Steve Darling: I will continue campaigning for investment into our services

Last week, families gathered outside Torquay Town Hall to take part in the national Every Pair Tells a Story movement.

It was a powerful and emotional event. Parents, carers and children displayed pairs of children’s shoes to represent those who have been let down by the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) system.

Each pair told the story of a child who missed out on the education and support they deserved. Some shoes had never been worn, symbolising children who never received the help they needed to even begin their educational journey.

The message was clear: the current system is failing too many families and urgent change is needed. All of the shoes displayed will be donated to Barnardo’s, turning this act of protest into a gesture of hope and compassion.

It was a privilege to meet so many parents and hear their stories firsthand. These conversations were deeply moving and highlighted the urgent need for reform.

On another important issue, I recently met with Health Minister Karen Smyth to make the case for urgent investment in Torbay Hospital. As the third oldest hospital in the country, it faces serious and growing challenges. The deteriorating tower block and

repeated sewage leaks are not just structural concerns. They are actively disrupting patient care and, in some cases, putting lives at risk.

During our meeting, I also raised the importance of protecting coronary care and emergency intervention services, which have been under threat in recent months.

These services are essential to our community and their loss would have a serious impact. I was encouraged that the Minister listened carefully and acknowledged the gravity of the concerns raised.

Following our discussion, I am pleased to report that Torbay Hospital has secured £2.367 million from the Estates Safety Fund to address some of the most urgent infrastructure risks. These were the very issues I highlighted during our meeting.

This funding is a welcome step forward, but it is only a small part of what is needed.

We still require at least £350 million to rebuild a hospital that is currently being held together by scaffolding.

I will continue campaigning for the investment our hospital so urgently needs. Thank you to everyone who has supported this effort. Your voices are being heard and they are making a real difference.

Last month also brought the sad news of the closure of the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust. This is a significant loss for our community. As the council prepares to take on the Trust’s responsibilities, I launched a petition calling for public involvement in shaping the future of these cherished spaces.

This week, I am renewing that call. The petition asks Torbay Council to commit to open consultation, clear communication, meaningful community involvement and the protection of public access and nature. These spaces are part of what makes Torbay such a special place to live and they must remain protected and community-led.

The response so far has been fantastic. Thank you to everyone who has already signed and shared the petition. If you have not yet added your name, please do so and help spread the word. These spaces belong to all of us. Let us make sure they stay that way.

To sign the petition, visit: https://digitallibdems.typeform.com/to/WMW5DOCC

Over the weekend, communities across Torbay gathered to honour the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from across the UK and Commonwealth. I attended services in both Torquay and Paignton. It was a moment to reflect, remember and give thanks.

As always, if you need assistance or would like to share your views, please get in touch. You can reach me at steve.darling.mp@parliament.uk or on 07908 349347. For regular updates, sign up to my weekly e-newsletter at

www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/newsletter.