Steve Darling: Glimmers of hope and Torbay in bloom

Parliament has returned from its recess this week, and I am eager to continue standing up for the interests of Torbay and being our voice in Westminster.

On the international stage, we have seen a glimmer of hope with the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza. The Israeli Cabinet has approved a deal with Hamas that includes the release of hostages and a withdrawal of IDF forces to agreed positions. While the situation remains fragile, this is a critical moment. The UK and our allies must do all we can to ensure the deal is implemented, to bring hostages home, deliver urgent aid to Gaza, and bring an end to the horrific violence. This must be the first step toward a two-state solution and lasting peace.

Closer to home, I joined Torbay residents in Paignton Town Centre to send a clear and powerful message to Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Together, we unveiled a giant open letter signed by members of our community who are deeply concerned about the future of local healthcare.

The letter calls for urgent action in three key areas. First, we are asking for a personal visit from the Health Secretary to Torbay Hospital to witness firsthand the deteriorating estate and mounting pressures on our health services. Second, we are calling for the protection of cardiac and acute services at Torbay Hospital, with a firm stand against any plans to relocate them elsewhere. Third, we are demanding the immediate reversal of the delay to the £350 million hospital rebuild, which is essential for delivering safe and effective care to the people of Torbay and South Devon.

The oversized letter was displayed prominently in Paignton to reflect the strength of public feeling. I was proud to stand alongside residents who care deeply about our NHS and want to see real action, not more delays. Torbay Hospital is at a breaking point. The government must act now to protect vital services and invest in the future of our local healthcare. This letter shows just how strongly our community feels. We need urgent support, not empty promises.

If you have not yet added your name, you can sign the online version of the letter at: https://www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/campaigns/sign-steves-open-letter-to-the-health-secretary

Last week, I had the pleasure of supporting our civic mayor’s dinner at the Livermead House Hotel, held in celebration of the South West in Bloom Awards. A big thank you to Tim Rew and his team for their warm hospitality and a wonderful evening.

The following day, the awards ceremony at the English Riviera Centre gave us even more reason to celebrate. The South West in Bloom Awards 2025, part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom campaign, is the largest horticultural initiative in Europe. It recognises the incredible work of community groups, volunteers and council teams who transform public spaces through planting, landscaping and environmental projects.

Torbay shone brightly this year, receiving a sweep of Gold Awards for Torquay in Bloom, Babbacombe Bay in Bloom, Paignton in Bloom and Brixham in Bloom. Babbacombe Bay in Bloom also won the prestigious Portman Cup.

Torbay earned several discretionary awards celebrating creativity, inclusivity and innovation. Turning Heads CIC won the Inclusive Gardening Award for accessible and therapeutic work. Brixham in Bloom was recognised for its outstanding website. Sandi Jackson received a Special Award for dedication to community gardening. Ali Marshall was honoured for design excellence at Torre Abbey. Jo Sharlott coordinated yarn flower displays with volunteers from St Marychurch, raising £150 for Rowcroft Hospice and earning a Special Mention for creative community contribution.

These achievements reflect the pride, care and creativity that define our local communities. Congratulations to everyone involved in making Torbay bloom.

As always, if you need assistance or would like to share your views, please 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.