Steve Darling: Cuts to our services but we will get answers

As the Parliamentary recess draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on what has been a busy and rewarding summer here in Torbay.

I am looking forward to returning to Westminster and continuing to be your voice in Parliament. 

This summer has been a celebration of everything that makes Torbay special. From the spectacular Airshow to the energy of Electric Bay, we’ve seen our community come together to enjoy the very best of what our area has to offer.

These events not only boost our local economy but also remind us of the pride and spirit that runs through our towns. I’m excited to see what the autumn season brings, and I’ll continue working to make sure Torbay gets the support it deserves.

One issue that has dominated recent weeks is the shocking scale of cuts to NHS services across Devon. Alongside my fellow Liberal Democrat MPs in the county, I’ve written to the Health Secretary demanding urgent answers. We’ve uncovered plans to remove hundreds of millions of pounds from our local health services, with major impacts on hospitals, staff and patients.

Torbay Hospital is among those affected, and the scale of the proposed reductions is deeply worrying. At the same time, the Government has increased National Insurance contributions for local employers, placing even more pressure on our hospitality sector. It’s a double blow for Torbay—higher taxes for businesses and fewer resources for our NHS.

We are calling for full transparency. That means publishing impact assessments for each affected Trust and the Devon Integrated Care Board, and guaranteeing open public consultation before any changes are made. Devon’s communities deserve to know what is happening and to have a say in decisions that will affect their health and wellbeing.

Last week there was another Heart Campaign meeting held last Tuesday at the Riviera Centre, which drew over 200 concerned residents. The meeting highlighted serious concerns about proposals to move our cardiology unit to Exeter.

Attendees heard powerful testimony from John Kiddey, who explained why he felt compelled to resign as a Governor. Dr Dirk Feldmeden and retired cardiologist Phil Keeling also spoke passionately about the risks of centralising services when viable alternatives exist locally.

Cllr Swithin Long, a member of my team, shared the work I’ve been doing to challenge these proposals, including lobbying the Health Secretary and raising concerns about the aggressive approach being taken by the Royal Devon University Hospital Trust.

I will continue to work closely with neighbouring MPs Caroline Voaden and Martin Wrigley to protect cardiac care in Torbay and ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of patients.

A quick reminder that my guide dog Jennie is in the running for Westminster Dog of the Year 2025. Jennie is more than just a companion—she is a symbol of accessibility and compassion in politics. Her calm nature and friendly presence have made her a familiar face in Parliament and a much-loved figure across Torbay.

Thank you to everyone who has already voted and offered kind words. If you haven’t yet cast your vote in the Sir David Amess Pawblic Vote, there’s still time. Visit thekennelclub.org.uk/wdoty and help Jennie bring the title home. Every vote counts.

As always, if you need assistance or would like to share your views, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can reach me at steve.darling.mp@parliament.uk or on 07908 349347. For regular updates, sign up to my weekly e-newsletter at www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/newsletter.