THIS week, I’ve been actively engaged in the fight to stop the cancellation of the much-needed Women and Children’s Hospital at Treliske.

The government’s announcement of a review of the project, which was originally set to bring essential maternity, neonatal, paediatric, and gynaecology services to Cornwall, threatens to leave our region without the healthcare improvements we desperately need. In light of a letter sent to us MPs by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, the future of this new hospital is now under extreme doubt.

I spoke to BBC News to highlight the devastating impact this cancellation would have on families in our constituency and beyond. Along with some of my fellow Liberal Democrat MPs across Devon and Cornwall, we’ve launched a petition urging the Government to reconsider this decision. If you believe in the future of Cornwall’s health services, I encourage you to add your name and help us save this vital project. You can find a link to this petition on my Facebook page, by simply searching ‘Ben Maguire MP’. You will be taken to a Change.org page, where you can sign and add your name.

My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I will be leading the charge on this pressing issue in Parliament when it resumes sitting. This is not just a regional issue, either — ensuring fair treatment and healthcare equity for all will involve the entire party working together, to challenge this Labour government’s decision as best we can. We cannot afford to lose the planned critical medical facilities, and I will continue to fight this potentially disastrous decision.

Now, during this time of parliamentary recess, I’ve taken the opportunity to meet with as many of you across North Cornwall as I can. I held a series of one-on-one constituency surgeries just before the weekend, to discuss local concerns and offer assistance with a range of matters to those who got in touch. The feedback so far has been invaluable, and I’m grateful to everyone who took the time to meet and share their views.

I plan to hold these surgeries regularly, so please feel free to book an appointment for any upcoming surgery if you would like to. My team and I are always here to listen and support whenever we can - and I strongly encourage you to reach out via [email protected] with your name, postcode, and contact details if you’ve something we can assist with.

Lastly, we’ve continued to hear from residents concerned about the ongoing transport issues and the need for better services connecting our rural communities. This is something that will be front and centre for me when Parliament resumes, alongside our ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access. From hospitals to buses, my commitment is to ensure that North Cornwall is not left behind in crucial areas of infrastructure and public services. I hope to meet with the Transport Minister soon, and have already set out my varied agenda to discuss with him to improve our transport links once and for all.

Together, we will continue to make a real difference here in North Cornwall.

Ben Maguire

Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall