Newspaper Column – The Cornishman – 01/06/26

• I’m enormously grateful to the hundred people who attended my Public Meeting in Penzance last weekend. Excellent contributions, questions and suggestions. 

My normally red-hot inbox has become an inferno since my name came out in the Private Members’ Bill ballot.  

Though I’ve narrowed down the range of topics, it’s difficult to turn down others to choose just one. It would be much easier for me if the ballot had been to become PM and deliver a whole Kings Speech of parliamentary Bills. There are so many good causes to fight for.  

I’ve a few more days before I must choose, complete the details and work with parliamentary draftswomen/men to prepare a Bill which will withstand scrutiny and win support across the House of Commons this autumn.  

The result of last weekend’s ballot was: (weighted vote) 

1st – Affordable Housing Bill (874) 

2nd – Nature & National Security Bill (580) 

3rd – First Homes before Second Homes Bill (443) 

4th – Palliative Care Standards Bill (287) 

5th – Ancient Woodland Protection Bill (137) 

6th – End Violence (Women & Children) Bill (118) 

7th – Terminally Ill (Adults) Dying Bill (111) 

8th – Marine Mammals Protection Bill (67) 

9th – End Trade with Illegal Settlements Bill (41) 

10th – Enhanced Devolution Bill (40) 

However, this event was just a snapshot. There’s still time for more comments and advice. I’m also going to Ministers and Government Whips this week. You can contact me at andrew.george.mp@parliament.uk   

 

• It’s shocking that South West Water refused to supply bottled water or bowsers to villages with water cut-off during a heat wave. In recent months, residents and businesses in Nancledra, Carbis Bay, Halsetown, Cripplesease, Towednack and surrounding areas have been repeatedly left without water supply. More than 30 reported outages so far this year. Some homes have been effectively left without water (or with low pressure, meaning a bare trickle) for 5 days. Some businesses had to hire portaloos at their own expense, just to keep businesses going. 

South West Water has been slow to react, though torrents of excuses have been on tap. They say the problem is due to a fault at a local pumping station, combined with strain on their network. But the truth is, they’ve known for some time that this part of the system was vulnerable — and they failed to act before things reached this point. South West Water seems unconcerned about the further reputational damage. Now, they’re promising to correct the problem, but why has it taken so long? 

This problem must be properly fixed. Our communities deserve a reliable water supply, clear communication, and a company that takes responsibility when things go wrong. 

They’ve agreed to attend a public meeting I’ve called, but haven’t yet agreed on a date. If you’ve been affected, please contact me — your experiences help strengthen the case for action.