When I was elected in July, I stood on a platform of three pledges: bring jobs and prosperity back to Cornwall, fight for homes for local people, and revitalising our towns.

Now Parliament is back in session, I was able to ask questions to the Government to start to bring about positive change for Cornwall.

Firstly, I’ve been concerned about the impact the state of the UK finances could have on lower income pensioners and workers. I’m pleased our Government is prioritising economic stability and, like many, support the Winter Fuel Allowance going to those who most need it, but I want to make sure that steps are being taken to prevent low-income pensioners and workers from shouldering further burdens , as a I raised in my Parliamentary question to Treasury colleagues last Tuesday.

I was glad to hear as part of the Government’s response that we are extending the housing support fund in England, which has been worth £9 million to Cornwall per annum. This fund is used by local authorities to support the most vulnerable households to cover the costs of essentials such as food, energy and water.

The expected £400 uplift thanks to our guaranteeing of the triple lock cannot come soon enough, nor can our Government’s action to bring down energy bills. But there is still further to go to put more pounds in the pockets of working people and those who have worked hard all their lives. I will continue to make constructive suggestions to colleagues in both the Treasury and on our Industrial Strategy – my bread and butter from my life before politics – to turn this newly steadied ship towards growth and, in turn, lead prosperity for Cornish families. Secondly, I wanted to ensure that the Cornish housing crisis is high on the agenda of this Government.

Last week, I was able to raise the issue of degree-level apprenticeships in Cornwall. Cornwall has an abundant supply of critical minerals that could serve to boost Cornish and UK competitiveness in the clean energy industry. But we need to be investing in jobs and skills that allow us to take full advantage of what our land has to offer. That’s why I want to see the creation of degree-level apprenticeships training people in critical minerals industries across Cornwall and it’s why I chose to make my Maiden Speech in the debate on the Great British Energy Bill.

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