On Saturday I met with a group of inshore fishermen at Kelynack Cornish Fish in Mullion. This week Fisheries Minister, George Eustice MP, will be in Brussels taking part in the annual negotiations that will determine what fish can be caught. I met with George on Thursday to discuss the impact that proposed restrictions will have on West Cornwall fishermen, particularly for those who catch bass. These negotiations are intended to manage fish stocks and ensure we have a sustainable fishing industry. However, fishermen find some decisions perplexing to say the least. Having met these fishermen I can go back to George with some concerns and ideas that the fishermen have put to me.
Two Christmases ago a group of homes in Porthleven were flooded following extensive rainfall. Although some work has been done to attempt to reduce the risk of a repeat experience for these families, a concern remains that the main problem has not been addressed and that these homes will be flooded again when consistent heavy rain returns. Cornwall Council had promised to improve the drainage. I met with these residents on Saturday and I will apply some gentle pressure on Cornwall Council to keep their word.
Last week a small group of cross-party MPs (including myself) met with the Public Health Minister, Jane Ellison MP, to discuss our concern about the rise in the number of people developing diabetes. Next year the Government is launching the National Diabetes Prevention Programme, making the UK the first country to deliver a diabetes prevention programme of this scale. Currently the cost to the NHS of treating Type 2 Diabetes is £5.62billion. The strategy is intended to shift the focus and NHS funding towards preventing diabetes and managing the condition better to improve the quality of life for individuals.
On Tuesday British Astronaut Tim Peake will be launched into space to join the International Space Station. This will be covered live from Goonhilly and history shows that events of this nature inspire our youngsters to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics!