2026: Week 31 - Summer Safari, NA Leisure Centre and Conflict
I have had an extremely busy week with Summer Safari dates, visits and events, and a few meetings thrown in for good measure!
As my summer tour continues, I have visited Newton Abbot, Kingkerswell , Abbotkerswell, Shaldon, Teignmouth and Bishopsteignton so far, with further dates planned for Dawlish, Starcross, Ogwell, Denbury and others. Please do keep an eye on my socials for the most up to date information about my pop-ups, and of course the full list of dates and locations is listed on my website www.martinwrigley.co.uk
It has been a privilege to talk to so many of you, and the welcome I have received from all the places I have visited so far has been very warm. We too often hear of how the country is divided, that people with differing opinions are unable to find common ground, or have healthy debate, but that has not been my experience over the past couple of weeks.
I know that I am not always going to agree with everyone in this constituency, but I am committed to always listening with an open mind, and if you need assistance or help with anything my team and I will endeavour to provide that assistance and help, in so far as we are able.
I was delighted to be invited to visit Newton Abbot Leisure Centre this week, where I met with the leadership team there to talk about their future plans for the centre. We spoke about the importance of having an accessible leisure centre in Newton Abbot and how that would tie in to the health and wellbeing of the local community.
Leisure Centres are such an important resource in our communities, we are so lucky to have 3 fantastic ones in the constituency.
Teignbridge Council recently announced an upgrade for Dawlish Leisure Centre, which is very welcome news for the town. Another win for team Lib Dem!
During the summer recess it is easy to forget what is happening in the wider world, MPs are away from Parliament and focussed on constituency matters. However, there is still severe unrest in several parts of the world; the war in Ukraine is ongoing with Russia still targeting cities with increasing force, and conflict in the Middle East shows no sign of lessening.
There could be a glimmer of hope of a ceasefire in Gaza, but this is dependant on Hamas disarming, which seems unlikely to a lot of people. This new “deal” follows years of failed ceasefires and agreements. The war in Iran is also escalating tensions in the region.
It is horrifying that over two million Palestinians are living in terrible conditions, battling disease, lack of access to food, clean water and adequate shelter. They are living in a shrinking chunk of land, with families being displaced. Over 1000 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire took effect, which shows that these solutions brokered by Trump’s Peace Board just aren’t working.
When Parliament returns in September I, along with the Lib Dems will be urging the Government to call for an immediate bi-lateral ceasefire and make real progress towards procuring lasting peace in the area.