Torridge and West Devon Liberal Democrats
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Graham Watson MEP
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Adam Symons NewsFor more information on any of the news items below contact Adam Symons on 01237 431498 or 07786 277470 Local Man challenges ToriesSupport “in or out” referendumTuesday 29 January 2008 Local Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Adam Symons is calling on local Conservatives to back the campaign for an “in or out” Euro referendum. Adam says the referendum would be an opportunity for the British public to determine whether Britain should continue to be a member of the European Union or not. “There has been a debate on Britain's role in Europe for many years without voters having the chance to express their opinion clearly through the ballot box,” said Adam. “In fact it’s been over thirty years since the British public had a say on this subject. To deny voters this chance would be unfair. “Unfortunately the last time the House of Commons had a chance to vote for an ‘in or out’ referendum the Conservatives formed a pact with the Labour Government to reject the proposal for narrow party advantage. “Not everything is perfect with the European Union, as with all large organizations, but it has delivered many positive benefits such as cheaper goods, better environmental protection, increased freedom to work and live abroad, and strong measures to tackle international crime. As a party that welcomes these benefits for the UK we would campaign to stay in Europe in the referendum. “But the EU has changed beyond recognition since we last had a referendum in 1975. No member of the public under the age of fifty has had the opportunity to vote on the significant changes that have taken place over the last few decades. So whatever our individual views we should all agree that the people must have their say.”
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Patient Transport in chaosCouncillor demands actionMonday 21 January 2008 Local Councillor Adam Symons, and Lead Member for Health at Torridge District Council, has demanded answers as to why patient transport to hospitals is in such chaos. Since June last year, local hospitals transferred the undertaking of one-off non-emergency hospital journeys to local community transport associations such as Torridge Community Transport Association (TCTA). However, since then, TCTA have struggled to deal with the increase in journey numbers, and the local hospitals, covered by the Northern Devon Healthcare Trust, have said there is no more money. The fallout of this is that the most vulnerable patients may struggle to get to appointments and routine check-ups, impacting on long-term health care. Duncan Goodman, of TCTA said, “TCTA were asked by North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) to fill the gap left by the scaling-down of the Voluntary Ambulance Car Service (VACS) in our area. We are now very frustrated by the lack of financial support from NDDH. TCTA has subsidised NDDH by diverting funding intended for other purposes, which it can ill-afford to do.” In trying to find a solution to the problem, Adam has written to the board of NHS South West asking why this problem is continuing. He said, “I asked them if someone would please get a grip of this and bang heads together? We have a Devon-wide Compact with determines how the public sector works with the not-for-profit sector, but this does not seem to be being followed. The various organisations need to sit down at the table, and openly discuss costs and options. In the end, it’s the patient who suffers.” Adam has also written to the Northern Devon Health Trust under the Freedom of Information Act, to find out how many people are now not receiving any service at all and having to find alternative transport.
Popular Former MP Endorses New ManLaunch of campaign for Tavistock NorthSunday 13 January 2008 John Burnett, the previous MP for West Devon and Torridge, has endorsed the Lib Dems recently selected Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Adam Symons. Speaking at the launch of the Lib Dems campaign to recapture the Tavistock North West Devon Borough Council seat, John said “We could not have picked a better local candidate than Adam. Born and brought up on a local farm, he knows the area well, and understands the issues that people face. He is knowledgeable, energetic and enthusiastic. He connects with people, and is able to communicate with everyone. Here is someone who will work full-time for people's interests!” Lib Dem activists have been working with local people in the ward to find out the issues that particularly affect them. Adam led the survey team on Saturday, despite the heavy rain. Adam said, “We have had a really good response from our residents’ survey. Lib Dem Councillors are renowned to be hard-working for the local people in Tavistock, so we hope that residents will elect another one.” “I really appreciate John’s support. He was a very popular MP, and I know that he worked very hard for everyone. I think you can only do this if you are committed to work full-time to represent people, which I am.” The Tavistock North by-election will be held on February 7th 2008, following the surprise resignation of a Conservative Councillor.
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