Steve Darling MP

A picture of Steve at the event. Steve is holding a sign that reads "I back clean and healthy blue spaces for my constituents"

I attended the Access to Nature drop‑in this week and met with Ben Seal from Paddle UK. We are working on an Early Day Motion to mark the 25th anniversary of the Countryside & Rights of Way Act, a landmark law that gave people the freedom to roam and connect with nature.

Tomorrow’s autumn budget must tackle the cost of living crisis. Cutting energy bills by £90 a year, saving households £270 by 2027, a 5p VAT cut for hospitality, and scrapping the two‑child benefit cap would boost Torbay’s high streets and lift children out of poverty.

A photo of Steve and a number of others at the opening of the Grotto.

🎅✨ I was delighted to open Santa’s Grotto at Fleet Walk on Saturday. Sunrise Rotary’s tradition of 30+ years brings families festive fun with gifts and photos. Open weekends until 18 Dec, then daily to Christmas Eve. Book now: www.fleetwalkshoppingtorquay.co.uk/christmas-gr...

✨ The Bay of Lights returns this Friday, transforming Torbay into a festive wonderland of sparkle, sound and joy. Enjoy dazzling trails, Christmas markets, live performances, fireworks and more. Celebrate community, creativity and kindness across the English Riviera this season.

A graphic summarising some of the work Steve was doing last week.

A quick round up of some of the things I was working on last week 👇

📢 On Wednesday the Chancellor delivers the autumn budget. Torbay needs real support. Lib Dems call for a 5p VAT cut for hospitality and £90 off energy bills, saving households £270 by 2027 through a fair windfall tax on big banks. Torbay deserves a budget that puts people first.

My latest newsletter is out now—catch up on the biggest local updates here:

prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/L...

Don’t miss future editions! Subscribe today at 👉

www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/newsletter

🎄✨ Santa’s Grotto returns to Fleet Walk. Meet Santa, enjoy Toys and Santa’s Workshop, get a gift and photo keepsake. Open weekends until 18 Dec then daily until Christmas Eve. 🎟️ Book now: www.fleetwalkshoppingtorquay.co.uk/christmas-gr...

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…

The latest edition of my weekly e-newsletter is landing very soon—packed with updates, campaigns, and community news you won’t want to miss!

Subscribe now to ensure you never miss a copy: www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/newsletter

New NHS figures show 310 people in the South West died from mouth cancer last year. Regular dental check-ups are vital for early detection — but too many in Torbay can't access a dentist. I've written to NHS England demanding answers on how they plan to fix this.

Steve speaking at the roundtable.

This week I joined the Disability Policy Centre for a roundtable on welfare reform for disabled people and carers. We discussed what must change in the system. Reform must be shaped by lived experience, with dignity, fairness and respect at its core. #WelfareReform #DisabilityRights

Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, thousands of Ukrainian children have been abducted. Yesterday, on World Children’s Day we remembered them and affirmed this truth: their safe return is non-negotiable. Peace is impossible until every child is reunited. I stand with Ukraine.

w4mp | The site for everyone working for an MP Job Title: Constituency Support Officer

I'm hiring a full-time team member to join my Torbay office. You'll help lead local campaigns, build community relationships, and support communications. One weekend day required. If you're passionate about making a difference, apply now: www.w4mpjobs.org/JobDetails.a...

Cold weather | South West Water Read about the little things you can do can help you stay leak-free during the colder months.

With wintry weather forecast across Devon and Cornwall this week, South West Water is urging residents to take simple steps to prevent burst pipes.

Wrap pipes and tanks with lagging, check your stop tap, and look out for leaks.

More advice here: www.southwestwater.co.uk/household/yo...

Yesterday I spoke in Westminster Hall about the Baton of Hope Relay in Torbay and the vital importance of open conversations around suicide. Reducing stigma saves lives—and we must keep challenging silence with compassion, honesty, and action. #SuicidePrevention #BatonOfHope #MentalHealthMatters

Steve at the drop in event. Steve is holding a sign that reads "I support eye care everywhere"

I attended a drop-in meeting with the Association of Optometrists in Parliament to discuss the urgent need for better eye care services in Torbay. With rising demand and underused community optometry, it’s time to commission services like MECS and CUES locally. #EyeCare #Torbay #AOP #NHSReform

Steve at Battersea Dog Home.

