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Steve Darling MP

@stevedarlingmp.bsky.social
690 followers 18 following 1K posts

Member of Parliament for Torbay | Liberal Democrat | For casework and policy questions email: steve.darling.mp@parliament.uk members.parliament.uk/member/5066

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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 13h
Andy Burnham has announced his plans to fix social care, which will need to be voted on at the next election. Families struggling with a broken social care system cannot afford to wait until then, and social care reform cannot be funded from the pockets of our poorest pensioners.
Ed Davey's letter to the Prime Minister on fixing social care Second page of letter
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 16h
There should be criminal penalties for water bosses, not just an £8 million fine for South West Water. South West Water have now received a record fine of £8 million for over 500 spills across Devon and Cornwall. But water companies cannot continue to pay their way out of overseeing destruction.
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 18h
My dedicated team and I were delighted to be able to help a constituent who had moved properties and was still charged by the Council for Council tax at her previous property. Thankfully, we were able to secure a full refund and confirmation she would not be charged for future months.
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 19h
With nearly 1,500 parkruns across the country, I am pleased to see the success of one of the UK's newest, Cockington Court Parkrun in Torquay. Parkruns are a friendly 5k community event, inviting people to run, jog or walk 5k around a local park. The runs are at 9am every Saturday.
parkrun.org.uk
https://www.parkrun.org.uk/cockingtoncourt/
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The independent pharmacy industry needs urgent support. Currently, 70% of businesses are using personal funds to cover expenses. Last week, I spoke to Lisa Dowrick, independent business owner of Dowrick's Chemists, and Leah Wolf of Community Pharmacy Devon.
Steve and Lisa at the pharmacy
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Have you been having problems getting your mail through the post? I'm now taking this up with the regulator, after writing to the Minister and Royal Mail, and I will be working with the unions. I am not satisfied with Royal Mail's response so far.
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Last winter, the custody suite at Torquay Police Station was under threat. I campaigned hard along with many of you to save our custody suite, and was delighted when these plans were halted. I'm now delighted to share with you that Devon and Cornwall Police plan to invest in the custody suite.
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Ladies Lounge is a support group for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault in Torbay. After attending one of their regular meetings I was struck by the amazing work they do, sometimes providing the only form of help or family to survivors.
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Kent's Cavern is an archaeological gem that should be better known in Torbay and nationally. Last week I met with Rob Cox from Tutor Hotels, the group responsible for the state of the art work at Bodmin Jail, who have similar plans for Kent's Cavern.
Steve and Rob Cox from Tutor Hotels
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Businesses in Torbay have serious concerns about the newly announced tourism tax. I will be continuing to press the government to reconsider this damaging tax. At my Business Community Meeting at TQ Beerworks this week, I shared an update on what might be in the next budget.
Steve with business leaders at TQ Beerworks
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Issues over planning applications and anti-social behaviour came up during my constituency surgery in Paignton this week. I am always happy to meet constituents and to solve their issues. If you have a problem, please do not hesitate to email me at steve.darling.mp@parliament.uk. #Torbay
Steve Darling and a member of staff
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
If you want to learn more about events in our community or are interested in politics, you can do both by signing up for my weekly email newsletter. Inside, you'll find extra details on what's been happening in politics this week: www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/newsletter
torbaylibdems.org.uk
Steve Darling MP Newsletter - Torbay Liberal Democrats
Sign up below for weekly email updates from Steve Darling MP. These updates include information on Steve's work for Torbay this week, local news, and other important local topics. Steve's newsletter…
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Mount Olivet Care Home do incredible work caring for residents. They have built a word-of-mouth reputation for being one of the best care providers, and have just been nominated for a national care home award and Nurse Manager Jodie Nelder has been nominated for a Queens Nurse Award.
Steve Darling MP with staff from Mount Olivet
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
I was pleased to meet with Alistair Handyside, Chair of PASC UK (Professional Association of Self Caterers) and Chair of the South West Tourism Alliance, and Ben Spier, Director of PASC UK, at Liberal Democrat Party Conference to discuss the potentially damaging tourist tax and support for tourism.
Steve Darling MP and Jennie, Alistair Handyside and Ben Spier
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Teachers are integral to a child's development. The government urgently needs to support teachers. At Liberal Democrat Party Conference, I was pleased to meet the NEU. We also discussed the SEND white paper and the impact this could have on Torbay's already failing provision.
Steve Darling MP meeting with the NEU (National Education Union) at Conference
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Torbay has only 152 MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certified heat pumps, ranking 520th out of all UK constituencies. At Liberal Democrat Party Conference, I met with the MCS Foundation to discuss this statistic and what can be done by the Government to help households.
