27.01.2010 Andrew George MP has urged West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly residents to protect themselves against the deadly threat of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Learn about the danger signs and symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning at 
12.01.2010 Local MP, Andrew George, has pledged to ‘do his bit’ for the British Armed Forces and is supporting the Royal British Legion’s campaign, ahead of his second visit to Afghanistan later this week. “This is an important campaign and I congratulate the Royal British Legion," said Mr George. "They have an important role to play in highlighting the needs of the whole armed forces family. I am pleased to be given an opportunity to pledge to ‘do my bit’ and would encourage others to visit the campaign website – 
Can it be the Cornish air? When Andrew George met Beth Tweddle at Swallows of Helston Gymnastics Club, she was a double European Gold Gymnastc medallist. Now Beth, who this year has visited both Helston and Mullion, is the World Champion on Floor following a spectacular routine on 18th October 2009. She is an inspiration to gymnasts everywhere – and always welcome here!
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George calls for Government to give more powers
to Cornwall
27.07.2010 Following last weekend's Cornish Constitutional Convention Conference local MP, Andrew George, is calling on his fellow political leaders to come together with a demand for more powers to be handed to Cornwall from central Government.
Mr George believes that the Conference, at which he was a key speaker, brought together many new ideas to take advantage of the opportunities the Government has created as a result of the abolition of a number of regional quangos.
George votes against Government on Academies Bill
27.07.2010 Last night Andrew George MP voted against the Coalition Government on the Academies Bill - which intends to increase the number of free academy schools, detached from local education authority control and to create the opportunity for new "free" schools.
Mr George had expressed his concern...
Cornish Constitutional Convention celebrations
23.07.2010 Andrew George MP will join the celebrations in Truro on Saturday 24th July 2010 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Cornish Constitutional Convention.
A mini conference will be staged at County Hall commencing at 10am to celebrate the anniversary. Mr George (who has been Vice Chair of the Convention since it was established) will address delegates at 10.40am. The Cornish Constitutional Convention was formed in November 2000 with the objective of establishing a devolved Assembly for Cornwall.
The aim of the Convention is to establish a form of modern governance which strengthens Cornwall and its role in the affairs of the country...
Homes for rural locals – if the price is right
23.07.2010 Commenting on the further announcement of a Coalition Government agreement to allow local communities to make planning decisions for affordable homes, local MP, Andrew George, said that the plan would only work if the development land released by the initiative was affordable.
MP questions threat to rural bus services
22.07.2010 The MP for West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Andrew George, questioned his Liberal Democrat colleague and Bus Minister, Norman Baker MP, in the Commons today about the future of the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) this morning.
There are concerns amongst operators of buses, particularly in rural areas where the sustainability of the service is marginal, that this autumn's budget cuts might include a significant reduction...
Bitter taste left for patients following IRP report on cancer
22.07.2010 Commenting on the publication this morning of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel’s report on the Reconfiguration of the Upper Gastro-Intestinal Cancer Surgical Service in the South West Peninsula, Andrew George MP said that patient groups would be left with a ‘bitter taste in their mouths’. “This," he said, "was only a gentle rap on the wrist for the Primary Care Trust"...
Minister promises early response to Search and
Rescue enquiry
16.07.2010 A Defence Minister has assured local MP, Andrew George, that he will be kept fully informed regarding the future functionality of the Search and Rescue Service at RNAS Culdrose. Last month, the Government announced that the £6 billion contract with Soteria for the future provision of Search and Rescue, including the replacement of the 771 Squadron at RNAS Culdrose, had been suspended. However, Mr George received reassurance that the service itself would not be jeopardised. He recently questioned the Ministry of Defence...
Welcome news for Development Project
16.07.2010 Local MP Andrew George has welcomed the news that a local company has been given the go-ahead for grant funding after fears that it would lose out on vital European Convergence aid. Spiral Construction Ltd, a specialist staircase manufacturer based in Helston, had received verbal approval for a grant under ERDF Convergence but the offer letter was withheld when an apparent freeze was placed on Convergence projects in Cornwall...
