Newspaper column 27th February 2024 - The Baby Loss Certificate

Regular readers will know that as well as my work as local Member of Parliament for Truro and Falmouth, I also have, throughout my time as MP advocated for national awareness and support for families, like mine, who have experienced baby loss. I have now chaired the cross party All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Baby Loss for over three years, and it is an honour to advocate for families who have suffered a loss as well as the midwives and other healthcare professionals who care for them.

The Baby Loss APPG works in a number of ways to raise awareness of and encourage the Government and NHS to work with families to ensure the very best care and support is given at the most difficult of times.

One such example is through the National Bereavement Care Pathway, which was launched in 2017 and has since been adopted in most NHS Trusts in England. This has been transformational in ensuring that families like mine, whose pregnancy is cruelly cut short, receive special bereavement care during the event. Memory boxes and photos are encouraged, as is time spent with your baby to say goodbye.

Last week we saw the Government announce the Pregnancy Loss Certificate, which is something parents have been asking for, to help bring comfort at their lowest point.

The certificate has been announced as part of the response to the Pregnancy Loss Review, an independent report commissioned by the Government last year to look towards improving the care and support available to families when baby loss occurs before 24 weeks' gestation.

The Pregnancy Loss Certificate is the recognition of a life lost. It is an optional, official, but not legal, document which can be issued to families who lose their baby at any time before 24 weeks gestation. Before 24 weeks, all losses are classed as miscarriage, rather than stillbirth. This means that for babies like mine, there has been no record that she ever existed. Yet she did. The Pregnancy Loss Certificate changes this.

Putting a baby’s name on the certificate means that it could be kept with their siblings’ birth certificates or put somewhere special with the rest of their baby mementos. Nothing can take away the pain of losing a much wanted and much-loved baby. The grief, like any other, must be navigated at one’s own pace and in one’s own way. But I would like to thank Ministers for listening to the voices of bereaved parents and introducing the certificate as quickly as possible after the review.

As always, I am fully focused on the job at hand and if there is ever anything at all I can do to help, then please do not hesitate to contact me. Please get in touch with me by email at Cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk, or by telephone on 01872 229698. My regular constituency advice surgeries are held in a covid-safe environment at my office, so please do get in touch should you wish to meet me about any matters that I can be of assistance with.

Newspaper column 19th February 2024 - Michael Gove's visit to St Agnus and reformed planning for short-term lets.

Last week saw another really positive development in my campaign towards addressing the impact of holiday lets on communities in Truro and Falmouth, when the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Communities and Local Government, Michael Gove, visited St Agnes to announce a major new Government policy.

One of the biggest issues that I am often contacted about locally is the lack of affordable accommodation for local people, particularly in our rural and coastal communities.

This was really brought home to me following the pandemic when in one of my first constituency advice surgeries since restrictions lifted, held in St Agnes, within two hours, I had had 15 constituents and families through the doors, and every single one was either being evicted or their rent was going up so much that they could not stay. Pretty much all those properties were going to be flipped into Airbnbs.

Since then, along with Cornish MP colleagues, we have been lobbying the Government to make changes in this area to ensure that we do not let this continue to happen.

A lot of these changes to better restrict the holiday let industry and correct the imbalance of these properties towards those occupied by local people all year round have been made possible through the Government’s landmark Levelling Up Act, which came into law last year.

The Levelling Up Act has already given local authorities like Cornwall Council the power to double council tax on existing second homes, something I know that Cornwall Council have welcomed and will be bringing into practice from April 2025, the earliest that they are able to.

But the Government has gone further and last year consulted on giving additional powers to local authorities via the Levelling Up Act to hold mandatory registers of all holiday lets, and also to allow local authorities to make people who want to turn existing residential properties into holiday lets to have to do so via making a planning application for change of use, therefore giving the local authority the ultimate decision as to whether to allow holiday lets into communities or not. These powers will give local authorities the tools to be able to see the scope of the problem and identify where there are large numbers of holiday lets overwhelming communities, and then give them the power to do something about it, by giving them a say via a planning application.

I very much welcomed the consultation by the Government last year, and was delighted to see Michael Gove, speaking to myself and residents of St Agnes last week, commit the Government to adopting these proposals in full. This will give local authorities like Cornwall Council more powers to do something about holiday lets in communities that are adversely affected by them, and in doing so, will also encourage landlords to keep their properties in the open market, and sell or rent to local people who will occupy them all year round. A really good step forward, and I will continue to work to get the best deal for Truro and Falmouth, and Cornwall, now and in the future.

As always, I am fully focused on the job at hand and if there is ever anything at all I can do to help, then please do not hesitate to contact me. Please get in touch with me by email at Cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk , or by telephone on 01872 229698. My regular constituency advice surgeries are held in a covid-safe environment at my office, so please do get in touch should you wish to meet me about any matters that I can be of assistance with.

Campaign Reply - The Syria Campaign

Thank you for contacting me about earthquake relief in Syria.

I offer my condolences to all those affected by this tragedy, particularly those who lost loved ones. The UK Government offered support to Syria only hours after the earthquake struck, and continues to support their long-term recovery efforts.

In the aftermath of the earthquakes, the UK immediately announced an additional £800,000 to the UK-funded White Helmets, who immediately mobilised their response in north-west Syria. The White Helmets volunteers carried out search and rescue operations in 60 villages across 182 locations, helping thousands of civilians. Furthermore, to protect survivors and support those who had been critically injured, the UK also sent a world-class team of UK medics and announced £8 million of lifesaving support to both Turkey and Syria, which was used to provide survivors with vital items, like tents and blankets, meeting the needs of up to 15,000 people. The UK Government also matched the £5 million raised by the Disaster Emergency Committee’s (DEC) joint appeal for UK humanitarian operations in Turkey and Syria. As the focus moves from rescue to recovery, the UK has continued urgent humanitarian assistance with a further financial package of £25 million.

 

Despite this, efforts to provide humanitarian aid have been hindered by ongoing conflict in the region and the Assad regime’s sustained use of aid as a political weapon. Despite earlier opening three crossings on the Syrian border, Turkey has now closed these access points due to ongoing clashes in northern Aleppo. This followed Russia’s decision to veto a compromise solution that would have extended UN operation through Bab al-Hawa crossing for a further nine-months.

 

I will happily join you in condemning the Assad regime, calling for all parties in Syria to observe their commitments under ceasefire agreements and to work towards sustained, calm and unhindered humanitarian access through all modalities. The UK Government is not the only aid providing organisation to call for this; I note the UN Special Envoy for Syria’s assertion that “2023 [...] saw the worst eruptions of violent conflict in years, further exacerbating the worsening humanitarian situation, and a lack of meaningful progress on the political process”. Likewise, I will openly criticise Russia for its breaches of international rules and norms and promise my support to measures being taken by the UK Government to hold them to account.

 

Regardless, I can confirm that I will support the UK Government’s plans to spend up to £150 million in 2023/24 to support the Syrian people and refugee-hosting countries. I know the UK Government remains updated, via the British Embassy in Ankara and aid agencies on the ground in both countries, and is committed to supporting the long-term recovery effort. I will continue to follow developments with keen interest.

Campaign Reply - NHS Privatisation

Thank you for contacting me about independent sector providers and the NHS.

The Government is clear that the NHS will always provide healthcare free at the point of delivery, regardless of ability to pay. This principle applies whether NHS-funded care is being delivered by an NHS, voluntary or independent healthcare provider.

Under the NHS Constitution, patients have “the right to access certain services commissioned by NHS bodies within maximum waiting times, or for the NHS to take all reasonable steps to offer you a range of suitable alternative providers if this is not possible.”

As we seek to reduce the treatment backlog built up during the Covid-19 pandemic, independent providers have a valuable role to play in reducing NHS waiting times, by allowing patients to be treated in a private healthcare setting whilst being funded by the NHS, freeing up capacity in NHS hospitals.

The Government is ensuring the NHS has the necessary investment to deliver better care for patients, providing an extra £45.6 billion in funding for health and social care to 2024-25. As set out in the 2021 Spending Review, NHS England’s day-to-day budget is set to grow by 3.8 per cent on average up to 2024/25, supporting the NHS to tackle the treatment backlog, and deliver its Long Term Plan.  A further £4.7 billion in funding will be provided to support adult social care and discharge in 2024/25.

In addition, the Government is making the largest health capital investment in a decade, including the hospital rebuilding programme, and funding for new community diagnostic centres, surgical hubs and mental health urgent and emergency care facilities.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Campaign Reply - Skilled Foreign Workers (Salary Threshold)

Thank you for contacting me about the increase in salary threshold for skilled workers.

I welcome that the Government is taking decisive action to curb the levels of legal migration. The steps being taken will ensure that immigration always benefits the UK, while ensuring that the NHS and the country's most innovative businesses always have access to the talent they need to succeed.

As such, the Government has taken the decision to increase salary thresholds for skilled workers by 48 per cent to £38,700, in line with the median full-time wage for equivalent jobs. The current general salary threshold is £26,200. I understand that the increase will take place from March.

However,  those coming in on the Health and Social Care visa route will be exempted so that the country can continue to bring the healthcare workers that the care sector and the NHS need. If these new rules were in place, they could have prevented over 10,000 individuals and their dependants coming to the UK in the year to September 2023. In future, this will mean that employers are not incentivised to undercut UK workers with cheaper overseas workers and instead invest in the skills of the domestic workforce.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Campaign Reply - Diabetes

Diabetes is a leading cause of premature mortality, doubling an individual's risk of cardiovascular disease. It costs over £10 billion every year to manage and results in over 22,000 additional deaths each year. That is why I believe it is important that high quality diabetes care is available.

 

A total of £5 million was provided in 2021/22 in a national recovery fund to support the recovery of routine diabetes care through innovative projects. The programme approved 28 projects with delivery in 2022/23. A further £75 million of funding is also being allocated between 2020/21 and 2023/24 for the treatment and care of people living with diabetes. NHS England continues to work to identify and develop plans to address gaps in the provision of services.

 

The Government also supports work to prevent the development of diabetes. The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme operates to identify people who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and refers them on to a nine-month, evidence-based lifestyle change programme. Latest figures, published in February 2023 shows a 20 per cent reduction in risk for those who are referred to the programme compared to those who are not.

 

Finally, the Government has announced its intention to develop and publish a Major Conditions Strategy. The strategy will set out a strong and coherent policy agenda that sets out a shift to integrated, whole-person care. Interventions set out in the strategy will aim to alleviate pressure on the health system, as well as support the Government’s objective to increase healthy life expectancy and reduce ill-health related labour market inactivity. Diabetes is one of the six major conditions included in the strategy.

 

A call for evidence was launched for the Major Conditions Strategy which ran until June 2023. The Government is analysing responses and will respond shortly.

 

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Campaign Reply - People's Plan for Nature

Thank you for contacting me about nature.

Biodiversity loss is a global problem that needs a global solution. I welcome that at COP15, the UN biodiversity summit held in Canada in December 2022, almost 200 countries agreed a new deal to protect nature. The Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) includes a commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and to protect 30 per cent of land and oceans by 2030. The GBF also commits to ending human-induced extinctions of known threatened species.

 

The UK played a leading role in the negotiations, building on the UK’s COP and G7 presidencies, including the Leaders' Pledge for Nature. This commits world leaders to taking action to drive sustainable food production, end the illegal wildlife trade and tackle climate change. Climate and Environment Ministers of the G7 have committed to the GBF’s swift implementation, as well as international climate finance to nature-based solutions.

 

Domestically, the Environment Act 2021 sets a legally binding target to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030. Biodiversity net gain and a strengthened biodiversity duty on public authorities will create and restore rich habitats that enable wildlife to recover and thrive, while conservation covenants will secure habitat for the long-term.

Further, through the Sustainable Farming Incentive, farmers are paid for actions that support food production and improve farm productivity and resilience, while also protecting and improving the environment. This includes actions relating to soil health, hedgerow management, providing food and habitats for wildlife, and managing pests and nutrients.

 

When adopted at scale by farmers, these actions will make a significant contribution to the Government’s environment and climate targets, and support objectives to maintain food production and improve farm productivity. This includes the aim published in the Environmental Improvement Plan of between 65 and 80 per cent of landowners and farmers adopting nature-friendly farming on at least 10 to 15 per cent of their land by 2030.

 

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Campaign Reply - Salt, Sugar and Fat in Food and Drink Products

The Government has committed to a salt reduction programme to reduce the consumption of salt and the associated health risks

 

Work is also ongoing to reduce levels of calories in savoury foods. These programmes cover all sectors of the food and drink industry – supermarkets, manufacturers and the many places we buy from, and eat at, out of the home.

The salt reduction programme sets out clear salt targets for 84 different food products that contribute the most to people’s salt intakes and are set to be achieved by 2024. There are also targets for maximum salt quantity per serving designed specifically for the hospitality, takeaway, and delivery sectors.

Average sugar reduction across all food categories currently stands at around 3.5 per cent. However, some individual product categories have delivered greater reductions, such as 14.9 per cent for breakfast cereals, 13.5 per cent for yogurts/fromage frais and 7.2 per cent for ice cream.

There has been clear progress in reducing the salt content of foods since salt targets were first set in 2006, such as a 20 per cent reduction in salt in bread. The latest analysis has shown that more progress needs to be made, particularly by the eating out of home sector.

As part of the Health and Care Act 2022, the Government legislated for further restrictions on TV and online advertising of less healthier food and drink products.  It is important that industry has time to prepare for these measures, so the Government has delayed their implementation until 1 October 2025.

I can assure you that addressing obesity remains a priority for the Government, with restrictions on the location and promotion of products high in fat, salt or sugar currently in force. Restaurants, cafes and takeaways are also now required to list calories for food on menus. 

 

Thank you again for contacting me.

Campaign Reply - Autism

Thank you for contacting me about support for children and adults living with autism.

Autism is a complex condition which affects many people in very different ways. In recent times, great progress has been made in improving our understanding of autism. I fully acknowledge that we need to improve the diagnosis times for autism spectrum disorder, as well as improving the quality and consistency of data collected on waiting times and prevalence.

 

However, I am pleased to see that there are efforts being made across government and throughout society to support children and adults with autism. My ministerial colleagues are continuing to build on the advances made since the Autism Act was passed in 2009.

 

The Government’s current Autism Strategy will run from 2021 to 2026 and is being implemented to help to improve the lives of children and adults with autism. This strategy aims to: tackle the barriers autistic people face so they can live independent and fulfilling lives; ensure faster diagnosis and better access to health and social care for autistic people of all ages; and support better education tailored to the needs of autistic children and young people.

 

This strategy was backed by £75 million in its first year alone, £40 million of which is through the NHS Long Term Plan to improve capacity in crisis services and support children with complex needs in inpatient care.

 

In April 2023, NHS England published a national framework and operational guidance for autism assessment services. These documents are intended to help the NHS and local authorities improve their autism assessment services and improve the experience for adults and children who are referred to an autism assessment service.

 

Together, the framework and operational guidance are expected to help reduce autism assessment waiting times and to aid the recruitment and retention of the autism assessment services workforce. They will also ensure there is greater consistency in services across the country for people before, during and after a diagnosis.

 

Furthermore, building on the 2021/22 investment of £13 million, the Government invested £2.5 million in 2022/23 to support local areas with improvements in autism assessment pathways. In 2023/24, £4.2 million of funding is available across England to improve services for autistic children and young people, including autism assessment services, pre-and post-diagnostic support, and the continuation of the Autism in Schools programme. 

Campaign Reply - Freedom of Religion or Belief Worldwide

Thank you for bringing the World Watch List 2024 to my attention. Sadly, the World Watch List makes clear that many Christians are targeted daily purely for their faith, despite the protections of international law. It is evident that the need for collective action and unwavering commitment from the international community to protect FoRB for all remains imperative. I am therefore grateful that FoRB remains a human rights priority for the UK.

 

Nobody should live in fear because of their identity or beliefs. My ministerial colleagues and I are committed to defending FoRB for all, and to promoting respect between different religious and non-religious communities. Indeed, promoting the right to FoRB is one of the UK's longstanding human rights priorities. Regrettably, however, the UK Government remains deeply concerned about the increase in FoRB violations globally.

I welcome that officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) regularly raise concerns with national Governments who are not meeting their obligations to this end, both publicly and in private, including at a ministerial level.

The FCDO also works via multilateral fora, such as the UN, G7, and the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance to promote and protect FoRB for all. In July 2022, the UK hosted an International Ministerial Conference on FoRB to energise collective efforts on this agenda, in addition to announcing £500,000 of new funding to support FoRB defenders and to provide legal expertise to countries where FoRB is under pressure. 

When FoRB is respected, societies are more likely to be stable and secure, and to flourish economically. They are also less prone to extremist attacks. It is therefore not to put too fine a point on it to say that in promoting FoRB we are promoting peace, and doing so now is as critical as ever.

I hope this has provided some reassurance to you on this important matter. 

Campaign Reply - Guide Dogs

No one with a guide dog should be refused access to businesses or services because of their canine companion. Everyone deserves to travel with comfort and dignity, and guide dogs give people with disabilities the freedom and confidence to work, travel and visit friends independently.

As you are aware, there are already strict laws against the discrimination of those who rely on guide dogs. The Equality Act 2010 clarifies the duties of all people to permit guide dogs without any hindrance to most services, premises and vehicles. Failure to comply can result in prosecution and a fine on conviction of up to £1,000.

The use of guide dogs is supported by guidance on the rights of guide dog owners, including the ability to report those who do not make reasonable adjustments to make a disabled person’s journey easier. Distinctive jackets for guide dogs to wear are available to ensure they are easily identifiable. It is also advised that any identification cards, if provided, are carried by a person with disabilities to prevent discrimination.

The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022, which came into force in June 2022, provides specific protections for disabled people. This includes new duties on taxi and private hire vehicle drivers to carry any disabled person and their mobility aids, to provide reasonable mobility assistance, and to support them in identifying a booked vehicle, without extra charges.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Campaign Reply - International Health Regulations

Thank you for contacting me about the proposed changes to the International Health Regulations.

The International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) are a key part of the global health security system to prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease.

The original International Sanitary Regulations, which preceded the International Health Regulations, were adopted in 1969 and amended several times: in 1973, in 1981, and in 2005. The third edition (2005) has been amended twice – in 2014 and 2022. The revisions of the regulations illustrate their fluid nature, adapting to the health challenges that the world faces at that time. As medical knowledge changes, I believe it is only right that health regulations change too.

Regarding the current amendments, the UK Government is eager to ensure that countries' obligations under the IHR remain fit for purpose and reflect the lessons learnt from the Covid-19 pandemic. Measures that the Government wish to see include a stronger global commitment to effective disease surveillance, early reporting of potential health threats, and transparency in sharing information. I understand that the UK continues to formulate positions during ongoing textual negotiations and has engaged other World Health Organisation member states on the matter, including through the Working Group on Amendments to the IHR (2005).

Campaign Reply - Stonewall (Transgender policy)

Thank you for contacting me about Stonewall and the Government's policy towards transgender people.

My ministerial colleagues are clear that, although they do engage with numerous LGBT groups, organisations like Stonewall do not decide Government policy. The UK does not recognise self-identification for the purpose of obtaining a gender recognition certificate.

In regards to schools, I do not believe our children's education should be politicised. Schools, are required by law to maintain political impartiality. It is vital that children are exposed to differing viewpoints, but this must be in a fair and balanced way: the law explicitly states that where political issues are brought to the attention of pupils, they must be offered a balanced presentation of opposing views. Guidance published by the Department for Education in 2023 states that, while schools must be respectful and tolerant places, there is no general duty to allow a child to ‘social transition’. 

The Government is determined that everyone should be able to live their lives free from unfair discrimination, and that free speech and open discussion must be protected as long as it does not break the law.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Campaign Reply - Patient Safety

Thank you for contacting me about patient safety.

Patient safety is central to our NHS, ensuring that people are able to seek the care that they need with the confidence they will be safe doing so.

You may be aware that the Government has established the Health Services Safety Investigations Body as an independent statutory body, through the Health and Care Act. This builds on the work of the Healthcare Safety Investigations Branch, with the function of investigating incidents that occur in England during the provision of health care services which have, or may have, implications for the safety of patients. I fully support these steps to empower staff and patients to report incidents, enabling NHS staff to learn and better protect future patients.

In December 2021, the Government published its response to the findings of the inquiry into the issues raised by disgraced surgeon, Ian Paterson. The Government accepted the overwhelming majority of the recommendations made by the inquiry and set out an implementation plan of 40 actions to put those recommendations into effect. The Government published a progress report on the implementation plan in December 2022. The report provides full details of this progress against the four themes of the Government’s response as laid out in the implementation plan, and demonstrates that good progress has been made.

