At our recent Connect Bude gathering, members were delighted to receive a dedicated message from Ben Maguire MP, who wrote to express his clear and unequivocal support for restoring proper transport connections to Bude and the wider North Cornwall area. Although he was unable to attend in person, his letter made one thing unmistakably clear: our campaign is being heard loudly in Westminster.
Maguire began by recognising what our community has been saying for years — North Cornwall has been “left behind for too long” when it comes to transport and infrastructure. This lack of connectivity isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a barrier to opportunity, growth, and access to essential services. The MP acknowledged that Bude’s isolation has tangible consequences, and he committed to continuing to push for change.
In his letter, Maguire highlighted the concrete steps he has already taken in Parliament. He has:
- Submitted written questions to the Secretary of State for Transport about the adequacy of rural transport in North Cornwall.
- Asked for a full impact assessment of the total absence of mainline rail services in the constituency.
- Called for an assessment on extending the Dartmoor Railway Line into Cornwall, including to Launceston and Bude.
- Raised the issue in debates in the House of Commons, including during the Business of the House session on 3rd July.
- Spoken publicly on BBC Politics Southwest, arguing that without serious improvements to connectivity, North Cornwall’s local economy will continue to suffer.
Maguire also celebrated the increasing collaboration between Connect Bude and Connect Launceston — a partnership he believes will further strengthen the collective case for investment in our region’s transport links.
Perhaps most importantly, the MP affirmed that he will continue to press for practical progress. His message concluded with warm best wishes and a commitment to keep supporting the conversations and campaigning efforts that Connect Bude has championed for years.
For our members, this letter is more than a courtesy — it is recognition at the highest political level that what we are fighting for is both necessary and achievable. With growing public attention, community energy, and now strengthened Parliamentary advocacy, the case for reconnecting Bude has never been stronger.
We thank Ben Maguire MP for his support, and we will continue our work to ensure that North Cornwall finally receives the fair, modern transport infrastructure it deserves. If you want to support – make sure you join us today.