Ministers asked to protect Cornwall's European Funds
15.07.2010 At approximately 11:45am today Andrew George MP took part in Business Questions in Parliament to ask the Leader of the House of Commons to call on Ministers to address concerns that essential European Convergence Funding has been halted for Cornwall...
MPs seek Ministerial intervention to protect
Cornish Economic Aid
14.07.2010 Cornish MPs have asked the Business Secretary the Rt. Hon. Dr. Vince Cable MP to intervene to restore the European Regional Aid which had been suspended this week.
Local MPs Andrew George (St Ives), Stephen Gilbert (St Austell & Newquay), and Dan Rogerson (North Cornwall) have asked Business Secretary Vince Cable MP to intervene to make sure that projects which do not require UK public sector aid to be given the go ahead and for those which do need UK public aid to be offered guarantees about their future...
George refuses to support Government on VAT increase
14.07.2010 Andrew George protested his concern about the proposed 2½% VAT increase last night by tabling a series of amendments and refusing to support the Government in any of the six divisions. Mr George questioned the Government on the impact VAT would have on low and middle income families, charities, rural travellers, businesses, the construction industry and the economy in general...
George will seek reassurance from Ministers
on Economic Aid Budget
13.07.2010 Andrew George MP has spoken to both Business and Treasury Ministers regarding concerns that the Economic Aid Budget which supports the European Regional Development Programme in Cornwall has been cut from next year.
If true, this would cut hundreds of millions of pounds of investment from projects such as the Broadband roll-out, the next phase of the University of Cornwall, the Wave Hub Project and the Isles of Scilly ferry link...
Government to seek GP support for more
local involvement in management of health services
13.07.2010 Following yesterday’s announcement that the Government would remove all existing administrative tiers of health management from the health service, abolishing the Strategic Health Authority and the PCT – Andrew George will call upon local GPs to work with the local community in the future planning and shaping of hospitals and health services. Mr George raised questions in the House of Commons yesterday questioning the Health Secretary – Rt. Hon Andrew Lansley MP – about the plans...
George seeks Health Minister's assurances
on local voice in NHS
12.07.2010 In this afternoon’s Health Questions session in Parliament St Ives Andrew George MP asked an important question to the Secretary of State for Health the Rt Honourable Andrew Lansley MP. During the debate on the new Government White Paper...
George – Priorities for the week
12.07.2010
1. Finance Bill - Committee Stage - Amendments
Andrew George MP has proposed a number of amendments to the Committee Stage of the Finance Bill which will be debated today, tomorrow and Thursday.
Whilst welcoming many aspects of the budget (the increase in personal allowance, the improvement in State Pension, protection for lower paid public sector workers, closing of Capital Gains Tax loopholes, the introduction of banking levy, etc) he has expressed concern about the potential impact of a rise in VAT upon lower and middle income families and has proposed alternative methods of restoring the public finances through securing tax from those more able to afford it.
2. Environment Team Lead of the Liberal Democrats
Andrew George will commence his first full week as Team Leader for the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Party across both the Department for Energy and Climate Change and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. He will therefore work closely with the Secretary of State in the DECC – Rt. Hon Chris Huhne MP – and fellow Parliamentary Team members from the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The Liberal Democrat Team will track and monitor Government activities across both departments and seek to maintain and promote Liberal Democrat policies and proposals both within the Coalition Government and across Parliament.
3. Health Select Committee
Mr George, who is a new member of the Commons Health Select Committee, will meet his fellow Select Committee members this week as they set out their programme for the rest of the coming year.
This will be the first time that Select Committees have come together since they have been given more power and freedom from Government and Whips Office interference! Mr George is keen that the Select Committee should monitor Government's proposals to loosen powers from Primary Care Trusts and hand them to GPs. There are a number of other health matters which significantly affect Cornwall and which he hopes will be thoroughly scrutinised by the Select Committee in the coming months.
