Steve Darling: Ensuring our industries get the support they need

Last week, after sustained pressure, we finally saw the government perform a long-overdue U-turn on the Winter Fuel Allowance cuts.

This announcement should have come months ago, and the delay has caused unnecessary distress for pensioners across the country—especially here in Torbay, where up to 21,000 residents have likely felt the impact.

From the moment these cuts were introduced, I have challenged the government at every turn—raising concerns in Parliament, backing motions to reverse them, and directly confronting the minister responsible. Had the Chancellor visited Torbay, she would have seen firsthand the anxiety this ill-conceived policy has inflicted.

This was always a doomed policy. The government should be ashamed that it took political pressure to get them to listen, when pensioners were telling them from day one that these cuts would lead to impossible choices between heating and eating.

We await the full details in the Autumn Statement. I sincerely hope that this reversal is comprehensive. Rest assured, I will continue to hold the government accountable to ensure it delivers the necessary support.

The Post-Brexit Fishing Deal

After months of negotiation, the UK and EU have reached a new trade agreement that extends current fisheries arrangements for another 12 years. While the deal spans multiple sectors, the question for Torbay is simple—how will it impact our local fishing industry?

Unfortunately, the answer is disappointing. The existing quota remains at 75 per cent of pre-Brexit levels, meaning UK fishers will still face limitations despite leaving the EU. EU trawlers will retain access to British waters, prolonging the challenges our local fleet faces.

The government must now work directly with fishers to understand how this deal will affect livelihoods. At the very least, it must secure better trading conditions for British fishers exporting to the continent, where many still face crippling barriers.

Had the government taken a more ambitious stance from the outset, pushing for a bespoke Customs Union, we could have achieved stronger protections for British fishers. Instead, this new deal locks us into the previous government’s arrangement for another decade. That feels like a real missed opportunity.

This announcement came just as I attended a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Fisheries, where we spoke with DEFRA Minister Daniel Zeichner. I raised the issue of capital projects in Brixham, given the £30m annual fisheries fund.

While this sum is limited in the context of major infrastructure, the Minister did confirm that port development is within the scope. Now, the question is how we best unlock these funds to benefit our local fishing industry and community.

I’ll keep pushing for better conditions for Torbay fishers and ensuring our industry gets the support it desperately needs.

Torbay’s Coronary Services—Now Under Greater Threat

In February, we learned of plans to move out-of-hours coronary services (Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) from Torbay to Exeter—a decision that could put lives at risk.

Alongside fellow Lib Dem MPs in Devon, I launched a campaign to halt this dangerous proposal. Thanks to overwhelming local support, we have put the pressure on—but now, the stakes have risen. Health bosses are considering extending the relocation beyond out-of-hours care to daytime services as well. If they won’t listen to us, then the government must step in and force them to rethink.

This reckless approach will endanger more patients, making urgent cardiac care harder to access in Torbay. We must act now to protect our vital coronary services. Add your name to the petition and help us fight back:https://www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/campaigns/protect-torbays-coronary-services

Looking Forward

Amid all the political turbulence, there are moments of joy—like the upcoming Torbay Air Show! I’m looking forward to the spectacular displays and the community coming together to celebrate this cherished event.

If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Email steve.darling.mp@parliament.uk or call 07908 349347. For regular updates, sign up for my e-newsletter attorbaylibdems.org.uk/newsletter.