Newspaper Column – The Voice – 01/07/26

 

• I’ve previously warned about the consequences of the feverish, rolling-news environment in which the upper tier of politics is now managed. Prime Ministerial shelf-life is speculated about like premiership football managers, and seems to begin almost as soon as they take office.  

If the Burnham coronation goes to plan, he’ll have to use his brief honeymoon well, because he won’t get long. Though I haven’t shared Keir Starmer’s politics, and have strongly disagreed with many of his and his Chancellor’s policy choices, I have respected his integrity when compared with his predecessors over the past decade.  

He has generally called the international challenges right and handled his duties with care, including the delicate child-minding of the UK’s relationship with the US President. Politics is a brutal business, but he deserved better treatment from his own side. I suspect history will be kinder. 

 

• On the 10th anniversary of Brexit, I have been reflecting on the past decade. I viewed the referendum as a test of UK self-confidence. In the event, our choice demonstrated a lack of it—that we saw ourselves as rule-takers rather than leaders. 

I accepted at the time there was potential to “take back control”, for example, of fish stocks, but even that hasn’t materialised. Indeed, it’s worse—we’re now outside the rooms where decisions are made and have less influence.  

All authoritative sources agree that the economy has suffered, now estimated to be 6–8% smaller than it would have been. Trade and growth have been dragged down, investment cut, and opportunities—especially for younger people—reduced.  

Cornwall has also lost decades of EU support, with promises of replacement funding proving hollow. I respect those who voted Leave, but I do blame those who led that campaign. Their claims and tactics have left us poorer and weaker. 

 

• Closer to home, transport, housing and post-16 education dominated my recent visit to the Isles of Scilly. Arriving on the Scillonian through swirling mist, it was the warmth of islanders which cut through the gloom.  

There was real excitement about the new freight ship, Menawethan, and plans for Scillonian IV. Yet the cost and resilience of transport remain hotly disputed, and I continue to press Ministers following my recent parliamentary debate on this.  

I met councillors, businesses and campaigners, and saw progress on new homes for islanders—protected, affordable and energy efficient. Work to improve the offer for post-16 students is also moving forward. 

 

• Finally, I want to pay tribute to Stephen Hall. He would be so proud of all who continue to make Golowan and Mazey Day so special. A founding force behind its revival, his creativity and love of our heritage shaped the festival we see today. His legacy lives in every smile and burst of colour on our streets. Proper job.