Community must have bigger say in NHS reforms
09.07.2010 Local MP, Andrew George, who is also a member of the new Health Select Committee in Parliament, will caution the Health Secretary against transferring too much power to GPs and therefore weakening the influence of local communities and their representatives.
Mr George has supported the Coalition Government's commitment to "stop the top-down reorganisations of the NHS which have got in the way of patient care" and the commitment to "a stronger voice for patients locally through directly elected individuals on the Boards of their local Primary Care Trust. The remainder of the PCT's Board will be appointed by the relevant local authority".
However, in the Health White Paper to be published next week Mr George has expressed concern...
VAT proposal yet to face scrutiny
30.06.2010 Andrew George MP has issued the following statement to help those who are trying to follow the debate on the Budget proposal to increase VAT by 2½% in 2011: “Monday night’s votes (on the seven Budget resolutions) were not critical as far as the VAT rise goes. It was a procedural measure which passed Budget resolutions into the Finance Bill...It is very important that this significant measure is subjected to proper and calm scrutiny in the coming weeks...”
29.06.2010 Local MP, Andrew George, gave a ‘fair wind’ to the Government’s Budget proposals in the Commons last night but will continue to press the Government to justify its proposed VAT increase.
The Chancellor, in introducing the Budget last week, said that “the richest would pay the most and the vulnerable would be protected”. However, Mr George has queried whether the VAT increase would protect vulnerable families, rural travellers, charities and small businesses. Mr George had introduced an amendment which called upon the Government to publish impact assessments on its VAT increase...
George seeks review of VAT rise
28.06.2010 Local MP, Andrew George, has tabled an amendment to the Budget resolutions which will be debated this afternoon in the House of Commons. Mr George and three of his Liberal Democrat Parliamentary colleagues have called upon Treasury Ministers to undertake an impact assessment of the proposed 2½% VAT rise before it is implemented in January.
Mr George, who tabled the Motion on Thursday, has already been in touch with his Liberal Democrat Parliamentary colleagues prior to the debate this afternoon, and is seeking concessions from Government before the final implementation of the VAT rise is implemented...
George to lead Commons debate for fair health funding
21.06.2010 West Cornwall MP, Andrew George, will lead a debate in Parliament tomorrow, Tuesday 22nd June 2010, and call on Health Ministers to give Cornwall its £56 million shortfall. This is the amount which the Government admits it underfunds Cornwall each year.
Mr George and his Parliamentary colleagues successfully campaigned to persuade the previous Government to put right a funding formula which was originally brought in by the Conservatives in the 1980s. When the formula was eventually changed last year, it showed that Cornwall had been underfunded by £56 million per annum.
However, the Government could not restore all of that funding in one go. Money had to be found by taking away from other overfunded health authorities – mainly in the wealthy south east.
Mr George said, “The Conservatives created a system of endemic underfunding. Now they in Coalition can put this right. While Cornwall is underfunded its health services remain overstretched. The results of poor funding mean that hospitals face intense pressures. Cornwall has one of the lowest levels of NHS dentistry in the country. Its mental health services are struggling. Ambulance response times are amongst the worst in the country and hospitals continue to face intense pressure across most specialties.
“We are only asking for health services which other parts of the country already take for granted. Securing fair funding is an important first step.”
Search & Rescue contract suspension – is not the end
of the line
18.06.2010 Commenting on the Government’s announcement that the £6bn contract with Soteria for the future provision of Search & Rescue – including the replacement of the 771 Squadron at RNAS Culdrose – has been suspended, local MP, Andrew George, said that he has already spoken to Government Ministers and obtained reassurance that the Search & Rescue service itself will not be jeopardised.
Transport Secretary acknowledges the importance
of the vital ferry link to the Scillies
17.06.2010 The MP for the West Cornwall and Isles of Scilly constituency of St Ives, Andrew George, pressed the Transport Secretary, Rt. Hon Philip Hammond MP, in the House of Commons this morning to acknowledge the importance of the Isles of Scilly ferry link project and not to withdraw funding...
