It’s been a packed week with major developments, community visits, and some significant discussions in Westminster. Following last week’s Budget announcement I’ve now a number of new major priorities, and I made sure to raise the concerns that matter most to our communities.

After 14 years of Conservative mismanagement, I stood up to Labour in the Chamber and told them that we don’t need damaging measures like the new ‘GP Tax’, the ‘Family Farm Tax’, or the Winter Fuel Cut. These policies will hit North Cornwall hard, impacting everything from healthcare to agriculture. In my Budget response, I urged the Labour government to instead reverse the Tory’s huge cut to the Big Bank’s Tax, which would raise £4-billion per year. This funding could help with critical hospital building upgrades at Treliske, North Devon, and Derriford hospitals - something our region desperately needs.

On the topic of healthcare, I met with Alex Simpson from the Royal College of GPs to discuss the urgent needs of GP surgeries in our area. With 90 per cent of patient contacts but only 10 per cent of the NHS budget, our local surgeries are stretched to their limits - and if you’ve had a visit to your local GP surgery recently, you too might’ve seen the strain they’re under firsthand. Adding Labour’s new national insurance hike or ‘GP Tax’ only worsens this pressure, especially when 42 per cent of GPs are considering leaving the profession in the next five years. Alex and I discussed the potential new surgery buildings for Bodmin and Camelford, which will be vital in expanding the capacity of existing surgeries and improving patient care here in North Cornwall.

I was also out in Bude this week, holding face-to-face surgeries to connect with constituents and hear your concerns firsthand. Following the surgery, I spent the afternoon knocking on doors and engaging with residents directly in a doorstep surgery. It’s essential to me that I remain accessible and responsive to your needs, and these visits are always invaluable. If you’d like to learn when I’ll be coming to a town or village near you, and want to book a surgery appointment, please email me at [email protected].

Community safety was another topic on my agenda. I met with the policing inspector in Bodmin to address rising issues of anti-social behaviour and drug abuse. Ensuring our towns remain safe and welcoming for everyone is a top priority, and I’m committed to working closely with local authorities to find effective solutions.

This week also marked an important moment of reflection. I laid a Remembrance Cross in the Remembrance Garden at the Palace of Westminster to honour the Cornish soldiers who gave their lives in conflict.

Lastly, on a slightly lighter note, I’d like to give a huge thank you to all the children and schools who have participated in our Christmas Card competition. I am thrilled to say we received hundreds of creative and heartwarming entries from across North Cornwall. I’m looking forward to showcasing the winning designs soon!

Ben Maguire

Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall