This is a crucial time for Britain and with the most votes and largest number of MPs in the Commons by a significant margin Theresa May has the legitimacy to lead the Government the UK needs. However, the PM fell short of securing an overall majority and, finally, details of the deal agreed between the PM and the DUP are clearer. The DUP will support the Government on the Queen’s Speech, the Budget, and on legislation relating to Brexit and national security. This helps Mrs May govern in the national interest – strengthening and enhancing the Union, keeping us safe and securing the best possible future for us all as we exit the EU.
What will also help the PM deliver her vision for Great Britain are the 50 Conservative MPs in the Southwest. Now led by former chief-whip Mark Harper, we formed in 2015 and we will not rest until we secure our fair share of funding for health, education and other public services. I'm acutely aware of the current pressure on our local schools. School funding here in West Cornwall is not keeping up with increasing costs and the Government will need to find a way to inject cash into our schools. I've raised this again since returning to Westminster and will continue to work with colleagues to ensure more money is made available for our schools.
Amidst the challenges there is reason to be encouraged. In the past week I attended the launch of bookpenzance.com, a new way to book accommodation and keep booking fees in West Cornwall. Many of us welcomed the new bullet train visiting Penzance Station, part of £146m spent on the rail-link to Paddington. I met with the Head of Helston Community College to progress the building of the North Site, develop plans for an all-weather pitch and consider the replacement of the South Site and I enjoyed a positive village meeting in St Martin on the Lizard to discuss what we can do to keep their school open this September. Added to this was a buoyant Mazey Day and news of upwards of £1 million to rebuild the Newlyn Fish Market.