In 2021, the Government responded to the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices review and set out an ambitious programme of change centred on patient safety. The main features are improving how the system listens to and responds to concerns raised by patients, strengthening the evidence base on which decisions are made, and improving the safety of medicines and devices.

I was encouraged to see the outcome of the consultation on the role of a Patient Safety Commissioner, acting on the second recommendation of the Review. Views were sought on a range of proposals from terms of office to remuneration and, in light of support for each proposal, the Government will proceed with them. I welcome the appointment of Dr Henrietta Hughes OBE as the first ever Patient Safety Commissioner for England in July 2022.

Further, the NHS published a Patient Safety Strategy in 2019 and this is updated yearly. This plan sets out how the NHS looks to continuously improve patient safety, building on the foundations of a safer culture and safer systems.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Campaign Reply - Tax Credits

Thank you for contacting me about Tax Credits.

Tax Credits have been replaced by Universal Credit. It is no longer possible to make a new claim for Tax Credits. However, existing Tax Credit claimants can continue to renew their Tax Credits and add additional elements to their claim.

There are two types of Tax Credit - Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit. There are different qualifying conditions for each. Working Tax Credit is paid to those who are employed and on a low income. To be eligible, claimants must be between the age of sixteen and the State Pension age. Child Tax Credit is paid to people who have children. It is paid in addition to child benefit.

While I note your concerns about eligibility requirements for Tax Credits, I understand that Pension Credit can provide those over the State Pension Age with payments to assist with their living costs. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.

In April 2023, the standard minimum income guarantee in Pension Credit was increased by 10.1 per cent, in line with inflation. As a result, Pension Credit can top up a claimant's weekly income to £201.05 if they are single, or their joint weekly income to £306.85 if they have a partner. In April 2024, the Pension Credit standard minimum guarantee will rise by 8.5 per cent, in line with average earnings growth.

Claimants of Pension Credit can also access other support including Housing Benefit, free TV licences for the over-75s, and the Warm Homes Discount. Full information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit.

Campaign Reply - Rwanda Scheme (Effectiveness of Legislation)

Thank you for contacting me about the Rwanda scheme.

I understand your concerns about the level of illegal migration and the likelihood of the success of the Rwanda scheme. However, I can assure you that the Government is committed to ensuring that it will be possible to remove people who arrive here illegally to Rwanda or to another safe country.

As such I welcome that the Home Secretary has signed a new joint treaty with his Rwandan counterpart to strengthen the UK and Rwanda's Migration and Economic Partnership and directly addressing the concerns of the Supreme Court. The agreement is part of the Government's plans to ensure that illegal migrants can lawfully be relocated to Rwanda under its ambition to stop the boats, ensuring people know that if they come to the UK illegally, they cannot stay here. The landmark treaty is binding in international law and ensures that people relocated to Rwanda under the partnership are not at risk of being returned to a country where their life or freedom would be threatened – an act known as refoulement.  

I am aware that to further bolster assurances that relocated individuals will not be returned, under the treaty, Rwanda’s asylum system will be strengthened through a new appeal body. The appeal body will consist of a Rwandan and other Commonwealth national co-president, as well as judges of a mixture of nationalities with asylum and humanitarian protection expertise (appointed by the co-presidents) to hear individual appeals. Further, this treaty comes together with new legislation that has been introduced to Parliament so that it can be scrutinised to confirm that, with this new treaty, Rwanda is a safe country.

I am glad that people will know that if they come here illegally, they will not be permitted to stay.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Campaign Reply - The Electoral Commission

Thank you for contacting me about the Electoral Commission.

The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. In accordance with the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, the Commission has a range of supervisory and investigatory powers which enable them to monitor compliance with electoral finance laws proactively and enforce suspected offences.

The Electoral Commission has civil sanctioning powers that apply to referendums and elections. More serious criminal matters can be and are referred to the police, and then considered by a court of law. The courts already have the power to levy unlimited fines.

It is important to remember that political parties are voluntary organisations and not large corporate organisations. Disproportionate regulation could discourage volunteering and undermine local democracy. Political parties and referendum participants of all colours have been fined for breaches of technical reporting requirements.

I am assured that the Government will continue to work closely with the Electoral Commission.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Campaign Reply - NHS Waste

I would like to reassure you that existing NHS England guidelines advise NHS Trusts to reuse medical equipment when safe and appropriate to do so. For example, Trusts are encouraged to reuse crutches, frames and walking sticks to help improve access for patients and save money. This also provides an excellent opportunity for carbon savings due to the high greenhouse gas intensity of aluminium manufacture.

Trusts are also encouraged to set up dedicated walking aid return and reuse schemes. This will ensure that walking aids are only returned to a designated walking aid drop off location where they can then be assessed using a simple procedure of checks, parts replacement and cleaning to ensure they are safe for reuse.

Furthermore, the Medical Technology Strategy, published in February 2023, committed to developing an environment to deliver value for money and affordability across the whole patient pathway for medical supplies and equipment. As part of this commitment, the Department is working closely with NHS England and NHS Supply Chain alongside industry and patient groups to develop a consistent methodology for assessing value in terms of outcomes and not just unit cost, which will be adopted at both a national and local level.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Campaign Reply - Reducing Smoking Rates

Thank you for contacting me about actions the Government is taking to reduce smoking rates in England.

