Jayne Kirkham on the panel at Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Summit 2025 This month, I attended the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Summit at the Royal Cornwall Showground – a Cornwall-focused event centred on what we need and what we already have. For generations, Cornwall’s economy was built on mining and fishing. These industries brought jobs and wealth to the region but mining particularly declined and although we still have a thriving fishing industry, it is also reduced. We came to rely on seasonal tourism, but as many people here know, this can be a double-edged sword. That is why I am working to unlock investment in mining, clean energy, the creative and digital sectors in line with the Government’s National Industrial Strategy. As well as our small businesses, and the infrastructure that connects them. Business Minister Blair McDougall spoke in his message to the conference of the government’s focus on critical minerals, including the £28 million investment from the National Wealth Fund for South Crofty tin mine and recent investment in Cornish Lithium – reviving local jobs and skills, and building green apprenticeships. Cornwall will be central to the Government’s new Critical Minerals Strategy which will help us access tin, lithium, other valuable minerals and geothermal energy – vital for EVs, batteries, and low-carbon tech. Floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea is another huge opportunity that I am supporting. Cornish companies are already building the components and training apprentices. And our ports have the capacity to be instrumental in the green energy transition. Cornwall has the resources, the talent, and the ambition. This Government will back our growing industries and this is our chance to build a more prosperous future, where people can live, work, and thrive here at home.

This month brings good news for loads of families across Cornwall as free childcare expands to help parents and children. When speaking with local parents, I often hear the same struggle: a lack of affordable, accessible childcare can hold people back from work,  push household budgets to the limit and cause a lot of stress. That is why this change really matters. From now on, up to 5,760 children aged 9 months to 2 years will be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare a week, which is worth up to £7,500 per child, per year. This means more parents can return to work or study without the stress of juggling drop-offs/pick-ups or paying out hundreds each month. Even better, new protections will stop nurseries from charging “top-up” fees for essentials like nappies or meals, so families feel the full benefit. I’ve visited nurseries across the constituency and seen first-hand how vital early years care is — especially for children’s development. I urge all parents to check what support they might now be entitled to here:  childcarechoices.gov.uk . This is just one part of Labour’s plan to support families, alongside free school meals in places like Tregony and St. Francis, better mental health support, and thousands more teachers. We’re easing the cost of living and giving every child a better start.

In the face of horror in the Middle East and the fading prospect of a two-state solution, the UK has now, acting alongside some of our closest allies, officially recognised the state of Palestine. I am glad that the Government has taken this step. The Government continues to support Israel’s right to exist and the security of its people. But the Israeli government must change course: halt its offensive in Gaza, allow humanitarian aid in, and stop illegal settlement expansion. Many constituents ask: what more can we do? In April, I wrote to the Government, urging recognition. Along with Cornwall’s other Labour MPs, I requested further clear economic action on trade and sanctions, with our allies, to put pressure on the Israeli government when the IPC’s report came out. It has taken 75 years to recognise Palestine, after recognising Israel in 1950. In 2025, we affirm both peoples’ right to live in peace, side by side. But recognition is only part of what must be a stronger wider and faster push for peace.

Jayne Kirkham debating in Parliament Good, reliable transport is essential for Cornwall, but with just one rail line, a single road bridge, and limited routes in and out, our connectivity too often falls short. Many residents tell me they’re struggling to get to work, school, or college. And recent cuts to Truro College buses have only made things harder for students. Since the 2015 devolution deal, we have made progress with smart ticketing, growing bus usage, and new council partnerships. But 50% of our public transport still depends on council subsidies, and under the last Government, the south-west had the second lowest transport investment per head in England. We need long-term infrastructure funding to fix our roads, electrify the main rail line, and reopen just 150 yards of freight track in Falmouth, which could take 77 lorries off the road with every train. With over 4,600 miles of rural roads, the £1.6 billion national pothole fund is a welcome start, and must be allocated with regional inequalities in mind. Transport is the backbone of our economy. Cornwall Chamber of Commerce lists connectivity as a top business priority. Whether by rail, road, or air, I will keep pushing in Parliament to make sure Cornwall gets the investment it needs and deserves.

