Steve Darling MP
@stevedarlingmp.bsky.social
Member of Parliament for Torbay | Liberal Democrat | For casework and policy questions email: [email protected]
http://members.parliament.uk/member/5066
http://members.parliament.uk/member/5066
This week is UK Parliament Week, a nationwide programme celebrating democracy. Across Torbay, 28 activities are taking place, including school events, helping young people learn, engage, and connect with how our democratic system works.
November 27, 2025 at 12:15 PM
This week is UK Parliament Week, a nationwide programme celebrating democracy. Across Torbay, 28 activities are taking place, including school events, helping young people learn, engage, and connect with how our democratic system works.
Earlier this week I attended Unlock Democracy’s Drop-In on Votes at 16, AVR, and the Elections Bill. With low registration among younger people, we discussed civic education, barriers to voting, and how amendments could strengthen fair democratic participation.
November 27, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Earlier this week I attended Unlock Democracy’s Drop-In on Votes at 16, AVR, and the Elections Bill. With low registration among younger people, we discussed civic education, barriers to voting, and how amendments could strengthen fair democratic participation.
Labour’s budget relies on higher taxes instead of real growth. Lib Dems want stronger trade with Europe and fairer opportunities. The £150 energy bill cut is welcome, but families in Torbay risk losing out through frozen allowances. I will hold the government to account.
November 26, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Labour’s budget relies on higher taxes instead of real growth. Lib Dems want stronger trade with Europe and fairer opportunities. The £150 energy bill cut is welcome, but families in Torbay risk losing out through frozen allowances. I will hold the government to account.
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.
November 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM
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.
November 25, 2025 at 5:45 PM
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.
🎅✨ 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...
November 25, 2025 at 1:15 PM
🎅✨ 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...
A quick round up of some of the things I was working on last week 👇
November 24, 2025 at 5:15 PM
A quick round up of some of the things I was working on last week 👇
🎄✨ 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...
November 22, 2025 at 12:45 PM
🎄✨ 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...
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.
November 21, 2025 at 2:30 PM
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.
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
November 21, 2025 at 12:30 PM
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
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
November 19, 2025 at 5:15 PM
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
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
November 19, 2025 at 12:44 PM
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
November 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM
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
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.
November 18, 2025 at 5:30 PM
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.
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.
November 18, 2025 at 9:01 AM
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 quick round up of some of the things I was working on last week 👇
November 17, 2025 at 5:15 PM
A quick round up of some of the things I was working on last week 👇
🍻 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.
Thanks to the British Beer and Pub Association for hosting a great event to launch the policy.
November 14, 2025 at 12:45 PM
🍻 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.
Thanks to the British Beer and Pub Association for hosting a great event to launch the policy.
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.
November 14, 2025 at 9:34 AM
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.
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
November 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM
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
🌿 Concerned about Torbay’s green spaces after the Coast and Countryside Trust collapse? Sign our petition urging Torbay Council to commit to open consultation and public engagement. These spaces must stay protected and community-led. Add your name: digitallibdems.typeform.com/to/WMW5DOCC
November 12, 2025 at 4:55 PM
🌿 Concerned about Torbay’s green spaces after the Coast and Countryside Trust collapse? Sign our petition urging Torbay Council to commit to open consultation and public engagement. These spaces must stay protected and community-led. Add your name: digitallibdems.typeform.com/to/WMW5DOCC
🚆 Exciting upgrades at Torquay station! Platform 2 will get a new waiting room, disabled toilet with baby changing, better step-free access via Hennapyn Road, improved PA system and CCTV. I’ll keep pushing for more rail improvements across Torbay.
November 12, 2025 at 10:04 AM
🚆 Exciting upgrades at Torquay station! Platform 2 will get a new waiting room, disabled toilet with baby changing, better step-free access via Hennapyn Road, improved PA system and CCTV. I’ll keep pushing for more rail improvements across Torbay.
This morning I’m in Whitehall near the Cenotaph, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens—who also designed the Drum Inn in Cockington. Its chimneys echo the Cenotaph’s form. Later I’ll join the Remembrance service in Westminster Hall. A powerful moment to reflect.
November 11, 2025 at 10:38 AM
This morning I’m in Whitehall near the Cenotaph, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens—who also designed the Drum Inn in Cockington. Its chimneys echo the Cenotaph’s form. Later I’ll join the Remembrance service in Westminster Hall. A powerful moment to reflect.
I back our party leader in condemning Trump’s attacks on the BBC. It’s not perfect, but its independence is vital to our democracy. Foreign powers mustn’t dictate our media. The BBC belongs to Britain—not Trump.
November 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM
I back our party leader in condemning Trump’s attacks on the BBC. It’s not perfect, but its independence is vital to our democracy. Foreign powers mustn’t dictate our media. The BBC belongs to Britain—not Trump.
A quick round up of some of the things I was working on last week 👇
November 10, 2025 at 5:03 PM
A quick round up of some of the things I was working on last week 👇
Ahead of Remembrance Day, I visited the constituency remembrance garden in Westminster where tributes from across the UK are planted.
Today and always, we honour the courage and sacrifice of those who gave everything for our future.
We will remember them.
Today and always, we honour the courage and sacrifice of those who gave everything for our future.
We will remember them.
November 10, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Ahead of Remembrance Day, I visited the constituency remembrance garden in Westminster where tributes from across the UK are planted.
Today and always, we honour the courage and sacrifice of those who gave everything for our future.
We will remember them.
Today and always, we honour the courage and sacrifice of those who gave everything for our future.
We will remember them.