Andrew George
Promoting the
Politics of Courage
I’m running a positive campaign to restore decency and honesty to our politics. To build a brighter future. To combat those who want us to become more inward-looking, backward-looking, more self-absorbed. I’ll build a campaign for an outward-looking, forward-looking and compassionate country.
We’ve been misled by a privileged clique who’ve irresponsibly played on fears to stoke prejudice. We must get beyond the Brexit chaos they’ve dragged our country into. We must restore the things that matter for the sake of our children’s future – our NHS, our schools and the very sustainability of our planet.
Come and join a growing campaign team. We’re determined to win this seat back this time, to make the difference, to build a brighter future.
Many people say “you politicians are all the same”. That statement has never been more untrue. The choice here is stark:
Andrew George - Standing up for Cornwall
National campaigner, local campaigner, former MP.
Andrew describes his role - "Seeking out the silent voices. Standing up to bullies. Fighting for justice”
Liberal Democrats - Building a brighter future
I finally had success in my effort to summons a Cabinet Office Minister (Dan Jarvis MP) to the Commons to answer questions about Government handling of the consequences of Storm Goretti. But I regret I received what can only be described as an out-of-touch and worryingly complacent response.
I explained that we are used to severe storms, but this was exceptional. The devastation has been considerable.
Many of you have (correctly in my view) told me that if the same level of destruction, service outage, loss of life, and impact on vulnerable people that happened to London or the Home Counties, it would've been national headline news for days, and the Government would've declared a national emergency.
As you will see, the Minister said that only 193 properties remained without power. But my research and contacts with you suggest it’s far worse, still. Utility provider records are still proving to be unreliably optimistic. I hope the wonderful frontline workers who have fine do well helping to restore service will continue to get these numbers down.
But please let me know how it is, email andrew.george.mp@parliament.uk
It's clear the Government should've declared a national emergency last weekend. It's not too late, even now, for Ministers to review that position. I urge them to look behind the self-assured portrayals offered by utility providers and appraise themselves of the seriousness of the situation, and to learn lessons about our country’s worrying lack of resilience to cope when extreme events happen, as they are bound to again with increasing frequency.
I called on our House Speaker to grant me the right to call for a National Emergency response to help communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly after the massive devastation caused by Storm Goretti.
But instead, he’s granted one for East Grinstead, which has been suffering a water outage across 16,500 homes.
Now, I have every sympathy for the beleaguered people of East Grinstead and would never seek to diminish the terrible impact this has had and is having on them. But I’m certain the impact of the devastating storm experienced in Cornwall and on Scilly would dwarf that of the poor folk affected in the South East. Over 50,000 homes have experienced water and/or electricity outages here.
Here’s my letter. The official figures for homes cut off from water and electricity in Cornwall and Scilly are unreliable and, from what I saw and have seen, is worse than the optimism presented by the utility providers. Added to this, many of the areas affected by water or electricity supply outage have not been able to report or communicate because they had no means of doing so, thanks largely to those higher authorities who turned off the previously functioning analogue telephone system, which has proven to be more resilient following these incidents than the much vaunted digital technologies.
Government ministers should come and look at what has happened here. Policy and technology 'advances' have made our communities more dependent and less resilient.
I’ll post water and national grid updates in the comments.
I've been assured that all Electricity and Water will be restored by tomorrow.
My call for a National Emergency triggered a hastily put-together meeting of the Emergency Ministerial Strategic Response Group chaired by Defra Minister Mary Creagh MP this afternoon.
I conveyed the strong message from west Cornwall:
IF THIS HAD HAPPENED IN LONDON OR THE HOME COUNTIES IT WOULD HAVE BEEN HEADLINE NATIONAL NEWS FOR DAYS AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD DECLARE A NATIONAL EMERGENCY!
Senior Energy Security officials assured that most power would be restored by this evening and the few remaining places by tomorrow. South West Water the same.
I expressed extreme scepticism based on what I'd witnessed and been informed by you, the residents having to endure these very difficult circumstances. Though frontline workers are heroically striving to restore our services and deserve much praise, I'm unconvinced this level of devastation can be restored as quickly as managers and ministers claim.
Please keep me informed by responding here. Or email me on andrew.george.mp@parliament.uk
Keep looking out for each other and keep up the good work.
I believe the Storm damage has been far more substantial and long-lasting than first thought. I've spoken to key managers at National Grid and South West Water today and followed up with many residents affected by Storm Goretti, throughout the constituency.
I've now called on the Primeminister and senior Ministers for a national emergency response.
The water supply challenges have been much more substantial than previously understood. Not only was the main supply works taken out of action by power loss, and the replacement generator "developed an unrepairable fault" but the main supply line was substantially damaged by an uprooted tree, which drained the whole system! Repairs have proceeded well, but water supply centres have and are being set up for the many thousands of homes without water. I visited Helston and spoke to Director of Operations for SWW, Sam Bottomley.
Visited other areas including Mawgan Stores, operating without power. Here with Summer and Julie. The village are deeply saddened and in shock following the tragic death of a local man in his 50s who died when a tree fell across his caravan near the village. A regular and cheerful customer at the shop. Our thoughts with his family.
Spoke to many others, including locals at Goldsithney. Thousands without power. Here with one local, Jay, in the main street where a large pine has damaged a cottage and blocked the road. I understand it will be many days arranging and making way for a suitable crane to be brought to site to lift with care and remove.
Many locations still completely cut off. Including at Lelant where power lines and pines make the road completely impassable. Spoke to Stuart here who now cannot get to his house and has to clamber through a neighbour's garden to get to and fro.
Then at Poldhu Nursing Home (former hotel) where much of the roof has been damaged. As it was built by my grandfather over 125 years ago, I just hope it's no longer in its warranty period!
We cannot be sure that all those who have no power and/or water are getting the help they need. So please don't assume. If you're concerned about anyone near you and can offer help please do. Let me know if I can assist.
See vital links in previous posts.
Update:
National Grid has informed me about their "Warm Welcome" at Balwest Methodist Church (TR13 9TE). Though I've just been told and it closes at 12 noon! There's also a Food and drink truck at Marazion Council Car Park (TR17 0DA). That should be open all day.
Water: SWW has explained that the generator at Wendron water treatment works developed an unrepairable fault and had to be replaced. I'm told this was completed by Friday evening. They tell me that "restarting...isn't as simple as just switching it back on":
"For those still without water, when your water returns it may be grey in appearance due to entrapped air, which will clear over time. This is entirely normal, and completely harmless, so please be assured that once your supply is restored your water is safe to drink as normal.
"...Bottled water stations are now open at:
Old Flambards Car Park, Helston, TR13 8BN (W3W: erupted.overjoyed.panthers)
Folly Field Car Park, Marazion, TR17 0EP (unopposed.toward.speedily)"
These are open till 10pm.
They tell me they are delivering bottled water directly to the most vulnerable - "Priority Service customers"
Contact me if you still have needs. I'll do my best to chase.
andrew.george.mp@parliament.uk
Common Platform for Cornwall
