Following the State Opening of Parliament on Tuesday 7th November, a series of debates are held in the House of Commons and the House of Lords to discuss the contents of the King's Speech.
Anthony took the opportunity to speak in one such debate, stating "it is a pleasure to be able to support the King’s Speech and to speak up about the proud record this country has in addressing climate change, reducing emissions and creating new technologies and industries. We should be proud of that, talk it up and never let the fearmongers win."
During his speech, Anthony spoke on a range of subjects:
- The opportunity to harness marine energy and tidal lagoons, highlighting the case of Reverend Dr Andrew Langley who is trying to make his church in Dartmouth the first marine energy-powered church in Dartmouth.
- The benefits of upgrading the electrical grid, which would allow community energy projects to become local electricity suppliers, such as in the case of Sustainable South Brent whose wind turbine powers part of the village.
- The potential in our trade agreements to find new ways in which we can co-operate on an international scale to help harness the power of our natural resources.
- The need for proper scrutiny of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), in order to support local businesses including farmers and fishermen.
- The balance that is required to ensure the Renters (Reform) Bill works for both landlords and tenants, so as not to deter people from putting properties into the long-term rental market.
- The importance of apprenticeships, T levels and further education, highlighting the success of South Devon College.
- The value of local initiatives that have been set up to tackle antisocial behaviour and rural crime, such as the Councillor Advocate Scheme and Project Community Access in South Devon.
Read Anthony's full speech here: https://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2023-11-09a.278.3&p=25868#g3…