Category Archives: Neil Parish

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12 Oct 2016

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Accountability, Austerity cuts, Coastal communities, Democracy, Flooding, Neil Parish

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Neil Parish knows exactly how to drum up post-Brexit trade!

Question in Parliament yesterday:

“Does my hon. Friend agree that what is different about having a new royal yacht now is that we are sailing into a brave new world, and that we will do, and need to do, many more trade deals across the world? There is a great opportunity not only to support the royal family, but to support the nation in getting those trade deals”

His other parliamentary questions in 2016 have covered. Bear in mind he is a dairy farmer and Chairman of the Commons Transport Committee.

Summary: good to have onside if you are a farmer or use the A303 a lot. Not so good if you are an ordinary voter desperately trying to get on the housing ladder or a struggling seaside town in his area (Seaton is in his constituency) or a pensioner worried about your current or future health!

To be fair: he did speak up at the Feniton development public inquiry – but his written questions fo reflect his major interests:

Questions 2016

The Swansea tidal lagoon – two questions this year
Olympics and doping
Hybrid cars
Veal
Congratulations to Ministers
Broadband – several questions
EU sanctions on Russia
Bsdger Culling
Milk prices
Dualling A303/ West Country roads – many questions.
Eating Well
The dairy industry
Universal Credits
Working with industry instead of bringing in a sugar tax
Stimulating venture capital investment
Farming in general – many similar questions
Police grants
Renewable heat
Onshore gas and shale extraction
Flooding ( after Somerset floods)
Biofuels
Rural areas

https://www.theyworkforyou.com/search/?pid=24779&pop=1&p=5

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23 Sep 2016

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Neil Parish, NHS (local)

Neil Parish adopts a butterfly

“TIVERTON and Honiton MP Neil Parish has ‘adopted’ one of the UK’s most threatened butterflies in a bid to help boost its numbers.

The nationally scarce Marsh Fritillary is in decline across Europe, but can be found in small numbers across Devon, including on Dartmoor.

Mr Parish visited the national park recently after becoming a ‘Species Champion’ for the rare butterfly.

He said: “I am thrilled to be working with Butterfly Conservation (BC) to raise the profile of the Marsh Fritillary and I’m hoping that by being a ‘Species Champion’ I can contribute to securing its future.

http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/neil-parish-adopts-rare-dartmoor-butterfly-to-help-boost-its-numbers/story-29745290-detail/story.html

Unfortunately, Parish has yet to tell us hovw he plans to secure the future of the NHS in East Devon.

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23 Sep 2016

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Neil Parish, NHS (local)

Neil Parish: what do you have to say about NHS bed closures?

A correspondent has quite correctly pointed out that Owl has not shone the spotlight on Neil Parish and his views on NHS hospital bed closures on his patch in East Devon.

Owl is so used to Neil Parish saying nothing at all – except about dualling the A303 or, at a push, farming – that he does drop off the radar. Apologies.

Parish does indeed need to let us know his views as he has seen all in-patient beds go at Axminster hospital and now he is seeing them all go at Honiton and maybe at Seaton. A dire situation for East Devon – though leavened for him in that the hospital at Tiverton (also in his constituency but in Mid-Devon council area) will definitely stay.

However, a word of caution on his views – like Swire’s they can bend with the wind. During the referendum he called himself a Remainer but after it he first threw his weight behind Boris Johnson for Leader and then, when he withdrew, he backed Angela Leadsom – both fervent Leavers.

But, as with Swire, these are totally safe Conservative seats so he can say what he likes.

Or can he?

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16 Sep 2016

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Accountability, Claire Wright, DCC, Health and Social Care (local), Hugo Swire, Neil Parish

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“Devon’s ‘devastating’ hospital cuts to be scrutinised”

We await Hugo Swire and Neil Parish’s plans on how to deal with devastating health and social services cuts in Devon. In the meantime, DCC councillor Claire Wright continues her long and tireless campaign on behalf of East Devon residents.

