Politics and pasties draw a crowd in Holsworthy

A political event hosted by the Liberal Democrats in North Devon invited locals to join in a lively Politics and Pasties discussion.

Three MPs attracted an audience of more than sixty people from across North Devon and Cornwall. 

The informal question-and-answer session was chaired by the Lib Dems’ Phil Hutty and featured newly elected Westminster colleagues Ian Roome (North Devon), Ben Maguire (North Cornwall), and Danny Chambers; formerly a well-known local vet and now MP for Winchester. 

The event was opened by veteran politician Lord Burnett, who was MP for Torridge and West Devon from 1997 to 2005.

Questions from the floor ranged from whether the USA will pull out of NATO to the likelihood of Cornwall and Devon ever having a joint mayor. 

Both were thought unlikely. Ben Maguire called for a "real devolution of powers" to mayoral authorities, saying that the current proposals seemed to be centralising rather than devolving power.

As might be expected, concerns about funding for the desperately needed improvements to North Devon District Hospital featured strongly, and Ian Roome spoke convincingly when he said he was determined to get plans brought forward.

"The hospital is full to bursting already," he said, "yet the Government is insisting on increased house-building targets."

The two things need to go together, he said, as housing is urgently needed for NHS staff who are leaving because there is nowhere for them to live.

The MPs also answered questions about life in Westminster, efforts to save some elements of the Climate and Nature Bill, and the political outlook in a context where both the two main political parties are unpopular. 

They stressed the need for honesty and integrity and certainly modelled that in the answers they gave, along with quite a bit of humour too.

Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, who helped to organise the event, said: "We are so lucky to have such straightforward and hardworking MPs making a real impression on Westminster already."

Teresa Tinsley, who attended the event, said: "The organisers did a great job. There was a lovely atmosphere, totally inclusive, and everyone felt welcomed."