As the single leading behavioural cause of preventable death across our country, responsible for around 1 in 4 cancer deaths and 64,000 premature deaths per year, reducing smoking is crucial for ensuring we live longer, healthier lives.

Significant progress has been made, with smoking rates now the lowest on record, thanks to duty on cigarettes being doubled since 2010 and continued funding of stop smoking services. However, we must reduce smoking rates further given the substantial cost to the economy and the NHS.

This is why the Government is committed to bringing forward the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to ensure that children aged 14 or younger - anyone born on or after 1 April 2009 – can never legally be sold tobacco products. By 2040, these proposals will ensure that smoking is phased out completely among young people. 

This Bill will focus on those who sell tobacco products or buy them on behalf of someone else. All tobacco products - including heated tobacco and herbal smoking products - will be in the scope of the Bill. In addition, I want to clarify that a national licence scheme is not being proposed, which could have placed a greater burden on convenience stores.

 

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Campaign Reply - Stop the Criminalisation of Homelessness (Criminal Justice Bill)

Thank you for contacting me about the Criminal Justice Bill.

There is a firm commitment across government to end rough sleeping once and for all, backed by £2 billion worth of investment over three years. The Government’s ‘Ending Rough Sleeping For Good’ strategy is built around a ‘prevention first’ approach, including bringing forward investment so that nobody leaves a public institution – such as a prison, hospital or care – for the streets. Investment includes over £547 million for the Rough Sleeping Initiative which enables local authorities to provide tailored support, the £200 million Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme to provide long-term homes to people with complex needs with a history of rough sleeping, and more than 6,000 move-on homes through the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme.

I understand that police forces and local agencies have asked for more direct tools to respond sensitively, yet firmly, to instances of nuisance begging and rough sleeping that place individuals involved at risk or make the public feel unsafe. It is important to address the fact that begging can cause harm to the individuals involved as well as to wider communities and public spaces. Giving police and local authorities the tools they need will enable them to help more vulnerable individuals off the streets and will open up new ways to direct people to appropriate support, such as accommodation, mental health treatment or substance misuse treatment.

I will ensure my ministerial colleagues are aware of the concerns you have raised with me as the Criminal Justice Bill continues being debated.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Campaign Reply - The Energy Charter Treaty

Thank you for contacting me about the Energy Charter Treaty.

I am aware that in September 2023, the Government announced that the UK would review its membership of the Energy Charter Treaty.

In 2022, the UK reached a landmark agreement to modernise the terms of the Energy Charter Treaty, maintaining its current benefits while supporting the transition to cleaner energy. The modernised treaty, for which the UK has been a strong advocate, was supposed to have been adopted in 2022. I understand that it would have a much stronger focus on promoting clean, affordable energy, such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage as well as hydrogen and other renewables. It would also strengthen the UK Government’s sovereign right to change its energy system to reach net zero and protect UK investors abroad.

However, several EU member states have decided to leave the treaty, leading to an impasse on modernisation. I am aware that Ministers in the UK have been reviewing the UK’s membership of the Energy Charter Treaty to support the transition to cleaner, cheaper and home-grown energy sources, in a mission to bolster energy security.

I am assured that as part of this review, Ministers have considered the views of a wide range of people and organisations, including non-governmental organisations, campaign groups, academia, thinktanks in the environment and development sectors, as well as business, civil society, and Parliament. Please be assured that I continue to follow this issue closely.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Campaign Reply - Vaping and E-Cigarettes

Thank you for contacting me about the regulation of vaping and e-cigarettes. 

While e-cigarettes are not risk-free, the Government supports the use of e-cigarettes as a means to stop adults smoking and contributing towards the goal of creating the first smokefree generation.

Some of the highest success rates of those trying to stop smoking are among adults using an e-cigarette, with evidence suggesting that an additional 70,000 people stop every year as a result of using these devices.  An estimated 2.4 million vapers are former smokers, and the Government's Swap to Stop Scheme aims to provide almost one in five of all adult smokers in England with a vape kit alongside behavioural support to help them quit the habit.

However, it is deeply worrying that the number of children using vapes has tripled in the past three years, with 20.5 per cent of children having tried vaping in 2023. 

As my colleague Andrea Leadsom - the Minister for Public Health has stated - it is completely unacceptable when businesses knowingly and deliberately encourage children to use a product that was designed for adults to quit smoking.

Responding to the rise in the number of children vaping, the Government has proposed banning disposable vapes, new powers to restrict flavours specifically marketed at children and changing how vapes are displayed in shops.  In addition, Trading Standards Officers will be able to levy "on the spot" fines to tackle underage tobacco and vapes sales. 

These measures will be supported by greater enforcement activity by Trading Standards, HMRC and Border Force. We must take every step to stop the proliferation of illicit vaping products in our communities, often imported from countries such as China and breaching UK regulations on product size and nicotine strength and sold to children. A new “illicit vapes enforcement squad” – led by Trading Standards – has been established to enforce the rules on vaping and tackle illicit vapes and underage sales, with the power to remove illegal products from shops and at our borders. 

I am confident that the actions being taken by the Government will help prevent children from vaping, whilst ensuring that adult smokers are able to continue accessing a product that can help them quit. 