“Plans to cut nearly 200 community hospital beds across Devon by 2020/21 will come under the scrutiny of county council health bosses on Monday (September 19).

Councillor Claire Wright (pictured) described the proposals in a leaked document as ‘devastating’ and said the underfunding of the NHS should not mean that patients suffer.

More than 400 acute hospital beds in the county – one in six – could close, as the NHS in Devon looks to plug a predicted funding gap of £572million by 2020/21.

The leaked Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) for Wider Devon states: “The changes we are proposing will result in a reduction in the number of acute and community beds across our system of the order of 590 by 2021.

“NEW Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are developing consultation proposals on the overall strategic direction of travel and provision changes, the components of new models of care and specific intentions to close a number of community hospital beds.”

NHS bosses were approached for comment, but would not specify how the cuts would affect different localities.

Cllr Wright said: “My understanding is that the document was submitted to NHS England for its consideration in June.

“That’s three months ago – why on earth it has been kept so secret from residents, and councillors including those like me on the health and wellbeing scrutiny committee?

“As an Ottery St Mary councillor, I am very worried indeed now for Ottery Hospital’s future – and the impact that so many acute and community bed closures in general will have on patient care all over the county.

“The fact that the NHS is massively underfunded should not mean that patients have to suffer.”

A statement issued by NEW Devon CCG says more analysis and consideration was to be undertaken before a further submission is made in October.

It said: “The STP creates the opportunity for health and local authorities to work together and formulate plans to improve and secure the sustainability of services we deliver to people across Devon.

“The programme of work to review acute and specialised service across Devon will commence in October.”

A report on the STP will be given to Devon County Council’s health and wellbeing scrutiny committee on Monday.

http://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/devon_s_devastating_hospital_cuts_to_be_scrutinised_1_4698027

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15 Sep 2016

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Hugo Swire, Neil Parish

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MPs should be on zero-hours contracts: don’t turn up, don’t get paid

MPs should be on a zero-hours contract. Don’t turn up? Don’t get paid. [OPINION]

Personally, Owl would settle for detailed timesheets and diary information showing exactly what our MPs are doing and, more importantly, with whom.

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7 Sep 2016

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Accountability, Hugo Swire, Neil Parish

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Hugo Swire – is he really OUR back bench MP?

Swire wrote on Twitter three hours ago:

Just had an excellent briefing from Saudi Foreign Minister HE Adel Al- Jeubir

Prior to that, his previous tweets were about Venezuela, Bristol University’s research into Lyme Disease and a whinge about the Express and Echo wanting to know where he went on holiday (he refused to tell them). Plus tweets on Brazil, Colombia and Florida.

And where does East Devon fit into his political life one wonders? Is he in denial that he is now just an ordinary back bench MP like hundreds of others?

Tonight there is an important meeting of Sidmouth Town Council to discuss the industrial units that Ford’s want to build on land belonging to Sir John Cave (his former landlord when he deigned to live in East Devon many years ago). Will he be there? In your dreams.

Quite a contrast to our other local MP Neil Parish – who spoke against further development in Feniton, attended local meetings and spoke at the planning inspection where it was turned down.

It seems Swire can’t accept his new demotion and still thinks he’s at the Foreign Office – and he might as well be for the good he has done for his constituency since he was fired by Theresa May along with his other Old Etonian mates George and David.

He always took a strong interest in Middle Eastern affairs – perhaps he sees opportunities for some lucrative consultation work which will keep him away from the trials and tribulations of his so-called constituency.

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23 Aug 2016

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Hugo Swire, Neil Parish

“A ‘Sharia’ bond on Richmond House was expected to prevent alcohol being consumed on the premises, but it is now understood a bar could be installed if MPs move in during building works.”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3747254/EXC-Drinks-MPs-Politicians-reprieve-six-year-booze-ban-parliament-renovated-officials-say-install-bar-temporary-home.html

Phew … well that’s a relief. Now our MPs can continue their heavily-subsidised-on-our-money boozing in and out of office hours.