Yesterday I visited Battersea Dog & Cats Home, which cared for over 5,000 animals in 2024. Their vets performed 4,019 ops, including 110 BOAS surgeries to help flat-faced dogs breathe. I’m proud to support efforts to end harmful breeding practices. #AnimalWelfare #BOAS #Battersea #RescuePets

Yesterday in UK Parliament I met Windracers CEO Simon Muderack to discuss their ULTRA drone—used in Ukraine with MoD support. With 1000km range and 150kg payload, it’s transforming frontline logistics. I’ll keep pushing for more UK support. #Windracers #SupportUkraine #DefenceTech

A graphic that reads #tickthebox "Get the right support at university or college"

This National Care Leavers Month, I'm encouraging care leavers to tick the box on their UCAS form when applying for college or university to say they've spent time in care. This helps ensure they receive the support they're entitled to, from financial help to wellbeing services.

Torquay has won Gold at the National Britain in Bloom Awards, announced in Brighton last month! Huge thanks to our volunteers, SWISCo, and community groups for making our town shine with creativity, colour, and care. #Torquay #BritainInBloom #CommunityPride 🌸🌿

New NHS figures show 310 people in the South West died from mouth cancer last year. Regular dental check-ups are vital for early detection — but too many in Torbay can't access a dentist. I've written to NHS England demanding answers on how they plan to fix this.

A graphic summarising some of the work Steve was doing last week.

A quick round up of some of the things I was working on last week 👇

Visited the Salvation Army in Torquay to hear about their Christmas Toy Appeal. Last year they helped 260 children in Torbay. Donate a toy by Dec 5 or give online by searching Torquay or Paignton. Thanks to Matthew and volunteers for spreading joy. www.salvationarmy.org.uk

Every Pair Tells a Story:Standing Together for SEND Reform Despite the colder weather and darker nights, I remain undeterred in my commitment to work tirelessly as your MP and be your voice in Westminster. Winter may be drawing in, but my focus on delivering...

My latest newsletter is out now—catch up on the biggest local updates here:

prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/L...

Don’t miss future editions! Subscribe today at 👉

www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/newsletter

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…

The latest edition of my weekly e-newsletter is landing very soon—packed with updates, campaigns, and community news you won’t want to miss!

Subscribe now to ensure you never miss a copy: www.torbaylibdems.org.uk/newsletter

A photo of Steve Darling MP with Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper MP and Emma McClarkin (serving Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association)

🍻 This week I joined calls for an emergency VAT cut to support Torbay’s pubs, restaurants, venues, and hotels. A reduction from 20% to 15% would help lower costs, boost footfall, and protect jobs.

Thanks to the British Beer and Pub Association for hosting a great event to launch the policy.

A photo of Steve and Jennie at the event. Steve is holding a sign that reads "End the cage age for laying hens"

I joined MPs and campaigners in Westminster to support ending cages for UK hens. Around 7 million hens still live in cramped conditions. With 75% of Brits backing change, it's time to act. I fully support calls to End the Cage Age.

Holiday activity and food programme (HAF) Find out about the holiday activities and food programme

🎄 Bookings are now open for Torbay’s Christmas 2025 Healthy Holidays clubs. Fun, food, and friendship for kids across Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham. Free places for those on benefits-related free school meals, plus paid options available. Full details: www.torbay.gov.uk/holiday-acti...

I’ve written to the Home Secretary urging them to stop plans to close Torquay’s custody suite. This move risks public safety, delays justice, and stretches local policing. Torbay deserves better. #Torbay #Policing #PublicSafety #CustodySuite

As someone who has been campaigning in support of the WASPI women for many years, It’s welcome news that the government is now rethinking its earlier decision to not compensate the WASPI women. This week I urged the Secretary of State to meet with campaigners and finally deliver a fair deal.