Steve Darling MP and Jennie, meeting with the MCS Foundation at Liberal Democrat Party conference, holding a sign saying "Lower Energy Prices"
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Successive governments have denied WASPI Women the justice they are due. I have long supported the WASPI campaign, so I was pleased to attend their stall at Conference. I will continue to fight for WASPI women and push the Government to finally give them the compensation they deserve.
Steve Darling MP with WASPI campaigners at Liberal Democrat Conference
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Torbay Council currently charges £8000 to install and maintain a commemorative bench for 25 years (and £12,000 in some locations). Sign my petition for a new fairer memorial bench policy. www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/campaigns/me... #Torbay #Torquay #Paignton #torbayweekly #TorbayHour #BoostTorbay
torbaylibdems.org.uk
Memorial Benches - Torbay Liberal Democrats
Conservative-run Torbay Council have imposed extortionate charges for memorial benches to commemorate family, friends and community champions who have sadly passed away. Friends and family of Holly…
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Too many people in this country are struggling with their water bills. Independent Age are currently running a petition for more affordable water bills with a fair water social tariff. You can sign their petition here: campaigns.independentage.org/page/187255/... #Water #Bills
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Excited to hold my next meeting with local businesses this Thursday, ahead of next month's budget. Many great local business leaders have already signed up to attend, so if you are missing an invite and want to come, please email steve.darling.mp@parliament.uk
the poster reads english riviera business community pre budget meeting, Steve Darling MP, 24th September 2026 5:15-6:30pm to get the location RSVP to steve.darling.mp@parliament.uk
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Active Devon work to widen access to sports and leisure facilities for some of the most deprived communities in our Bay. It was a pleasure to showcase their work to the Minister for Tourism and Sports last week.
Steve and the Minister with others from Active Devon
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The Torbay Business Network gathers businesses together to discuss ideas and voice concerns. At last week's Torbay Business Network lunch I discussed the fact that many businesses are struggling to employ young people with Ben Pountney from South Devon College.
Steve and Debbie from RNLISteve speaking at the business network
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Surfers Against Sewage, Paddle UK, Rewilding Britain and the Marine Conservation Society do an amazing job of keeping our beaches clean and keeping people safe, both across the country and in Torbay. This Liberal Democrat Conference I enjoyed participating in a Beach Clean in Brighton.
Steve with a large group of people on the beach holding a banner which reads end sewage pollutionSteve engaged in the beach clean
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Torbay on the Move supports and encourages Torbay residents to be more physically active. Alongside the Minister for Tourism and Sports I met with Active Devon, Sports England, Torbay Council and Healthscape CIC recently to speak about promoting sports in Torbay.
Steve and the others members of Torbay Sport with the minister
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
It was a privilege to join the Carers Trust panel at Lib Dem Autumn Conference to discuss Securing Fair Futures for Young Carers. My sons grew up as young carers supporting my wife and I is registered blind, so this is an issue that is very personal to me. Young carers deserve far more support.
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Laurence Traverso owns and operates Torquay Coastal Gin. TCG is the only operating gin distillery in the Bay Area. Laurence's gin is exported all around the world, from Edinburgh to Tokyo. I spoke to Laurence last week about the tax burden on small producers.
Steve and Laurence Traverso
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The roadworks on Dartmouth Road have caused chaos for many across Torbay. After many residents raised this issue with me, I contacted Torbay Council and Stagecoach about this, which is why I am pleased to see that these roadworks will be postponed next Wednesday until the October Half Term.
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
This year Torbay has seen growth in its tourism economy; however we are still not back to pre-Covid levels. After inviting the Minister for Tourism, Stephanie Peacock, to visit Torbay, I was delighted to welcome the Minister to Babbacombe Downs.
Steve, Minister Stephanie Peacock, Roger and Alistair Handyside
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
EF International Language Campus and the students that they bring here is a big part of what makes Torbay special. As a child I remember seeing children with EF bags around Torbay. Yesterday I visited EF to discuss the importance of giving young people a positive learning experience away from home
Steve with staff from EF
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
NHS dentists, buses in Torbay and SEND provision all feature in my weekly newsletter which goes out this afternoon. Sign up here to find out more... www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/newsletter
torbaylibdems.org.uk
Steve Darling MP Newsletter - Torbay Liberal Democrats
Sign up below for weekly email updates from Steve Darling MP. These updates include information on Steve's work for Torbay this week, local news, and other important local topics. Steve's newsletter…
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Jamie Rees went into cardiac arrest when he was 18 on New Year's Day in 2022. Sadly, a defibrillator was locked behind a school door and Jamie did not get help in time. Police cars are often the first responders and Jamie's mother Naomi has been campaigning to make police vehicles carry defibs.
