PHILIP'S BELIEFS AND AIMS

I have always been interested in my local community and indeed my worldwide community. I believe that we should help those less able than ourselves and where there is a desperate need, we should address that need swiftly.

However, where possible I do believe that the effort of the individual is important so that it is also for us to try to facilitate self- help, rather than simply taking a view that State help is there so it is no longer our concern. In this way, we encourage individuals and societies to respond and encourage them to develop themselves and for their own benefit and reward.

If we care about our communities, we want to do something about them to try and make them better both for society at large but also in being able to help individuals with their problems. Having opportunity to influence legislation and moral direction by being a Member of Parliament is an awesome responsibility. Rather than criticise politicians and the negatives we see, I have chosen to raise my head above the parapet to improve our collective lot. Some people believe that they should not become involved in politics yet for me, it is imperative that I have the strength of a faith behind me to give me direction and to be able to provide influence to governments of the day.

The economic principles of freedom and enterprise make the Conservative Party the natural choice for me and support of the individual in his endeavours against an overbearing State is where my principles lie. Likewise, I believe in support for small institutions and voluntary groups, finding me most at home in the Conservative Party as opposed to a grand Socialist vision of State involvement and control in almost every aspect of our lives and taxation at such oppressive levels that enterprise, employment and initiative are stifled.

I believe our traditions, history, experience and instincts together give testament to a belief that individual effort and responsibility for our actions provide the best way to improve our collective situation, helping to make the private sector able to generate enough wealth to fund all of the public commitments we have.

I have a strong belief in family life and traditional values. I am passionate about North Devon, our beautiful countryside and the heritage of this area, its ways and people.

Recent campaign issues have included both national and local issues: 

I believe there should be changes in the way care for the elderly is funded and I know many that I speak to locally share these concerns.  It is a regular issue with pensioners we meet when out canvassing, people that having worked hard all of their lives and paid their taxes, that all they have worked for will go in paying for their care should they no longer be able to look after themselves.  Indeed some are frightened to spend what they do have in case it is needed for long term care.

Another cause for concern has been the recent changes that our current Government has made to the way Housing Benefit is paid.  This is creating considerable difficulties for those who are either on low income or without work in our community and is reducing the housing options available to them and placing them in greater danger of being made homeless.  This was highlighted by the time I spent with D J Pebbles on Combe Martin Beach quite recently.  D J is using his artistic talents to create sculptures from pebbles on beaches which are washed away as soon as there is a high tide being representative of the fragile existence of the homeless.     

Here in North Devon something needs to be done to alleviate the traffic problems in Braunton and to ensure that the Search and Rescue Helicopter at Chivenor continues to be able to provide 24 hour cover. 

It has also been gratifying when out canvassing to meet so many people who love North Devon as much as I do, whether they have lived here all their lives or have chosen to make North Devon their home. I hope I have been able to help in some small way to improve things for them, whether by putting a housebound person in touch with someone to help with their gardening or alerting the correct authorities to deal with problems with parking or potholes in their roads.  At the end of the day people matter and my aim in becoming involved in politics is to help improve the lives of people both here in North Devon and wherever else I am able.