We will all rest more comfortably in our beds now that’s sorted won’t we.

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18 Aug 2016

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Hugo Swire, Neil Parish

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Where’s Hugo? He refuses to tell Express and Echo where he is and has told them not to try contacting him

Local MPs were asked where they were spending their holidays. Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw is too busy to go away but managed a week in Italy earlier in the summer. Neil Parish plans a break in the Wye Valley.

And Hugo Swire? Here is his response:

“Hugo Swire did not wish to comment and asked the Echo not to contact him. Can anyone tell us where he’s gone? You can message us on Facebook, Tweet us or email the newsdesk.”

http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/mps-on-tour2k16-where-your-politician-is-off-on-holiday/story-29630524-detail/story.html

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17 Aug 2016

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Neil Parish, Rural communications, Rural communities, Tourism

MPs launch rural tourism inquiry – Parish in charge

Well,he can start at his own front door, where his local district council ignores tourism in general and where his lical LEP has no time for it either. And where, once they learn there is no broadband, many tourists decide to stay elsewhere.

“AN influential committee of MPs has launched an inquiry into the role of tourism in supporting rural growth in England.

Rural tourism provides around £17 billion a year to the English economy.
But rural communities face some particular challenges to tourism growth such as transport connections, restrictions to broadband access and seasonal employment.

Now the the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) select committee has launched an inquiry into how rural tourism can be supported.
Committee chairman Neil Parish said: “Tourism in rural areas creates job opportunities and supports the economic viability of communities.”

MPs would examine how effectively public programmes and government policies support rural areas to stay competitive in a global industry, he added.
England has seen a rise in tourism spend in the past year from domestic and international visitors – but over half of the money spent by overseas tourists is in London.

Figures by Visit England show that in 2014 just 18% of domestic overnight trips were taken to rural areas – down from 22% in 2012.

The inquiry will examine how more people from at home and abroad can be encouraged to visit more of England’s rural places, for longer and at all times of the year.

It will look at ways to encourage farmers and rural residents to diversify into tourism and grow their businesses in the countryside.” …

http://www.rsnonline.org.uk/politics/mps-launch-rural-tourism-inquiry

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14 Aug 2016

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Accountability, Hugo Swire, Local Enterprise Partnership, Neil Parish

What happens when your town falls out of favour with its Local Enterprise Partnership?

Hugo … Neil … where are you …? What is our LEP going to fund in our towns and villages in East Devon?

From Hansard: 21 July 2016

Sir David Amess (Southend West) (Con)

Will my right hon. Friend find time for a debate on the distribution of funds by local enterprise partnerships? The LEP in our area had Southend as No. 4 on its list and we have dropped off the radar dramatically. Something needs to be looked at there.

The Leader of the House of Commons, Mr David Lidington

My understanding is that that was an internal decision by the local enterprise partnership for south Essex, and I encourage my hon. Friend to make representations—I am sure he will do—on behalf of his constituents to the LEP. If that is not successful, I am sure that the relevant Minister in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will be keen to hear from him.

https://www.davidamess.co.uk/news/sir-david-calls-debate-local-enterprise-partnerships

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6 Aug 2016

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Accountability, Austerity cuts, Democracy, Hugo Swire, Neil Parish

Sharia law may stop MPs subsidised boozing completely

“MPs considered nationalising a Whitehall pub to avoid a drinking ban while they are relocated to the Department of Health’s offices for the duration of refurbishment works at the Palace of Westminster.

Richmond House, which hosts the department, is one of three government buildings owned by Middle East financiers who have bought into an Islamic bond issued by the government. One of its stipulations is that no alcohol will be sold on the premises.

To get around the restriction, some MPs proposed taking the Red Lion pub, located between parliament and Richmond house, into public ownership and banning entry to the general public. However, according to the Times, the move was opposed by Fuller’s Inns, the Red Lion’s owners, and a parliamentary subcommittee eventually ruled out the proposal.