Jayne Kirkham hosting 'Fleasehold' roundtable for residents across Truro & Falmouth Across Truro, Falmouth and surrounding villages, many residents, especially those in newer housing estates, are facing rising service charges, poor communication from managing agents, and little accountability. This month, I hosted a roundtable with local people affected by unfair housing management arrangements, often referred to as “fleasehold.” I heard directly from residents who, after paying for maintenance, are having to chase managing agents to get green spaces maintained or playparks finished.   Many people simply don’t have the time or energy to take on these battles. And shouldn’t have to. That is why I have been pushing these companies locally. But we also need national change, and I welcome the new Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, which aims to make the system fairer and more transparent. Some key reforms include: Mandatory qualifications for managing agents Fairer rules around major works Standardised, transparent budgeting and billing These changes are needed. People deserve safe and well-managed communities without the stress, high service charges and unclear responsibilities. If you’re dealing with unresponsive managing agents, unfair charges, or properties that aren’t being properly looked after, I want to hear from you. I will keep standing up for your housing battles, no matter how big or small the issue may seem: jayne.kirkham.mp@parliament.uk

EV Chargers Coming to Hospitals: Government funding is now available to install electric vehicle chargers at hospitals across the country. Closing the Digital Divide:  Over £9 million in funding has been awarded to charities and councils helping people get online. And we have just launched the £9.5 million Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, empowering local councils, charities, and community organisations to tackle digital exclusion with innovative ideas. For more info, see here. Apply until 10 September at 3:00 pm A Stronger Economy: In the first half of this year, the UK economy grew faster than the USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, a testament to our policies that prioritise stability, investment, and sustainable growth. Restoring Nature: With Natural England, the government’s adviser for the natural environment in England, there have been targeted conservation projects under the £13 million Species Recovery Programme, which have helped revive 150 species across England, such as the rare hawksbeard mining bee. Investing in Youth: We are investing £88 million into a pilot of youth services as part of the new National Youth Strategy — and Cornwall is proudly part of the pilot. This investment will: Upgrade and expand youth services, increase access to extracurricular activities, support young people with safe, offline community connections Standing by Pensioners: The Government has also committed to cementing the Triple Lock for the whole of this Parliament, which is a massive commitment to pensioners in this economic climate. After the policy change, Winter Fuel Allowance will be paid to all pensioners who have an income of under £35,000 this winter: https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

Jayne Kirkham MP with CHWW team The Community Health and Wellbeing Workers (CHWW) programme, piloted in Cornwall since 2023, is a key part of the Health Secretary’s 10-Year Plan for the NHS. It is designed to bring healthcare into communities, especially in rural and coastal areas where access can be limited. Since the launch, 60 Community Health Workers, employed through local charities and supported by Volunteer Cornwall, have been working alongside GP surgeries to support some of the county’s most vulnerable residents. This is a model focused on prevention and early intervention, offering personalised care and support through trusted, long-term relationships. And it’s already showing real results: 90% of residents report improved wellbeing 82% are more likely to attend screenings 47% are more likely to get vaccinated The scheme is seen as a good start to cut pressure on GP services and hospitals. Home visits in some regions have reduced strain on GP services by 7.3% a reason why the Health Secretary is calling for more community health services across the country, especially in rural areas like Cornwall. The impact goes far beyond physical health, tackling issues like debt, loneliness, housing problems, domestic violence, and more. This is the kind of forward thinking, community oriented model we need for the longevity of our NHS, and it has already proven to be working in Cornwall. Read more here

Jayne Kirkham MP with letters from a local school on environmental issues Living by the sea, we know all too well the threat that plastic pollution poses. From bottle tops to packaging, thousands of plastic items wash up on Cornish beaches every year. What was once an occasional inconvenience is now a common occurrence. Local groups like Surfers Against Sewage, Plastic Free Falmouth, and Plastic Free Cornwall are doing great work to raise awareness and clean up our coastlines, ably supported by schoolchildren, who regularly write to me about their concerns and ideas for action. This month, at the EFRA Select Committee, we focused on the UN Global Plastics Treaty, which aims to set legally binding targets to reduce plastic production and transition towards a circular economy based on reuse and refill. After two weeks of negotiations in Geneva, talks ended without a plastics treaty. However, countries rejected a dangerously weak draft that would have protected industry polluters. The UK, praised by Greenpeace, played a leading role in resisting pressure to accept a poor deal and remains committed to continuing negotiations. The UK has emerged as a leader in key areas of the treaty, including proposals relating to Articles on chemicals and products, product design, and emissions and releases. We have also championed measures to ensure the Plastic Treaty address plastic production. Greenpeace worked closely with the UK team during the negotiations, mobilising its global network in support of the UK’s proposals. They have highlighted the EFRA Committee’s intervention as a significant and helpful contribution to progress. Alongside our international efforts, this Government is also taking domestic action: from banning single-use disposable vapes, to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme that cuts waste and promotes recycling. But there is no room for complacency. Global plastic waste is projected to triple by 2060. Plastic manufacturing still outpaces our ability to manage the waste it generates. And many scientists involved in the treaty process have faced pressure and threats for speaking out. There are more levers we can pull.