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Roadworks in Churston are causing chaos on the number 12 bus route. We need Torbay Council to step up and sort this out as a matter of urgency before Stagecoach end up potentially withdrawing the number 12 route beyond Paignton. #Stageacoach #Bus #Torbay #Torquay #Paignton #torbayweekly
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Thank you to the over 1000 of you who signed my petition calling for more NHS dental appointments in Coastal Communities and a reform of the broken NHS Dental Contract. This week I presented my petition and pressed the government to use a flexible commissioning approach to meet patient needs.
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
It's chaos on the buses. Many people are waiting more than an hour for the number 12 bus and then several are turning up at the same time. This is due to roadworks in the Churston area. I have written to Torbay Council and Stagecoach to sort this out as the current delays are unacceptable.
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Many residents in Torbay do not feel safe on public transport. If you feel unsafe on public transport and want to share your experience, my team and I are there to help, please do not hesitate to email me at steve.darling.mp@parliament.uk. #Buses #Stagecoach #Torbay #Torquay #Paignton
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
As someone who has experienced SEND provision myself, attending the West of England School for Children with Little or No Sight, I know how important it is not to force children into mainstream education using a 'one size fits all' approach.
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Those visiting Torbay already pay double the VAT rate compared with visitors to France, Italy, and Spain. With the Cost of Living Crisis ongoing, now is not the time for a tourism tax. Today I asked the Minister what assessment has been made of the impact of the tax.
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Less than 1 in 2 people in the UK say it is easy to access in-person banking where they are, and 4 in 10 have been unable to do a banking service they want to in-person. Last week I met with the Post Office to discuss amendments to the Financial Services and Markets Bill which would support them.
Steve and a member of the team at the Post Office
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
What would you do with £72 million? Reform are using it to buy the next election, with two £36 million donations both from Crypto billionaires with overseas ties. I believe there should be no donation without taxation. #Reform #Donations
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Too many people in this country can't afford the essentials. With the charity Trussell, I discussed potential solutions such as tailored support to help people into work. #Trussell #CostofLiving #Torbay #Torquay #Paignton #torbayweekly #TorbayHour #BoostTorbay #brixham #CommunityMatters
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
After raising the poor SEND provision in Torbay and the Conservative-run Torbay Council's refusal to engage with my team in the House of Commons last week, I have written to the Speaker of the House of Commons to raise this issue.
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
The Tower Block at Torbay Hospital needs major investment to ensure it is safe for staff and patients. On the 5th of February this year, I backed Torbay Hospital's bid for funding to improve facilities. Last week in Parliament I asked the Health Secretary again about this funding. #TorbayHospital
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Sepsis is a medical emergency that affects over 245,000 people every year in the UK. But knowing the signs, and acting fast, can save lives. If you’re worried about someone now, use the UK Sepsis Trust’s Sepsis Tool for guidance on what to do. You can find it here: sepsis-assessment.onlinegp.co
A graphic which reads Sepsis claims 5 lives an hour in the UK
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Hospices, like Rowcroft in Torbay, play an integral role in supporting and caring for many in our community, giving people comfort and support in the later stages of their lives. This is why I was pleased to table a Parliamentary Motion (EDM) 769 on Support for Hospices.
edm.parliament.uk
Support for hospices - Early Day Motions - UK Parliament
That this House recognises the important work that hospices do for local communities across the United Kingdom, in particular in providing comfort and support to patients and families in end-of-life…
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Much love was shown to the Tessier Gardens Fundraiser at Furrough Cross Church today! The fact that they ran out of raffle tickets demonstrates the overwhelming levels of support.
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
A very enthusiastic campaign team out in Shiphay today, supporting our two new candidates for the elections next May. Conversations included sorting out Torquay Town centre, stopping Reform and supporting our NHS. #Torbay #Torquay #Paignton #torbayweekly #TorbayHour #BoostTorbay
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Torbay has nearly double the percentage of students receiving SEND support compared to the national average. My colleague Chris Coughlan MP has been a strong campaigner on this issue, and he hosted a meeting with Save Our Children’s Rights.
Steve Darling MP meeting with Save Our Children's Rights
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
If you are comfortable with basic IT tools such as email, share the values of the Liberal Democrats, and can offer a minimum of around ten hours a week to volunteer, we would be delighted to hear from you. An introductory email to me at; steve.darling.mp@parliament.uk is all it takes!
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Families across Torbay struggle to secure the Special Educational Needs and Disability support their children need. I asked the Conservative Council Leader to allow my office to discuss cases with officers. This request was refused. I raised the matter in the HoC. #Torbay #send #education
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Ahead of today's upcoming vote on Assisted Dying, please find attached a letter outlining my voting intentions.
The first page of Steve Darling's letter stating his intention to vote against the Assisted Dying BillThe second page of Steve Darling's letter stating his intention to vote against the Assisted Dying Bill
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