In a bizarre moment that left Westminster observers scratching their heads, Conservative MP Scott Mann made an unusual plea to ministers: help me fix my constituency's broken zip wire.
The North Cornwall MP stood in the hallowed halls of Parliament to ask Cabinet Office Minister Alex Burghart what support was available for repairing the popular tourist attraction in his constituency, which had been out of action since last summer.
Tourist Attraction Grounded
The zip wire at the Tamar Oasis and Spa in Launceston, a key tourist draw in Mann's constituency, has been dormant for months after developing technical issues. Rather than pursuing conventional channels for repair, the MP decided to bring the matter directly to the government's attention during ministerial questions.
"The zip wire is a fantastic tourist attraction in North Cornwall," Mann declared to the chamber, seemingly unaware of how the request might appear amid a cost-of-living crisis and numerous pressing national issues.
Minister's Puzzled Response
Cabinet Office Minister Alex Burghart, maintaining his composure, offered a measured response that subtly highlighted the unusual nature of the request. He suggested the MP might find more appropriate support through Cornwall Council or the Department for Culture, Media and Sport rather than the Cabinet Office.
"I thank my hon. friend for his question and I know that he does a great deal to support tourism in North Cornwall," Burghart responded diplomatically, before gently steering him toward more relevant avenues for assistance.
Questionable Priorities Exposed
The exchange has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, with critics questioning whether an elected representative should be using precious parliamentary time to address what many would consider a local business matter rather than a governmental concern.
This incident comes at a sensitive time for MPs, who face increasing scrutiny about how they prioritise their constituents' needs versus national interests. The zip wire query has sparked debate about the appropriate use of ministerial question time and whether some MPs have lost touch with the pressing issues facing ordinary Britons.
As the Tamar Oasis zip wire remains silent, so too does the explanation for why a national parliamentarian believed its repair warranted government intervention.