Only four famines have been declared by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) since it was established in 2004, including in Sudan last year, and now they have declared one in Gaza City. The situation is described as "entirely man-made", and further delays in aid will lead to catastrophic, preventable deaths. While the Israeli government has not accepted the IPC’s findings, the evidence is overwhelming. A man-made famine is not inevitable, and it can be stopped. But only if action is taken immediately. Our Government has already taken diplomatic and economic measures with allies to put pressure on the Government of Israel, these include: Sanctions on certain members of the Israeli Government Suspension of negotiations on a new UK-Israel free trade agreement The announcement of the intention to formally recognise the State of Palestine in September, ahead of the UN General Assembly, unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the crisis, including allowing humanitarian aid, agreeing to a ceasefire, and halting annexation plans in the West Bank. But in the wake of the IPC’s famine declaration and the advancement of the E1 settlement plan, the need for further, stronger action is undeniable. Alongside Cornwall’s four Government MPs, I am calling on the UK Government to: Put further diplomatic pressure on the Israeli government Extend trade restrictions beyond the current suspension of trade talks Impose further sanctions

I have just launched a Parliamentary petition calling on the Government for new swimming facilities for Falmouth, after the town’s only public pool closed in 2022. In a coastal town, swimming is a life skill. Yet Falmouth is now the only Community Area Partnership in Cornwall without a public pool. The impact is already being felt, and at one local primary school, the number of children unable to swim 25 metres has jumped from under 10% to 50%. Without a local pool, schools are having to transport pupils up to 40 minutes away to gain swimming skills, an option that is expensive and unsustainable. Swimming supports physical health, mental wellbeing, and water safety, vital in a town that is shaped by the sea. Every child in Falmouth and the surrounding area deserves access to safe, affordable lessons close to home. ​The petition is open to all residents of the Truro & Falmouth constituency ( check with your postcode here ). It must be signed in person, and physical copies are available across Falmouth and the surrounding areas.​ A full list of signing locations can be found here on my website: Constituency campaigns| Jayne Kirkham MP | Truro & Falmouth Labour Signatures will be collected until the 10th of October, before being formally presented to the Speaker of the House of Commons. If you'd like to help, please email me: jayne.kirkham.mp@parliament.uk

Jayne Kirkham MP viewing the names of 26,380 individuals who died in the Burma Campaign with no known place of rest - Portscatho This month marked 80 years since VJ Day, the end of the Second World War. While Victory in Europe was declared in May 1945, British and Commonwealth soldiers continued to fight Japanese forces across Asia and the Pacific until August. I attended two commemorations: a morning flag-raising in Falmouth and an afternoon service at the Burma Memorial in Portscatho, established by local veteran James Allan to honour 26,380 soldiers with no known grave. What happened as a result of those two world wars and the preservation of the memory of them has helped to keep the spectre of full-blown war in Europe at bay for a long time. Now the ground has shifted. The first duty of a Leader is to keep their country safe. We know from the bitter experience of our grandparents what happens when the security of Europe is breached, and the situation in Ukraine is too loud an echo to ignore. The Prime Minister is right to stand with Ukraine and to rebuild our armed forces after 14 years of cuts. Military spending hasn’t been at 2.5% of GDP since the last Labour government and the lead this Prime Minister is taking in international diplomacy needs a military commitment to match. Europe needs to be able to secure its borders in an uncertain future. Some ask why we continue to mark VJ Day, VE Day, and D Day. Part of it is to remember that trauma. Every year, we are losing the people who can remember. We must take on their memories and remember for them. The horror of what war in Europe can lead to must never be forgotten for the human impact it had, and for the people who had to give up almost their entire generation to stop it.

Jayne Kirkham MP hosting SEND roundtable with parents, carers, and guardians At the start of this Parliament, a group of MPs and I met with the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, to discuss how the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) system was broken, something I saw firsthand as a teaching assistant at Falmouth School. With only 22% of children with SEND currently reaching the expected levels in Maths and English to access further study. This experience is one of the reasons I now serve as Vice-Chair of the f40 Group, an organisation looking at provision across the country for schools and SEND. The Education Secretary made it clear that improving outcomes for children with SEND is a government priority. A White Paper will be published this autumn, and I have been asked to contribute. I am determined to ensure that families in Cornwall have their voices heard in this important national conversation. As part of this, I recently hosted a roundtable with local parents and carers. One of the strongest themes was the exhaustion families feel from having to constantly fight for basic support, with many parents forced to act as full-time advocates rather than just being parents. On the 5 th of September, I will be hosting a second roundtable, this time with local professionals and service providers to ensure those delivering SEND support can also feed into the reforms. If you’re involved in SEND support in Truro or Falmouth and would like to attend, please get in touch at: jayne.kirkham.mp@parliament.uk