George leads push for improved health funding
to Cornwall
17.06.2010 Local MP, Andrew George, has secured a Commons debate next week to push for an improvement in the allocation of health funding to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly...
Following a lengthy campaign, Mr George and his Liberal Democrat Parliamentary colleagues successfully persuaded the Government to revise the funding formula. This identified that Cornwall had been under funded by £56 million per annum.
Independent inquiry into Watkinson suspension
17.06.2010 West Cornwall MP, Andrew George, welcomed the Health Secretary’s announcement today of details of the internal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the suspension and ultimate sacking of former Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust Chief Executive, John Watkinson.
Cornish Liberal Democrat MPs renew fight
for fairer water bills
15.06.2010 Cornwall’s Liberal Democrat MPs welcomed the Coalition Government’s positive responses to calls for a fair deal for local water rate payers, after a Commons debate last night.
The debate on ‘Water Bills in the South West’ was attended by local Liberal Democrat MPs Dan Rogerson (for North Cornwall) Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) and Andrew George (St. Ives)...
Affordable homes must be top priority – George
14.06.2010 Local MP, Andrew George, will speak at a House of Commons event this afternoon where he will call on the Government to make sure that housing need is given the highest priority.
The event organised by the National Housing Federation (the national grouping of housing associations) has been given much publicity over the weekend as the Federation has warned the Government that its combination of financial cutbacks and changes to the planning system could be “catastrophic” for those seeking affordable homes...
MP confident that Scillies ferry funding will be kept
14.06.2010 Local MP, Andrew George, had already spoken to Transport Ministers emphasising the importance and uniqueness of the Isles of Scilly Ferry Link prior to the Transport Secretary’s announced funding review on Friday.
George calls for 'poverty trap' review
14.06.2010 Speaking in the Commons today, local MP, Andrew George, will call on Social Security Ministers to look carefully at the impact of benefits on those caught in the poverty trap.
Mr George argues that in areas of low income, like his own constituency of West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, thousands of families remain caught in a poverty trap if they secure a job or a pay increase. Housing benefit can be withdrawn at the rate of 65 pence in every pound earned. The combined effect with council tax benefit, the withdrawal can be 85 pence in the pound.
“Many families desperate for work or for better pay complain that there’s no incentive," Mr George said. “Taking home just 15 pence of every new pound you earn is hardly encouraging”.
George pushes for greater support for carers
14.06.2010 Andrew George MP is calling for the contribution of the many thousands of carers in his West Cornwall and Isles of Scilly constituency of St Ives to be recognised after learning that more than three-quarters (76%) of people looking after an ill, frail or disabled loved one do not have a life outside of their caring role...
MP and Minister begin work on affordable housing
09.06.2010 Following a Commons debate last night, the MP for the West Cornwall and Isles of Scilly constituency of St Ives, Andrew George, and the new Housing Minister, Andrew Stunell MP, agreed to undertake further work on a range of housing policies to address local housing need.
During the debate last night, Mr George raised a series of questions about the role of planning, mortgage finance, regulation of second home ownership, the application of Capital Gains Taxation and the regulation of the private rented sector amongst other matters.
The Minister has agreed to meet Mr George to take forward many of the initiatives raised.
MP to lead Parliamentary Housing Debate
07.06.2010 The MP for the West Cornwall and Isles of Scilly constituency of St Ives, Andrew George, will lead a debate in the House of Commons tomorrow evening, Tuesday 8th June 2010, to raise questions about the new Coalition Government’s approach to meeting local housing need.
Mr George, who has successfully campaigned for changes in previous Government policy – in particular on council tax increases for second homes – says that he will be using this first debate as an opportunity to probe and encourage the Government on a range of housing policies.
MP to speak at meeting of
Friends of St Mary's Haven Day Centre
07.06.2010 Local MP, Andrew George, will attend a public meeting called by the Friends of St Mary’s Haven Day Centre in Penzance this evening.