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Campaign Reply - Animal Welfare Legislation: Kept Animals Bill

Thank you for contacting me about the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill. 

As the highest ranked G7 nation on World Animal Protection's Animal Protection Index, the UK is a world leader on animal welfare. In 2021, the Government's Action Plan for Animal Welfare set out reforms for this Parliament and beyond. Since then, the Government has enacted many of the reforms. This includes passing the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act, recognising the sentience of vertebrate animals and some invertebrate animals. In addition, the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act introduced tougher sentences for cruelty, increasing maximum sentences. The Ivory Act came into force in 2022 and was recently extended to cover five more endangered species. In April, the Government made cat microchipping compulsory.

I am assured that the Government remains fully committed to delivering its manifesto commitments on animal welfare. I am aware that the Kept Animals Bill, introduced in June 2021, faced the risk of scope-creep. In light of this, and the successful progress made so far with single-issue legislation in this Parliament, the Government will be taking forward the measures originally in the Kept Animals Bill individually when parliamentary time allows. Ministers believe this to be the quickest and most effective way of achieving our aims.

In the King’s Speech, the Government announced the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill, which will ban the export of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses for slaughter and fattening from Great Britain, stopping unnecessary stress, exhaustion and injury caused by exporting live animals. This Bill will ensure that animals are slaughtered domestically in high welfare slaughterhouses in the UK, reinforcing the UK’s position as a world leader on animal welfare.

Regarding puppy smuggling, I know that the Government will ban the imports of young, heavily pregnant or mutilated dogs and it would be supportive of legislating to ban this through a single-issue Bill when parliamentary time allows. Similarly, while the theft of pets is already a crime, I know that the Government would also be supportive of legislation on pet abduction when parliamentary time allows. The Government would also support updated legislation on livestock worrying, recognising the distress this can cause animals and their keepers, as well as the financial implications.

My ministerial colleagues in Defra are committed to animal welfare and to delivering continued improvements, both in this Parliament and beyond.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Campaign Reply - Puppy Smuggling

Thank you for contacting me about puppy smuggling.

I would like to assure you that Ministers are committed to cracking down on puppy smuggling and will ban the imports of young or heavily pregnant dogs, as well as dogs with mutilations, such as cropped ears or docked tails. Applying strengthened penalties will send a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated and will enable our courts to take a firmer approach to cases where pets are illegally imported. I understand that the Government plans to take forward legislative measures to tackle puppy smuggling as soon as parliamentary time allows.

The UK has one of the most rigorous pet travel border checking regimes in the world and I am aware that every dog travelling into Great Britain on approved routes has its microchip and paperwork checked to make sure they are all properly vaccinated and are old enough to travel. In addition, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) consulted on proposed changes to the commercial and non-commercial movements of pets into Great Britain. Defra has been carefully reviewing feedback from this consultation, and I look forward to reading a summary in due course.

Further, Ministers have taken action to tackle the practice of puppy farming. Following the introduction of Lucy’s Law in 2020, everyone must now buy directly from breeders or consider adopting from rescue centres, which is a major step in stopping the illegal pet trade. If an individual sells puppies or kittens without a licence, they could receive an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Campaign Reply - Taxation in Retirement

Thank you for contacting me about taxation in retirement.

Tax on income you receive from one or more pensions is calculated in the same way as earnings from employment. There is an annual personal allowance, which means that you can have an annual pension income of up to £12,570 (2023/24 tax year) that is not taxed. Income above this threshold is subject to tax at rates of 20 per cent, 40 per cent, or 45 per cent depending on your overall total income.

However, individuals are able to take what is called a ‘lump sum’ out of their pension pot tax-free without it contributing to their personal allowance. This is usually 25 per cent. Beyond the 25 per cent tax-free lump sum, income tax applies.

Additionally, while the State Pension counts towards your taxable income, it will be paid gross (before any tax is deducted). If your total income from all sources, including the State Pension, is greater than your tax-free personal allowance, tax on your State Pension is due.

Income tax will normally be deducted from any private pension, workplace pension or earnings you might have which are paid through the PAYE system. However, if you do not have a PAYE income, you will have to complete a self-assessment tax return and pay any tax due directly to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) after the end of the tax year.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Campaign Reply - Rwanda Scheme

Thank you for contacting me about the Government's plan for ending illegal migration.

I welcome that the Government is making significant progress in stopping the arrival of small boats, with crossings down by a third. In 2023, the Government prevented 26,000 crossing attempts, seen the small boats deal with Albania lead to a 90 per cent fall in crossings, and cleared the asylum legacy backlog. Being able to remove asylum seekers to Rwanda is an essential deterrent and part of our full toolbox to stop the boats.

I understand that the Supreme Court upheld the judgment of the Court of Appeal which means that the Government cannot yet remove people to Rwanda. I can assure you that the Government does respect the Supreme Court but its judgment does not weaken the resolve to deter people from making these illegal, dangerous and unnecessary journeys.