Alternative drinking arrangements will still need to be made for MPs and peers – who at Westminster can choose from 10 licensed bars and restaurants – when they are moved out for the building’s renovation from 2020 onwards.

David Cameron, the former prime minister, unveiled the Islamic bond, known as a Sukuk, in 2013, as part of a drive to raise cash from Islamic investors, who cannot buy into interest-paying government bonds because of religious rules against usury.

Instead, the £200m bond sees investors effectively take ownership of three government buildings – Richmond House, Wellington House and a third Whitehall property – and take rent from the UK government for their use.

However, the small print of the deal means that the buildings must be run according to the principles of sharia law. Any attempt to serve alcohol in the buildings could lead to a conflict with investors. …

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/aug/06/mps-wanted-to-nationalise-westminster-pub-for-their-own-use

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15 Jul 2016

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Environment (local), Neil Parish

Something for Leadsom and Parish to chew on

“… In Defra’s case, the National Audit Office found that £65.8m of penalties were imposed by the European Commission over failure to properly administer Common Agricultural Policy payments. Of these penalties, most (£38.6m) related to the Single Payment Scheme, with £13.3m from Rural Development, £9.9m in cross compliance penalties and £4.0m from other schemes.

One particular problem the department has is ensuring the details submitted by farmers are kept up-to-date. Where there is a mismatch in information, Defra withholds a proportion of the payment. More than £25m in outstanding payments is estimated to be owing.

Auditor general Amyas Morse said: “The department continues to struggle with managing the complex CAP scheme in a way that ensures accurate, timely payments to farmers. As a result, it has incurred EU penalties of £65.8m related to the CAP scheme in 2015-16, and estimates that it owes 13,000 farmers a total of at least £25.3m.

“Exit from the European Union will not, in the short term, reduce these penalties. The department therefore needs to ensure its strategy for tackling these challenges is effective.”

A Defra spokeswoman said: “We are taking action to tackle the causes of disallowance and are making a significant investment in our mapping data. This will be used to better administer CAP payments.”

http://www.publicfinance.co.uk/news/2016/07/defra-and-mod-accounts-qualified

With new agriculture Minister Mrs Leadstrom on record as having said that UK farmers should not be relying on EU payments, Farmer Parish may be in for a bit of a tough time as piggy-in-the-middle.

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14 Jul 2016

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Democracy, Hugo Swire, Neil Parish

What is the best option for East Devon?

Swire:
A: Boris and Hugo swan around the world together with Hugo as Boris’s bagman
or
B: Becomes a backbench constituency MP and commutes to East Devon from Mid-Devon and desperately tries to persuade Theresa May’s colleagues to listen to him?

Parish:
A: Remains As Chairman of the Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and keeps on trying to dual the A303
or
B: Becomes a non-office- holding backbench constituency MP with no major role in government and finally has to decide whether he is a Remainer or Brexiter?

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11 Jul 2016

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Accountability, Hugo Swire, Neil Parish, Post-Brexit Adjustments

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Whither the Bullingdon Club and Hugo Swire?

Now Andrea Leadsom has withdrawn from the Tory campaign, how will East Devon MP Hugo Swire fare? Theresa May is, of course, not part of the Eton Old Boys Club and has not shown any enthusiasm for it.

Maybe we can now get our constituency MP back so he can start to deal with all the pressing problems we have here. But maybe she will enjoy keeping a few of the posh boys around in minor roles!

And what of Parish? He is a Remainer who backed Leadsom, a Brexiter!

They say a week is a long time in politics, but now it’s just a few minutes!

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4 Jul 2016

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Neil Parish, Post-Brexit Adjustments

Is Neil Parish indirectly supporting UKIP if he votes for Andrea Leadsom?