The meeting which commences at 7 pm will be held in Committee Room 1 of the Council offices, St Clare, Penzance and has been called by “Friends” co-ordinator, Mr Bernard Condon.
Mr George, who has supported efforts to rescue the Day Centre – which was closed by its Trustees on 26th February this year – is expected to be asked to support the former Day Centre’s supporters request for a further investigation/complaint to the Charity Commission, and to investigate an alternative method of re-establishing the Day Centre.
Constituency postbag: Fairness in housing
Andrew George MP has written an article in this month's House Magazine, the in-house journal of the House of Commons, about housing issues as they affect people in West Cornwall. To read the article in full, click here.
Local MPs' lobbying brings good news in Coalition Agreement
20.05.2010 This morning the Liberal Democrat-Conservative Coalition published its Programme for Government with good news for local communities in Cornwall.
Just days after Cornwall’s Liberal Democrat MPs launched their own Programme for Cornwall, today’s document outlines the Coalition’s plans for government over the next five years. The Liberal Democrat MPs are pleased that many of the policies they had been campaigning for are now incorporated in the Coalition’s agreement.
These include...
Local MP first
to take Oath in Cornish
19.05.2010 St Ives MP Andrew George will be the first MP in this Parliament to give the Oath of Allegiance in Cornish.
The Oath is taken as part of the process of swearing-in MPs. Mr George secured the right of Cornwall’s MPs to take the Oath of Allegiance in Cornish before the last Parliament and will this year, as previously, be the first MP to do so this afternoon.
New Programme for Cornwall
17.05.2010 Cornwall’s Liberal Democrat MPs are calling for cross party and cross community support for a new five year programme for Cornwall. They are launching an initial checklist of policy objectives in advance of the Government’s Queen’s Speech next week, but wish to consult more widely on the programme and how it should develop over the five years of the fixed term of the Liberal Democrat/Conservative Government.
Dan Rogerson, Stephen Gilbert and Andrew George are calling for Cornwall to be ahead of the queue for investment in renewable technology – to be ahead of the game on green policy and to be acknowledged as the “Green Peninsula” within the United Kingdom...
'Whistleblower' sacking inquiry must be independent
17.05.2010 West Cornwall MP, Andrew George, welcomed news that the new Health Secretary had ordered an investigation into the sacking of the former Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust Chief Executive, John Watkinson, in 2008. Mr George and his Parliamentary colleagues had called for an inquiry.
However, Mr George has issued a caution to the Health Secretary – Rt. Hon Andrew Lansley MP – that such an investigation should not be undertaken by Departmental officials who could not be seen as unassociated with Mr Watkinson’s original suspension...
Liberal Democrats in Government
12.05.2010 Following the announcement of the Liberal Democrat and Conservative Coalition Government last night and the meeting of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Party in Westminster, the MP for West Cornwall and Isles of Scilly constituency of St Ives, Andrew George, said:
“The electorate had given MPs a clear mandate. One which required them to work together. There was no overall winner of the General Election.
“Liberal Democrats have always argued for consensus politics. In any case, it is the inevitable consequence of electoral reform. So this is consensus politics in practice.
“The last thing the country needs right now is unstable Government followed by another General Election in the autumn. I believe that the agreement reached is not only a good one for the Liberal Democrats – as the statement to be released later this morning will show – 80% of the policy commitments of the new Government are items from the Liberal Democrat rather than Conservative manifesto.
“Personally, I had hoped for an alignment of the centre left. However, the Labour Party were very clearly not prepared to do any kind of deal. They were not prepared to compromise. They wanted to go into opposition.
“I am aware that whichever way these negotiations went many local electors would be unhappy. I am keen to speak to as many people as possible about the challenges we faced, the conundrums we had to overcome in negotiation and the justification of having to come to a deal which, above all, put the national interest first.
“I will be holding public meetings in the coming months and am keen to hear from all who have an opinion on the matter. My Parliamentary colleagues and I will be releasing a joint statement later in the day setting out our ambitions for Cornwall in the new Government.”
