North Cornwall
Liberal Democrats

Ben Maguire MP's Newsletter

What has Ben been working on recently? Find out below!

In order to keep you updated on my progress as your MP, I write a weekly newsletter about my work. I'll be adding every edition to this space right here, usually on a Friday, so make sure to check back every week to see my latest progress.

Newsletter 21/02/2025 | Read below!

With Parliament in recess this week, it’s been an incredibly busy week here in North Cornwall, engaging directly with our communities across the constituency - with lots of community visits, doorstep conversations, and meetings with local groups and constituents.

Out on the doorsteps in Boscastle, I met with residents alongside our council candidate (for Camelford & Boscastle) Mark Burnett. These conversations reaffirmed how vital it is to involve local voices in every decision that affects our coastal areas. It’s through such engagements that I gain real insight into the challenges you face every day -  so thanks to all of those who were happy to talk away.

I also visited a South West Water site nearby to assess their current facilities and press for greater investment in modern infrastructure. Cornwall has long suffered from outdated systems, and it’s clear that significant upgrades are needed to protect our rivers, seas, and the communities that depend on them. I made the case very clear, and focused on the urgent need for long-term improvements and better public accountability in managing our water resources - especially when their Chief Executive's pay skyrockets among repeated and unforgivable failures.

It also was a pleasure to meet with Adrian Radford this week, who is an LGBT Veterans campaigner, for an interview with BBC Spotlight. Adrian’s story is one that should absolutely be told, and revolves around the severe lack of compensation for veterans mistreated by the MoD. I was very proud to give my full backing and support his campaign for fair treatment and justice for all those who served our country, and am very happy that the campaign has been a huge success.

I had the chance on Tuesday to meet with Kevin and Lena from the Wadebridge Renewable Energy Network (WREN). Their organisation works to reduce emissions and lower energy costs through local renewable projects is crucial for a sustainable future in North Cornwall. Supporting community energy initiatives like WREN is key to reducing our environmental footprint and stimulating local economic growth, and it was a pleasure to meet them both and offer further support.

I also had a fantastic meeting with Rueben and Alex, North Cornwall’s two Youth Council members. Their passion for community issues and eagerness to participate in the political process assures me that our future is indeed in good hands! I’m very keen to get more young people involved in politics, and the pair are a shining example of proactive engagement - very impressive!

Over in St Issey, I spent time with local residents alongside prospective Cornwall candidate James O’Keefe. A major topic of discussion was the Government’s ill-considered cuts to winter fuel allowances and the dire state of affordable housing. One resident highlighted a new development in Padstow where so-called “affordable” homes are priced between £600,000 and £800,000, which is far out of reach for most. We discussed the urgent need for a Cornish housing strategy that supports Community Land Trusts and truly addresses the needs of over 20,000 people who are on the housing waiting list, and I’ll be making sure to raise this with the Housing Minister in our upcoming meeting.

Finally, I wrapped up the week by holding another surgery in Tintagel. It was a privilege to speak directly with constituents about their concerns, from local services to transport issues, and gather invaluable feedback that will guide my work in Westminster in the weeks and months to come.

- Ben Maguire MP 〓〓

Official portrait of Ben Maguire MP

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