“I don’t know why you bother. You’ll never change anything”, is the sort of refrain campaigners often hear from those who’ve become world-weary and cynical about the whole political process. But I disagree. I admit, it isn’t easy to change things for the better (nor should it be, otherwise we’d risk living in a world of excessive political turmoil!) but MPs have the power of influence, and a full suite of parliamentary tools. The most effective is that of persuasion, through making a strong case.

I’m pleased to be able to note a wide range of parliamentary successes which I can reasonably claim to have been largely, substantially, or at least partly the result of my efforts. From the creation of a watchdog to protect suppliers from the bully-boy tactics of supermarket buyers, to saving the Penzance to Paddington sleeper service or the official recognition of the Cornish language and people.

This week I congratulated a former Minister who literally put down his pre-prepared speaking notes in a debate with me 24 years ago, undertook a government U-turn, agreed with me and then proposed to work with me to affect the very change I had campaigned for but had previously been rebuffed. In this case it was regarding the removal of the unjustifiable 50 per cent council tax discount for second homeowners. The Minister was Chris Mullin, and I remember well the open-mouthed civil servants behind him metaphorically throwing their pencils in the air in protest at his unexpected reversal! All can be found in my debate on “holiday and second homes regulation” (October 23, 2024).

The campaign I’ve been leading for housing justice is not motivated by the politics of envy. We need change that puts first homes before second homes.

In this week’s Commons debate I called on the Minister to end subsidies for holiday homes and to regulate second homes more effectively. My priority is housing justice. Despite past successes, much remains to be done.

The previous government gave £500 million in taxpayer money in the last decade to holiday homeowners in Cornwall alone. The new government has an opportunity to save money and invest in housing for locals.

When the Conservatives privatised water, they created risk-free companies with a license to print money and armed them with excuses to ignore environmental regulation.

This week, I urged the Environment Secretary to hold them accountable. To strengthen corporate governance and to install an independent community environmental champion on each Board.

I was elected by my MP colleagues to the Commons Health Select Committee, where I'll advocate for the restoration of our NHS, mental health and care services. Parliamentary select committees provide MPs with an opportunity to stand aside from the tribalism and political affray and work together to secure constructive progress.

The government's NHS reform consultation is welcome. Immediate action is essential to avert further decline. Restoring staff morale and retention is crucial. Shifting care “from hospital to home” can’t be delivered without enough qualified front-line clinicians.

Andrew George

Liberal Democrat MP for St Ives