George calls for independent inquiry over unfair sacking of John Watkinson
11.05.2010 Andrew George MP is calling for an independent inquiry into the suspension and sacking of John Watkinson, former Chief Executive of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust. Last week, Mr Watkinson won his case that he was unfairly dismissed from his post. The Employment Tribunal ruled that he was sacked following the Trust’s concerns about his stance on the controversial transfer of specialist cancer services out of the county...
Speak with one voice – to keep Helicopter link
31.03.2010 Local MP, Andrew George, will meet Tony Jones – the Managing Director of British International Helicopters – at the Heliport this morning before flying out to the Isles of Scilly with BIH.
Mr George has been in discussions with BIH over a number of months since it first emerged that the company had made its site available for sale as a future development for out of town retail.
Another step closer to protecting suppliers and shoppers
29.03.2010 St Ives MP Andrew George will tomorrow lead the Liberal Democrat involvement in the Committee Stage of the Grocery Market Ombudsmen Bill. The Private Members’ Bill calls on Government to create a Supermarket Ombudsman who would act to protect the rights and interests of suppliers and shoppers as recommended in a report by the Government’s own competition watchdog the Competition Commission.
Baroness Shirley Williams wows the troops
29.03.2010 Baroness Shirley Williams – former Government Minister and leading politician in the 70s and 80s – impressed a large group of Liberal Democrat supporters at a meeting at the weekend in Penzance.
Shirley Williams, now in her 80th year, was the guest of local MP, Andrew George, at Trereife House near Penzance on Saturday morning (27th March 2010)...
George welcomes new local business
29.03.2010 Andrew George MP has welcomed the launch of a new graphic design company based in Helston which is working to promote local businesses and initiatives such as the Farmers’ Market.
Fergus Muller and Rose Robinson, who trained locally, established Ki Design seven months ago and they offer a range of services including web design, branding and e marketing.
26.03.2010 Andrew George MP has expressed his sadness at the closure of the Age Concern Day Centre in St Ives today.
Mr George, who visited the Day Centre last week, is backing calls for an urgent review into Government policy for the care of the elderly.
He said: “I regret the decision to close the St Ives Day Centre..."
26.03.2010 Andrew George MP has met with local growers to discuss their concerns about the financial impact regulations are having upon seasonal workers.
Mr George met with Mike Mann, Director of Winchester Growers, at Varfell Farm in Penzance yesterday afternoon (Thursday 25th March) where they discussed regulations which create additional costs for low paid seasonal workers...
Wave Hub could feed 'Green Peninsula' Cornwall – MPs
23.03.2010 Two local MPs will, this week, argue that the anticipated success of a ‘ground breaking’ renewable energy project in Cornwall should kick start Cornwall’s campaign to become the ‘Green Peninsula’ of the United Kingdom.
Julia Goldsworthy and Andrew George, MPs for Falmouth and Camborne and St Ives, met the Wave Hub Project Director, Guy Lavender, in Hayle to explore opportunities for the future economic development of Cornwall following the anticipated installation of four wave hub devices off the North coast of St Ives and Hayle from next year.
Once the £42 million scheme is up and running,...
19.03.2010 Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Rt. Hon Lord Paddy Ashdown, visited Penzance on Thursday to meet Party members and supporters.
He told his audience in Penzance that the Liberal Democrats were well placed to make further gains around the country and to become a leading force in British politics in the years ahead.
More homes for locals – MP demands
19.03.2010 West Cornwall MP, Andrew George, re-visited a site of new housing which he helped get off the ground. Mr George met residents at Long Moor at Ruan Minor, which he had formally opened ten years ago. Before Mr George was first elected as MP for the constituency in 1997, he had worked to promote affordable homes for local people in many villages and towns around Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly...
19.03.2010 Local MP, Andrew George, today joined victory celebrations for local blind marksmen following a national blind rifle shooting competition in Wolverhampton.
