Torbay MP Steve Darling voices concerns over war impact and local health services

As the war in the Gulf States enters its fourth week, I know many residents in Torbay are concerned about rising energy costs. 

Keir Starmer has done little to reassure households and businesses that they will be supported, whilst larger energy and petrol companies could be profiting from the war. Meanwhile, Starmer has U-turned and given the US permission to attack Iran from UK bases. 

The UK should not be dragged into another Iraq-style war; instead Starmer should let Parliament vote on the terms of the agreement with the US for their use of UK bases.

In local news, I am thrilled to be able to say that Devon Health Bosses at the Integrated Care Board have announced that they are dropping their Cardiology Case for Change. 

This comes after a hard-fought campaign, in particular by the Heart Campaign, and with the support of other MPs, Caroline Voaden and Martin Wrigley. 

The ICB will instead be pushing forwards with a broader investigation with an engagement plan. 

Currently, the board papers do not contain any proposed service changes, which is reassuring. However, the war is not over, as elsewhere in the country there seems to be a worrying trend of services being stripped away from smaller hospitals. 

Whether it has been as your MP, the leader of the Liberal Democrats on the Council, or the leader of the Council, I have always, and will continue to, advocate to protect and enhance our services at Torbay Hospital. 

This week I will be asking the ICB at their Board meeting how they are working towards a more collaborative culture between the Devon hospitals, and about their strategic approach to employment within more deprived areas. 

Our Street Pastors in Torbay are a collective of members of local churches who are there to support those who may find themselves in a spot of bother on a night out. Whether you are taken ill due to alcohol or other substances or realise that flip flops may be a better option than high heels, or simply need a friendly face to chat to, the Street Pastors are there in a non-judgmental way. 

Whilst Jennie and I were out on Saturday, I witnessed the Street Pastors in action once again. There were a number of events in Torquay, including Bingo Loco at the Foundry and Vernon Kay DJing at the Arena, and whilst it was not the busiest of nights there was still plenty for Jackie and her incredible team of pastors to support people with.  

The pastors’ Safe Space Van acts as a refuge both as a place to work out of when on patrol, but also to serve hot soup to homeless people and be a safe place for somebody who is in crisis and needs some support. 

Some of the incidents included a young woman who was violently ill and needed some support, a young lady who had a bad gash on her arm, who was being supported and encouraged to go to A&E, and a Crystal-Maze like challenge where an individual had lost their mobile phone in the structure of a bench. All of the above was interspersed with dozens of glass bottles collected and binned to stop them becoming a hazard when smashed.

Also on the weekend, I hosted a pop-up surgery at Preston Tesco where I spoke to residents about issues such as homelessness and antisocial behaviour. 

In addition to challenging the Government on international issues which affect all of us, I always want to be an accessible MP who is keen to listen and find the solutions for our community. 

As always, if you need assistance or would like to share your thoughts, 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.