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Steve Darling MP

@stevedarlingmp.bsky.social
699 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 · 3m
Having spent more than 30 years serving the people of Torbay, my regular MP surgeries continue to be a great way of hearing and talking through with people challenges in their lives. This morning we heard from people who were facing difficulties as a family and cuts in services to most vulnerable.
Steve Darling MP and caseworker Isabella sitting at desk smiling, ready to help.
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 21h
Therapeutic Support Services do an amazing job running the Parent's Support Hub at Parkfield. The Hub is a place for parents whose children have severe mental health challenges to come and get support from other parents who are experiencing the same thing.
Steve with the team and parents at the support hubSteve with a support dog sitting on him
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 16/10/2026
It was a pleasure to visit Lift Barton Hill Primary School to present the newly elected student representatives from each class with their certificates. Student leaders at the school take on the voices of their classes and talk to teachers about the things that matter to them.
Steve with the student reps with their certificatesThe student reps are cuddling Jennie!
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
Torbay Hospital needs urgent investment. Now that a fire safety notice has been served on the Tower Block, the government cannot wait any longer. Sign my petition here for the government to bring forward the rebuild of the Hospital. www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/campaigns/ho... #TorbayHospital #NHS
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
Police cars are often the first emergency response vehicle at the scene, but are not always equipped with life saving equipment, such as defibrillators. I have been working with the OurJay Foundation for Jamie’s Law, which would require every police vehicle to carry a defibrillator.
Steve's parliamentary motion expressing alignment with the recommendation that all emergency vehicles should be fitted with defibs
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Torbay Hospital has been issued a notice that it is unsafe by the Fire Service and the Care Quality Commission. Today I reiterated my plea for £8 million urgently and to avoid services moving out of Torbay and South Devon, and asked the Minister to meet with me again to discuss this.
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Torbay Hospital has now received a fire enforcement notice in relation to floors 4 to 8 of the main Tower Block, and a warning notice from the CQC. The government’s failure to adequately invest in the Hospital has created this disaster. That’s why I have written again to the Health Secretary.
Steve's letter to the Health Secretary with Caroline and Martin
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
After a six year investigation the Parliamentary Ombudsman concluded that 1950s-born women suffered unjust failures to inform them of State Pension age changes. But two and a half years later, those affected are still campaigning for justice.
The letter Steve signed urging the government to meet with the WASPI campaigners
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Cockington Court is one of our gems that makes Torbay so special. We have real concerns about proposals from the Conservative Run Council to effectively privatise Cockington Court. www.torbay.gov.uk/news/pr9576/ www.torbay.gov.uk/DemocraticSe... (pages 15-22)
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
The government have announced funding for apprenticeships in areas with elected mayors, but in Torbay and across Devon and Cornwall we do not have a directly elected mayor, so our young people will be unable to benefit from this scheme.
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Last week, Active Devon organised a Torbay on the Move Network Day to tackle Youth Unemployment. I was delighted to meet with Hannah Worth from Active Devon, along with Local Motion and the Coastal Navigators' Network.
Steve and Hannah Worth
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
I was honoured to speak at the Medics' Annual General Meeting at Torbay Hospital on Friday. I focused on the wonderful culture the staff have at the Hospital, one of compassion and support for colleagues and patients, as I hear from residents across Torbay.
Steve speaking at the AGM
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
It’s very sad for me that 12 months ago the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust was here who looked after the crown jewels of Torbay. How disappointing they are no longer with us however, apple day continues to be an incredible community event. #Torbay #Torquay #Paignton #torbayweekly #TorbayHour
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Occombe farm has long been an amazing community asset. It is important that kids and adults in Torbay have access to this space. Earlier this week, I met with the team at new owners Greendale to discuss their exciting new offer planned for the farm, including a new farm shop soon to open.
Steve at Occombe farm with Cllr Swithin Long and Paul, Rowan and Tom from the farm
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Torbay Chess Club is held every Tuesday 6pm to 9pm at the Anchor in Paignton Harbour. I visited this week and spoke about the importance of chess in improving thinking and analytical skills, as well as the community the chess club provides. All skill levels and ages are welcome at the club.
Steve speaking with members of the chess clubSteve outside the chess club
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
I am now running a petition calling on the government and Torbay Council to reduce waiting times for identifying, assessing and meeting children's needs. You can sign here: www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/campaigns/se...
Children in a school
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
The Scouts are an amazing institute, helping to build a strong community of young people. I know both my sons benefitted hugely from being part of the scouts and still have many close friends from there. This week I visited the Cub Scouts at 6th Torbay Britannia Sea Scouts.
Steve at the Cub Scouts
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Getting out and speaking with residents on their doorsteps is one of my favourite parts of representing Torbay. Earlier this week, I joined other Liberal Democrats to speak with residents in Cockington. Sign up to my newsletter: www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/newsletter
Steve Darling MP his guide dog Jennie, canvassing with Liberal Democrats
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
A student's academic work is their own intellectual property and must not be used without their consent to train artificial intelligence systems. I have co-signed Tom Gordon's letter to the Secretary of State for Education to stop students from being forced to feed their work into AI training models
Page 1 of a letter from Tom Gordon to the Secretary of State for Education regarding the Protection of students' intellectual property and AI training.Page two of a letter from Tom Gordon to the Secretary of State for Education regarding the Protection of students' intellectual property and AI training.Page three of a letter from Tom Gordon to the Secretary of State for Education regarding the Protection of students' intellectual property and AI training.
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
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...
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Devon Air Ambulance do lifesaving work, but they are currently limited by the facilities they are working from. I have joined MPs across Devon in writing to the government to ask them to support Devon Air Ambulance's plans for a new combined Headquarters and Airbase at Exeter Airport.
This is the letter asking the government to help with the air ambulance new headquarters
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Have you experienced delays with your post? Help me take this up with the regulator by sharing your experiences in the following survey... www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/campaigns/ro... #post #Torbay #Torquay #Paignton
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Congratulations to Jess Ellis, winner of the Carer of the Year award at the Torbay Community Champion Awards 2026. It was a delight to sponsor the awards once again. As someone who is registered blind, alongside my wife, carers are very close to my heart.
Jess receiving her award on stage
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
My next business roundtable is on 30th October, just a couple days after this year’s Budget. If you are keen to attend please email me at steve.darling.mp@parliament.uk. #Business #Torbay
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Mount Olivet in Paignton has been nominated for a several awards, including Care Home of the Year and Registered Nurse of the Year. Jodie, the Registered Manager, has also been nominated for a Queens Nurse Award. Congratulations to the amazing team at Mount Olivet.
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Gaia on Winner Street in Paignton is a non-profit CIC community cafe. The pavements outside are still open despite the roadworks, so head down to Gaia to check out their long list of community projects, including a suspended coffee scheme where people can buy a coffee for someone else. #Paignton
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Steve Darling MP @stevedarlingmp.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
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 · 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 · 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
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
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
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 · 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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