2026: Week 30 - In the constituency

With Parliament in recess, I’m enjoying more time in the constituency, reminding myself why I am so proud to call this area my home.

I have kicked off my “Summer Safari”; I will be holding a series of “pop-up surgeries” across the constituency in the coming weeks.  Dates and locations will be widely advertised across my social media channels, and you can find the full list on my website, www.martinwrigley.co.uk. 

I’m hoping to meet as many of you as possible, and I’m happy to chat about any topic, so please do pop along and say hello.  If you are unable to make any of the dates, my inbox is always open so please email me on martin.wrigley.mp@parliament.uk if there is anything you wish me to help with, or information you would like to pass on.

One of the dates this last week was in Newton Abbot town centre, it was a very busy afternoon with lots of people out and about in the sunshine. It was really lovely talking to locals and visitors, and hearing what they love about the town.  A great start to what I hope will be a successful summer safari!

I was delighted to be invited to pay another visit to THAT foodbank. Last time I visited them at their offices and helped with some of their Christmas deliveries in December. This time was to see their new Teign Community Store, which is open every Thursday, selling surplus food from elsewhere at a good discount. 

I really support the work of local foodbanks, having visited both THAT and HITS locally, and it is truly humbling to see how passionate they are about their work and how determined they are to make a difference to so many lives. However, I am horrified that they need to exist in this day and age.

On another serious theme, I have been truly dismayed by the reports of a spate of break-ins across several small businesses in Dawlish, Starcross and Exminster. These incidents have occurred over a matter of days, and it appears that the same pattern is being followed at each location, where cash boxes and charity pots have been taken.

I have written to the Chief Superintendent with requests about these incidents, including whether they are planning more patrols in the affected areas, and whether they are going to be releasing any communications to reassure the public. I am saddened that the actions of a few people have affected so many businesses across the area, but it is heartening to see the community pulling together to help these victims of crime.

Finally, the Government have announced that Devon and Cornwall are amongst several other areas that are officially in drought after record breaking low rainfall and exceptionally high temperatures. 

After four heatwaves in the UK and the local showings of the People’s Emergency Briefing on climate change that I have attended recently, it does bring it home that we must take tackling climate change seriously.

I would like to ask that in the coming weeks we are a little more mindful about how we use water.