Sight Centre users and members of the Cornwall Association of Blind Shooters – Liz Ashley and David Golbourne – won bronze and gold respectively at the competition in Wolverhampton recently.
MP challenges Treasury to clear up tax conundrum for tourist industry
17.03.2010 St Ives MP Andrew George yesterday challenged the Government to justify proposed changes to tax increases which could undermine the viability of holiday letting businesses.
During Treasury questions Mr George asked Tax Minister Stephen Timms MP to explain the inconsistencies that will be introduced into the tax regime when the Government withdraws the rules for Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL) on April 6th...
Local MP challenges Minister on post 16 learning
On Tuesday 16th March Andrew George met with Further Education Minister Kevin Brennan MP to discuss the cost and opportunities for post 16 education for young people in West Cornwall and particularly those on the Isles of Scilly to study.
MP praises work of rehabilitation retreat
15.03.2010 Local MP, Andrew George, praised the work of the Bosence Farm Community when he visited the charity which is located between Relubbus and Townshend this morning. Mr George, who was a member of Penwith Housing Concern which originally set up the retreat in the mid 90s was pleased to see the progress which had been made. Mr George is a Patron of the Trust...
George proposes national farm trial on the Lizard
10.03.2010 Local MP, Andrew George, will invite DEFRA Ministers to conduct a trial Bovine TB management project in West Cornwall.
This follows a meeting between the MP and Farming Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick MP, in Westminster, at which he was joined by local farmers, Philip and Roger Jenkins of St Martin who attended on behalf of the West Cornwall Grassland Society. The delegation met a team of DEFRA officials and scientists as well as the Minister.
MP presses Farms Minister for more local control on Bovine TB
09.03.2010 West Cornwall MP, Andrew George, will meet Farms Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick MP, in Westminster tomorrow (10th March 2010) to urge him to give farmers and wildlife specialists a greater say in the management of actions to control Bovine TB.
MP to discuss SWRDA's plans for West Cornwall's future
09.03.2010 St Ives MP Andrew George will today meet with the Chairman of the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), Sir Harry Studholme to discuss how the SWRDA’s future plans for the region will help improve the everyday lives of local people in West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Cornish MP supports Supermarket Ombudsman Bill
05.03.2010 The Private Members’ Bill regarding the formation of a Supermarket Ombudsmen was debated in the House of Commons this morning, with strong cross-party support from all areas of the country. Andrew George began the debate by leading the discussion for the Ombudsmen, and welcomed opinions from all parties.
Mr George has been leading calls for the creation of a Supermarket Ombudsman for over 10 years. “I know that it is St Piran’s Day today and in view of my commitment to local farmers and growers it is vital to ensure that this piece of legislation goes through," he said. "That is why I’m prepared to be in London on this very important day.”
MP welcomes major boost to Scillies' broadband
05.05.2010 Local people and businesses on the Isles of Scilly received, loud and clear, the news that communications facilities for the islands has been given a boost with the completion of a major £165,000 upgrade to the radio link that carries phone and broadband services to and from the mainland...
Local MP hosts Westminster event for Supermarket Ombudsman campaign
04.03.2010 Cornish MP Andrew George has hosted an event within the Houses of Parliament to highlight the successes of the Grocery Market Action Group (GMAG). Mr George has been leading calls for the creation of a Supermarket Ombudsman for over 10 years and chairs GMAG. The Action Group brings together suppliers’ organisations, NGOs, and academic experts including Friends of the Earth, the British Independent Fruit Growers Association, Traidcraft, the National Farmers’ Union, War on Want, Action Aid, the British Brands Group, the Association of Convenience Stores and others. “I am pleased to have been able to host this event. The campaign to create a Supermarket Ombudsman to protect the rights and interests of suppliers and shoppers alike has made great progress in the last few months," said Mr George. “After ten years and five reports It is crucial that the campaign keeps up the pressure on Government to follow the advice of its’ own Competition Commission and create an Ombudsman without further delay.”
MP – let locals manage their fishery
03.03.2010 Fishermen from Cadgwith Cove and their Member of Parliament, Andrew George, met Fishing Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies MP, near the Plymouth Fish Market late last night for an extended meeting to discuss the challenges faced by many fishing communities around the Cornish coast whose livelihoods are dependent upon successful local fisheries management. Mr George said: “The fishermen described these talks as ‘the best and most positive’ they have ever had with a Fisheries Minister"...
St Mary's Haven – offer remains on table
01.03.2010 Local MP, Andrew George, confirmed that he delivered a letter to the Trustees of St Mary’s Haven, Penzance on Friday afternoon, 26th February. This was the afternoon when the Day Centre closed. Mr George had taken a delegation of community representatives to meet Trustees at the Presbytery on Monday. His letter confirmed that those who had come together to offer an alternative to closure have not given up in their attempt to reinstate the service.
Prime Minister supports action on South West Water bills
25.02.2010 The campaign to lower ‘extortionate’ South West water bills received a boost yesterday when the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, gave his approval to take a proposal to the next stage. He agreed to work with Water Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies MP, to implement recommendations of a recent Government Inquiry (the Walker Report) which proposed that the excess cost to South West water customers for the bathing water clean up could be partially met by all water customers country-wide...
Local MP leads Parliamentary Debate on Property Tax
24.02.2010 Today local St.Ives MP Andrew George, led the debate on Property Tax in the House of Commons. Mr George specifically focussed on issues that presently affect his constituents, such as taxation of furnished holiday lettings and the impact of second homes on the housing prospects of Cornish families. Mr George argued for a tougher tax regulation for second homes, and highlighted the many social and economic implications for areas with high levels of second home ownership...
24.02.2010 Andrew George MP has called a Public Meeting to discuss the future of Penzance Harbour and the Scilly Ferry Link.
He has invited the Penzance Business Network to present its vision for Penzance Harbour, 'Option PZ', to Penzance residents. He has also invited Cornwall Council to present progress on Option A at the public meeting.
The meeting will take place next Wednesday at 7.30pm at the Methodist Chapel in Chapel Street, Penzance.
Penzance Business Network will also present their Option PZ plan for Penzance Harbour to Penzance Town Council and Cornwall Council earlier in the day.
Top Dog? Andrew George named
'MP of the Year'
23.02.2010 Local MP, Andrew George, recently received the accolade of ‘MP of the Year’ and was awarded a trophy and a plaque.
On this occasion, he was presented the award by the Kennel Club. Mr George said: “This award was a surprise and an honour.
“I showed it to my dog, Samson, hoping that he will see me in a new light – perhaps even show me some respect..."
23.02.2010 Local MP, Andrew George, has welcomed news that the grant application by Newlyn Harbour Commission for the investment in a fish handling project has succeeded.
Mr George said: “The offer of investment is welcome news. Newlyn is one of the pre-eminent fishing ports in the whole country and we cannot afford to risk being left behind as others modernise and invest.
Latest News
- George exonerated by Legg Report
- Option PZ would unite town and give Penzance a better future, says George.
- Achievements go unrecognised in Afghanistan
- Helmond and political reform on Martin Bell dinner menu
- Culdrose will get new search-and-rescue helicopters
On being decisively wrong
THE LATEST SKLOG
Decisiveness is often admired in politics. Certainly it is far better for decisions to be made sooner rather than having them drawn out. Sometimes it is the decisiveness rather than the decision which impresses some people – people who are impressed by image rather than substance. But what happens when...
PMQs
Prime Minister's Questions Nov 2007
Prime Minister's Questions Dec 2007
Some questions can, unfortunately, be as relevant today as they were over a year ago. But watch this space. There will be more.
The full debate: "Garden grabbing"
Tuesday 3rd February 2009 
Local MP, Andrew George, has had a busy time these last six months. He has sent a newsletter to those requesting updates on his campaigns to hundreds of people throughout the constituency summarising his activities over the past six months. Click above (A day or two in the life...) to read the newsletter.