MP issues New Year's message

New year, new start, and a chance to take stock.

Since the election in July, my team and I have so far grappled with almost 1,900 cases on behalf of constituents in North Devon, hosted more than fifty constituency surgeries, and sent over 6,000 individual emails.

Looking ahead to this new year, there’s a lot to be done but also a lot to be hopeful

about. 

The past year, 2024 was a massive one for my party; we Liberal Democrats achieved an all-time record result by winning 72 seats in Parliament.

This was a historic moment for us. 

With this increased representation, we are now better positioned to be able to influence legislation. 

A great example of this is my colleague Roz Savage's groundbreaking Climate and Nature (CAN) Bill which is scheduled for its second reading in Parliament later this month. 

And as a party, we continue to advocate for our shared goals, particularly the NHS, addressing the cost of living crisis, and the environment.

Beyond that, I was honoured to be appointed a seat on the Defence Select Committee by my fellow MPs. 

As a veteran myself, this was a proud moment for me, especially with RMB Chivenor and a significant armed forces presence here in our constituency. 

It’s a real opportunity for me to influence and engage with important armed forces policy questions, veterans’ issues, and the long-term security of the UK.

I look forward to bringing our community’s voice to these discussions.

But, of course, 2024 had its ups and downs. 

Life can be tough for some even in the best of times. 

In North Devon, I heard from many people who faced serious struggles, like farmers, small businesses and health providers grappling with the government’s tax changes, water bill rises, and pensioners worried about making ends meet. 

It only took a small glance at my inbox to see this.

The cases brought to us have covered a wide range of issues: struggling to access NHS dentists, the urgent need for social housing amidst the long waiting lists, potholes, parents facing challenges with their children’s education, and complex immigration matters.

Many of these cases raised systemic issues, problems that require more than a quick fix. 

So, although my office was able to resolve some of these issues directly, others were part of bigger national challenges. 

But, what’s important is that these matters were brought to my attention, as getting an understanding of where the main issues lie in North Devon is extremely helpful and informs my decisions in parliament.

It is because of this that I know what to keep and to add to my New Year’s political priority list, which includes securing NHS funding through the New Hospital Programme, addressing the sewage scandal, improved SEND facilities, and better NHS access in our area.

Looking back, 2024 will be remembered as a year of big political change, with a new party taking office.

I do hope that, with this, we will now start to see a government guided by the values that underpin our democracy: honesty, integrity, justice, and responsibility. 

After years of these principles being undermined by the former Conservative government and the economy being shamelessly neglected, let us hope that this marks the start of a new beginning in UK politics.

While I’ve had my disagreements with some of the new government’s decisions, like the farmers tax, winter fuel cuts, increased NICs for employers to name a few, I’ll stay hopeful and relentless in my efforts to bring about positive change. 

Cynicism has never solved a problem, and it won’t now.

I will continue to hold the government to account where necessary and won’t stop fighting for the changes and improvements that North Devon needs and deserves.

Bring on 2025!