Prospective MP Derek Thomas welcomed Mark Harper MP, Minister for Immigration, to St Ives on Friday. After spending the day travelling throughout Cornwall, the Minister was greeted by Derek and Andrew Mounsey, Chairman of The St. Ives Chamber of Trade, who walked him through St Ives stopping in many local businesses and talking to owners, staff and customers.
Mark said "As a Government Minister I wanted to see if the sustained growth in our economy was benefiting town centre shops in rural areas such as West Cornwall. I was also keen to see what more could be done by government to help these businesses succeed.”
Mark and Derek held a surgery for local traders and members of the public at the Queens Hotel St Ives. Both he and Derek were keen to listen to the needs of the local businesses but also to reassure and spread the positive news about what the Conservative-led Government is achieving.
In response to a question from the Mayor of St Ives, Cllr Colin Nicholls in relation to immigration Mr Harper said, "We've already reduced net immigration to Britain by a third since the peak in 2010. But it's not just about the numbers it's about welcoming the right people to our country. We want the best and the brightest to be able to come here to contribute to our economy. We're seeing a growth in the number of skilled workers and university students coming here at the same time as we cut out abuse of the system.”
Having grown up locally, Derek understands that West Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly can seem remote fromWestminster, Derek says: ”Securing this Government Minister visit helps me in my effort to ensure that the challenges and opportunities faced by us all in the far south west are understood by those who govern us. Mark Harper MP and I met many small business owners and we were able to listen to their concerns. I will continue to do what I can to ensure that our voice is heard and that positive action can follow.”
Following the visit Andrew Mounsey, Chairman of St Ives Chamber of Trade added “We were delighted to host Mark Harper's first visit to St Ives. The Minister met around 20 business representatives and faced some challenging questions during an open session at the Queens Hotel. Mr Harper found time to walk the town and meet the owners and teams of a number of both new and established businesses. He gave us some valuable advice on both promoting the town and the role of the Chamber. I am confident the impression the Minister formed of St Ives will ensure he returns and that he will encourage his Ministerial colleagues to do the same.”
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Left to right
Andrew Mounsey Chairman St Ives Chamber of Trade
Anna Stevenson owner OSKA, St Ives
Michael Gaca, Director, Belgrave Gallery St Ives
Mark Harper MP, Minister for Immigration
Derek Thomas, Prospective MP for the St Ives Constituency