Welcome to my new E-Newsletter. I felt that it might be useful to keep everyone informed about what I am doing in Parliament and in the constituency. I have deliberately kept it brief whilst providing links to anyone wanting further information about any of the subjects mentioned. I hope you enjoy reading it and would value any constructive feedback.
David Davies MP
WHY I VOTED AGAINST MILITARY INTERVENTION IN SYRIA
Since being elected to Parliament I have taken an interest in the Middle East and have been there on a number of occasions including to Syria where I met President Assad.
It is my firm view that the current conflict is extremely complicated and that any form of military intervention by the UK would run the risk of making matters worse for civilians. Accordingly I voted again military action.
You can see more details about why I voted against military intervention in Syria here.
TIME TO GIVE THE VOTERS A SAY ON THE EU
I believe that the EU is undemocratic. Laws do not originate with the MEPs (Members of European Parliament), but with the unelected Commissioners. The MEPs have a small role in a very long and complicated process,which even politicians find difficult to explain and understand. Yet EU rules are having a growing impact on every area of our lives. It is also expensive as we pay far more into the EU then we get back.
It has been over 30 years since the last referendum. The EU has changed significantly since then, becoming much more of a political rather than an economic project. I think it is time that the public are given the chance to have another say on whether they want to remain part of it.
I was one of the first MP’s to support the People’s Pledge campaign calling for a referendum and I am delighted to support James Wharton’s bill which would commit the Government to a referendum in 2017.
A video explaining my support for a referendum can be found here.
SPEAKING UP FOR MONMOUTH
Monmouthshire County Council is facing 4.4% cuts in its funding from the Welsh Assembly Government despite the UK annual Government block grant to the Welsh Government increasing.
Information from a Parliamentary Question I asked shows that in 2008-09 the block grant was £14,242 million. It increases to £14,872 million and is set to rise to £15,096 million in 2015-2016. These figures are shown here.
It is therefore unacceptable that the Welsh Assembly Government has imposed significant cuts on Monmouthshire County Council, which have created a £9 million budget gap and endangered important and loved local services.
I wrote to the Finance Minister, Jane Hutt, as I believe the people of Monmouthshire deserve answers as to why their public services are being put at risk by the Welsh Government. I have received a response, confirming that the Assembly has been receiving an increase in cash terms from the UK Government. The letter proves beyond doubt that the cuts Monmouthshire County Council are facing are Welsh Assembly Government cuts.
More on this story can be found here and here.
SUPPORT FOR LONGTOWN MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM
On the evening of Wednesday 13th November I had the opportunity to visit the Abergavennny Headquarters of Longtown Mountain Rescue Team to see the fantastic and lifesaving work they do.
The entire team is made up of volunteers who raise money for their work and help people in distress. They are an extra emergency service, and it is important to acknowledge how they put their lives at risk for the safety of others.
It is clear that we have to look at ways to fund this organisation in the future, so that it is able to continue to provide an excellent service that is making a real difference. That’s why I will be working in Parliament to ensure that the Mountain Rescue Team get the necessary funding to work at full capacity.
Read more about my visit to Longtown Mountain Rescue Team here.