As such I welcome that the Home Secretary has signed a new joint treaty with his Rwandan counterpart to strengthen the UK and Rwanda's Migration and Economic Partnership and directly addressing the concerns of the Supreme Court. The agreement is part of the Government's plans to ensure that illegal migrants can lawfully be relocated to Rwanda under its ambition to stop the boats, ensuring people know that if they come to the UK illegally, they cannot stay here. The landmark treaty is binding in international law and ensures that people relocated to Rwanda under the partnership are not at risk of being returned to a country where their life or freedom would be threatened – an act known as refoulement.  

I am aware that to further bolster assurances that relocated individuals will not be returned, under the treaty, Rwanda’s asylum system will be strengthened through a new appeal body. The appeal body will consist of a Rwandan and other Commonwealth national co-president, as well as judges of a mixture of nationalities with asylum and humanitarian protection expertise (appointed by the co-presidents) to hear individual appeals. Further, this treaty comes together with new legislation that has been introduced to Parliament so that it can be scrutinised to confirm that, with this new treaty, Rwanda is a safe country.

I am glad that people will know that if they come here illegally, they will not be permitted to stay.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Campaign Reply - Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill

I am aware that this Bill requires the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) to run an annual process inviting applications for new production licences in the UK’s offshore waters, subject to key tests being met. These are that the UK is projected to remain a net importer of both oil and gas and that the carbon emissions associated with the production of UK gas must be lower than the average of equivalent emissions from imported liquefied natural gas (LNG).

This Bill enhances the UK’s energy security and reduces dependence on higher emission imports from overseas, including from countries such as Russia. While the Government is scaling up home-grown, clean energy sources such as offshore wind and nuclear, the UK is still reliant on oil and gas for most of our energy needs and there will be continued need over the coming decades.

I welcome that the UK has cut emissions faster than any other significant economy. The UK has one of the world’s most ambitious 2030 emissions targets. I would like to assure you that the Bill is consistent with meeting net zero by 2050. Data from the Climate Change Committee data shows that the UK will need oil and gas even when it reaches net zero. NSTA analysis shows that domestically produced natural gas is almost four times cleaner than importing LNG. Even with continued development, oil and gas production is expected to decline by seven per cent a year and to fall by nearly 90 per cent by 2050. This is faster than the average annual global decline needed to align with UN 1.5°C pathways and the UK's carbon budgets.

Newspaper Column 13th February 2024 - National Apprenticeship Week, and the Prime Minister's visit to Falmouth

Last week was National Apprentice Week, an opportunity to promote the really great work done by employers and further education providers around the country in providing practical education to people who can earn while they learn, through an apprenticeship course.

Over 70 per cent of careers are now accessible via an apprenticeship and the Government has delivered over 5.7 million apprenticeships since 2010.

 

We have loads of really excellent companies offering apprenticeships in Truro and Falmouth, and on Thursday last week, I was delighted to show Rishi Sunak the Prime Minister around A&P, whose Falmouth facility is the largest ship-repair complex in the UK.

 

I introduced the Prime Minister to around 200 members of their staff from all departments including their apprentices and held a question and answer session with them. 

 

The questions asked were wide ranging and included, how could apprenticeships be advertised in schools better, to how could more women be encouraged into what is primarily male dominated roles.

 

I walked with the management team of A&P and the Prime Minister outside to where he was shown the site of where they hope the proposed FLOWMISS project will go if the bid for Government funding is successful, and A&P have been awarded £900,000 from the Shared Prosperity Fund and £12m ZEVI fund to carry out preparatory work for this and to start electrifying the port. 

 

I know the Prime Minister was impressed with A&P, the culture and the workforce,  and enjoyed his visit.  He hopes to return to Cornwall when the weather is better! I will continue to work hard to promote apprenticeships in general as well as the excellent work being done by A&P as we go through 2024 and beyond.

 

With all the changeable last week, it was somewhat appropriate that on Friday I welcomed the Minister responsible flooding, among other things, to our constituency.

 

I was pleased to accompany DEFRA Minister Robbie Moore to a farmers’ roundtable with him locally at a farm near the north coast.  The issues were far reaching but the main theme was how to utilise the new payment system for farmers so it was beneficial.  One farmer explained that if he ordered fence stakes, as soon as the supplier knew he was receiving more in payments then they increased their prices.  The Minister has promised to take these issues back to Westminster and look at them in more detail, particularly the issues around farms in Cornwall being smaller than elsewhere in the country so the rules do not help us.  I will ensure I feed back replies from the Minister to the farmers and as it was so well received will arrange further meetings like this in the future.

 

Minister Moore then accompanied me to the storm overflow at St Agnes where we met with representatives from South West Water who explained the processes they have in place to monitor water quality.  South West Water explained how the system operated and included the pumping station up above the beach.  I asked how many spills they had a year and currently it is around 40, the vast majority of which are not untreated sewage.  However, I still believe it is 40 too many. I also asked if they could make the most up to date information available to all as this would help water users know when the water is safe, swimmers like myself who find this exercise beneficial.

 

As your busy and active constituency MP it is always good to be able to highlight local concerns like this to the people at the very top of the Government, something which I did last week and will continue to work hard to ensure Cornwall gets the funding and support we deserve!

 

As always, I am fully focused on the job at hand and if there is ever anything at all I

can do to help, then please do not hesitate to contact me. Please get in touch with

me by email at Cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk, or by telephone on 01872

229698. My regular constituency advice surgeries are held in a covid-safe

environment at my office, so please do get in touch should you wish to meet me

about any matters that I can be of assistance with.