Steve Darling: Fighting for Torbay's services

Last week was a landmark moment for me as I asked in my very first Prime Minister's Questions.

With the tourist season on the horizon, I seized the opportunity to address the impact of Employer's National Insurance Contributions and increases on Torbay's tourism sector. I invited the Prime Minister to visit Paignton Zoo to hear from himself the impact of these increases. 

Since the NIC hike was announced last year, I’ve been vocal about its detrimental effects on our tourism industry. In February, I stood alongside Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey MP at Paignton Pier, urging the Government to reverse these hikes. We discussed how this policy is not only harming individual attractions but also threatening the entire sector.

Family-owned tourism businesses across the South West are already grappling with the cost-of-living crisis, which has led to a decline in visitor numbers. The NIC hike, which I’ve described as a "job tax," risks being the final straw for many of these businesses.

During PMQs, I urged the Prime Minister to visit Paignton Zoo—or any South West attraction of his choice—this summer to hear directly from those affected. Unfortunately, he did not commit to the visit.

Tourism has long been the beating heart of Torbay, and it’s vital that we safeguard it. The Government must scrap these damaging tax changes and work with us to support this essential sector.

Last week also featured a Liberal Democrat Opposition Day in Parliament. Opposition Days allow opposition parties—not the government—to set the agenda for debate.

I joined my fellow Liberal Democrat MPs, Caroline Voaden and Martin Wrigley, in voting on a motion to fix NHS buildings, including Torbay Hospital, and to reverse the Government’s delays to the New Hospital Programme. Sadly, we did not secure the support for this vital motion from other parties.

Torbay Hospital, one of the oldest in the country, is in dire need of attention. With 80 per cent of its estate deemed unfit for purpose, patients and staff are dealing with sewage leaks, ventilation issues, cancelled operations, and dangerously high bed occupancy rates of 98 per cent. This far exceeds the 85 per cent target and places immense strain on our healthcare system.

It is shocking that when people in Torbay go to hospital, they must worry not only about their health but also about the state of the building they are in.

Our proposal aimed to establish a crumbling hospitals taskforce to address the state of NHS buildings and accelerate the New Hospitals Programme, reversing delays to 18 of the 40 promised projects. This would have been a crucial step toward restoring public trust in our health system and ensuring that patients and staff have the facilities they deserve.

Despite the setback, my Liberal Democrat colleagues and I remain resolute. We will continue to push the Government to rescue Torbay Hospital and bring the change that people so desperately need.

On a lighter note, last week we celebrated a very special milestone—my guide dog, Jennie, turned six years old! For years, Jennie has been more than just a guide dog; she has been my faithful companion, offering unwavering support every step of the way.

On her big day, Jennie was showered with treats, belly rubs, and love she so richly deserves. To top it all off, during Prime Minister’s Questions the next day, she even received a belated birthday wish from the Prime Minister!

Jennie has been by my side through thick and thin, and I’m incredibly grateful for her companionship. Thank you to everyone who sent warm wishes—she certainly felt the love.

Thank you for reading. As always, if I can help, please email me at steve.darling.mp@parliament.uk or call 07908 349347. To stay updated, sign up for my weekly e-newsletter at www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/newsletter.