for the Herald Express, you can read this week’s edition below:
Paignton Hospital Consultation Starts,
As mentioned in my last column tomorrow sees the start of the formal consultation on proposals to close Paignton Hospital.
Over the last four months I have expressed my opposition to these plans and my concerns about them. I was therefore pleased to meet with Torbay Trades Council, Staffside Unions and Torbay Healthwatch to discuss a joint approach to the consultation in order to ensure our points are heard and get the best result.
I hope all residents will take part in the consultation and ensure their needs are taken into account.
Thought Provoking Break
Last week I took a short holiday and decided to spend it in Northern Ireland.
Like South Devon Ulster has dramatic coastline and beautiful countryside, yet during the dark years of the troubles few would have thought of it as a holiday destination. The peace process means many more tourists are heading there, seeing the appeal of attractions such as Londonderry’s Walls, the Titanic Museum and the unique geology of the Giant’s Causeway (Seeing so many geology enthusiasts visiting it prompted me to enquire why we do not promote our Geopark there).
I visited the Parliament Buildings at Stormont and, at Belfast City Hall, saw the table on which the Ulster Covenant was signed in 1912. Unlike many famous tables in the world this one is perhaps all the more symbolic due to its simplicity, it was put together using planks then covered with the Union Flag.
Yet the most thought provoking part of my trip was a guided walking tour of West Belfast, including the Shankill and Falls Roads, a walk that would have been nearly impossible for me to do in the recent past.
Whilst violence between the communities is now much rarer than in the past reminders of what happened only a generation ago are all around. Many of the murals on the walls and the infamous peace line (whose gates are still closed every night) mark the recent troubles. A local church has now converted a small section within the line into a peace wall with a cross at the centre reminding those passing that both sides profess faith in the same Lord.
Seeing how close the two communities live together brings home the real challenges of peace. Those affected by the troubles see each other every day going about their normal business. Yet this closeness also shows how much there is to gain from a lasting settlement. Derelict land next to the peace line, that in the 1960’s was thriving, could be regenerated, with buildings that once housed troops already converted and having growing small businesses or new housing in them.
There are some who want to take Ulster back to darker days, with many paramilitaries using politics as a cover for organised crime activities, yet my visit showed there are many more who want their communities to live together as peacefully as they do throughout the rest of the UK and Ireland.
Parliament Returns
On Monday the House of Commons returns after the summer recess.
The first week back promises to be a busy one with many new Ministers appearing at the Despatch Box and newly created departments such as International Trade facing their first session of questions from MPs. The final debates on the Finance Bill will take place, along with a day of debates chosen by the opposition.
This activity in the Commons Chamber is surrounded by a range of activity outside the chamber. In the first week this will include (for me) spending half a day with the Air Staff at the Ministry of Defence, meetings to discuss the drafting of a bill I am introducing later this year and hosting the League Against Cruel Sports Summer Reception.
As parliament regathers it will also be time for clear answers on many of the issues and questions that have emerged in relation to Brexit, not least firm answers on the future status of the many EU Citizens who have come in good faith to the bay to work and make a home here.
Prayer Breakfast
Finally at 8am this Saturday (3rd September) I will be speaking at the Christians Together in Torquay Prayer Breakfast held in Central Church, Torquay,
I do this quarterly and it is always a chance to reflect not just on current issues in the news, but also what has happened since the last one and future challenges. It is safe to say there will be plenty to talk about this week and all are welcome to attend with donations asked for to cover the costs of breakfast.
Surgery Times,
My next surgeries are on Saturday 3rd September from 10am till 11:30am at St Martin’s Church, Barton Hill Road, Torquay and Friday 9th September from 3pm till 5pm at Anode, Berry Drive, Paignton. 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.
My team also run drop in surgery sessions Mon to Friday 10am -1pm at 5-7 East St, Torquay.