“No hysteria, I’m sure, in the Conservative party, where the whittling-down of leadership candidates begins tomorrow. Andrea Leadsom launches her official campaign today amid accusations that she is the Ukip choice for Tory leader. Ukip and Leave.EU funder Arron Banks is certainly on Team Leadsom, and Tory MP David Jones (a Theresa May backer) has warned:

There is no doubt that elements of Ukip are intending to try to steal a Conservative leadership election.”

Source: Guardian live blog

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3 Jul 2016

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Accountability, Democracy, Neil Parish, Post-Brexit Adjustments

Leadsom, Remainer in 2013 does not rule out working with Farage

This is what Andrea Leadsom, leading Brexiter and Tory candidate for PM (backed by our MP Neil Parish) said about the EU in 2013 and her current ideas:

” … Tory leadership contender Andrea Leadsom has refused to rule out giving Nigel Farage a position on the government’s EU negotiating team if she becomes Prime Minister.

The admission comes despite the Ukip leader drawing boos and shouts of rage from MEPs in his ‘victory’ speech last week as he declared many of them had never had a proper job.

Asked if she’d appoint Mr garage to help lead Brexit negotiations, Ms Leadsom – who has painted herself as the heir to Margaret Thatcher – said: “I don’t want to get into who would do what.” …

… ,Ms Leadsom was forced to confront claims of hypocrisy today after a tape emerged of her saying Brexit would be a “disaster”.

She said in 2013: “I’m going to nail my colours to the mast here: I don’t think the UK should leave the EU.

“I think it would be a disaster for our economy and it would lead to a decade of economic and political uncertainty at a time when the tectonic plates of global success are moving.

Like the rise and fall of the Roman and Greek empires, we are seeing the rise of the Asian or South American economies at a time when our own future is less certain.

“And to be honest, economic success is the vital underpinning of every happy nation. The wellbeing we all crave goes hand in hand with economic success.”

Asked to respond to the remarks, Ms Leadsom told the BBC’s Andrew Marr show: “It’s been a journey”. …”

She also did not rule out employing Nigel Farage, or possibly offering him a knighthood if she gets the power to do so.

Source: Andrew Marr Show, 3 July 2016

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/no10-hopeful-andrea-leadsom-refuses-8338756

As Mr Parish has also changed his mind about Brexit a couple of times, one can perhaps understand why she is so attractive a candidate to him.

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2 Jul 2016

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Accountability, Democracy, EU Referendum, Hugo Swire, Neil Parish, Post-Brexit Adjustments

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Neil Parish does the Brexit hokey-cokey

hokeys

He was one of 79 Tory MPs who voted with the opposition to force the EU referendum.

He then backed – vociferously – Remain,

Now he backs Brexiter Andrea Leadsom.

Hugo Swire has not yet declared. Might he also back a Brexiter?

Well, you have to be flexible in the Parliamentary jobs market.

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1 Jul 2016

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Democracy, East Devon Tories, EU Referendum, Neil Parish

Protest in Tiverton as Boris Johnson arrives at invitation of Neil Parish

Believed to be arriving at Tiverton Parkway rail station at 1.10 pm. Lunching at the Tiverton Hotel.

http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/boris-johnson-in-tiverton-live-updates/story-29465367-detail/story.html

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1 Jul 2016

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Democracy, Hugo Swire, Neil Parish

The Jo Cox Fund

The Jo Cox Fund is currently around £47,000 short of its £1.5m target to fund charities concerned with combating loneliness and alienation, hate crimes and life-saving help for ordinary citizens trapped in the Syrian fighting. Donations are slowing down.

Surely, our Parliament and House of Lords could make up this shortfall?

It would be a generous and compassionate gesture from all sides of the political spectrum.

And what about a few of those ultra-rich donors to ALL political parties donating what, for them, is small change? And there are a good few millionaires in Parliament and donations would surely be tax-deductible.

This transcends party politics – or should do.

Perhaps Hugo Swire could donate another pot of honey – after all, the last one, auctioned for Conservative Party coffers, fetched £15,000.

https://www.gofundme.com/jocox