Cornwall's PCC hopes G7 Summit will help 'build back' local economy following covid-19 pandemic
Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez, says its a 'once in a generation opportunity' to raise awareness of the struggles that Cornwall is faced with, following the coronavirus pandemic, on a global platform
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly hopes the G7 Summit will provide an opportunity for world leaders to see the impact that the covid-19 pandemic has had on the people of Cornwall.
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has said the South West has a huge opportunity to showcase both its assets and challenges when it hosts world leaders for the G7 summit this summer.
The June event will bring leaders from the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US to Carbis Bay with neighbouring St Ives and other sites in Cornwall hosting international delegates, security personnel and media. Also invited are leaders from Australia, India and South Korea.
Alison Hernandez says she hopes that during their stay, world leaders will be able to understand the challenges that communities in Cornwall are currently facing:
“The summit represents a once in a generation opportunity to raise awareness of Cornwall on a global scale and will help the local economy build back better after Covid-19 lockdowns.
“It’s very exciting that major decisions with far-reaching and international implications will be being made right here on our doorstep. Cornwall’s incredible natural wealth and its long tradition of welcoming outsiders will make this a summit to be long remembered.
“But I also hope that world leaders are able to understand that there are communities in Cornwall that face significant challenges and reflect on those challenges and the challenges of people in a similar position across the world.
“Our force area now has a crime rate lower than all but one of 43 forces in England and Wales, but there is significant work to do to improve household income, job security and opportunities for local people here and elsewhere.”
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
The commissioner has supported plans to add flexibility to the workforce in response to Covid-19 policing, by approving an enhanced allowance payment for Special Constables who carried out an agreed number of shifts over the busy winter period, and said that innovation and flexibility would be key to ensuring the summit was a success.
“This summer the bonds we have created with communities, local authorities, volunteers and policing teams will be needed more than ever before.
“I have every confidence that with the support measures put in place Devon and Cornwall Police and our partners will deliver a safe and successful event that our communities will be proud of and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
Alison Hernandez, PCC