Geoffrey Cox KC MP

Conservative MP for Torridge and Tavistock. For reply, email [email protected]

[Geoffrey Cox KC MP @Geoffrey_Cox]

@paulbhogal @GWRHelp Good advice, Paul!

[Geoffrey Cox KC MP @Geoffrey_Cox]

@GWRHelp good afternoon. I left a brown Leather hold all on the 1503 from Paddington when I got off at Exeter St David’s yesterday. Could you tell me whether it has been handed in anywhere on the line from Exeter through to Penzance?

[Geoffrey Cox KC MP @Geoffrey_Cox]

@GWRHelp Thank you very much. I have done that just now.

[Geoffrey Cox KC MP @Geoffrey_Cox]

I am deeply shocked by the death of Ann Widdecombe. She was equally generous and formidable, campaigning for me in TWD and helping raise thousands for the Plough in Grt Torrington in a memorable and packed “evening with Ann”. A great character and a remarkable Englishwoman.

[Geoffrey Cox KC MP @Geoffrey_Cox]

My profound sympathy for the families of those who died in the tragic RN helicopter crash at Sourton Down this morning. It is another reminder of how those who serve in our armed forces in peace and war are exposed to constant risk and peril for the sake of us all.

[Geoffrey Cox KC MP @Geoffrey_Cox]

@SimonCheapGrace @Verbal_Vortex No doubt , plenty of people are willing to suggest those private interests influence their opinions. Legislators are not judges however. They are not expected to be impartial or without any interest in the matters they debate and vote on.

[Geoffrey Cox KC MP @Geoffrey_Cox]

A grubby little insinuation. Farage has no evidence I advise Mauritius on the Chagos Islands because I am not. And I voted against the Chagos deal. What a pity a man who could offer real leadership should vomit up the same stale brew of lies people are sick of.

[Nigel Farage @Nigel_Farage]

The Conservatives claim they have been trying to stop the Chagos deal (even though they started the negotiations).

Now we learn Tory MP @Geoffrey_Cox has been advising the Mauritian government!

The Tory party are treacherous liars and they cannot be trusted.

[Geoffrey Cox KC MP @Geoffrey_Cox]

Thank you. However an MP is entitled to speak in a matter in which he has an interest provided he declares it. Otherwise, those who are union members, farmers, doctors or lawyers could not speak on any matter connected with those occupations. MPs are bound to have private interests.

[Geoffrey Cox KC MP @Geoffrey_Cox]

One last go Simon. The UK is not in litigation with Mauritius. It was several years ago but it is not any longer. And are you saying that every MP must support the government. MP’s frequently bring litigation against the government. Are you saying they shouldn’t? I think you’re confusing being a member of Parliament and a member of the government !

[Geoffrey Cox KC MP @Geoffrey_Cox]

@SimonCheapGrace @Verbal_Vortex In that case, you will have to exclude every MP from every outside interest. Tell that to Nigel Farage.

[Geoffrey Cox KC MP @Geoffrey_Cox]

Sigh. A lawyer offers his services to a client in the same way a Doctor does to a patient. As long as in the individual case those others to whom he owes his loyalty are not adverse there is no reason why he should not advise or appear. In this case, these are all domestic Mauritius matters and have no relevance to anything in which the UK could have an interest You really have no idea what you’re talking about. I think we have exhausted the subject. Many thanks for your interest from Tennessee.

[Geoffrey Cox KC MP @Geoffrey_Cox]

Well. The accusation about my home is inaccurate and born not of any understanding or knowledge but prejudice. You may not believe me but you have no basis for not doing so other than bigotry. Acting as a barrister in connection with specific cases or issues before an English court puts you in no conflict. As you would’ve read, I have consistently voted against the Chagos deal.

[Geoffrey Cox KC MP @Geoffrey_Cox]

I think you’re getting increasingly confused. I have advised the government of Mauritius among others for 30 years on their constitutional cases and legislative reform. They bring their appeals to the Privy council in London. It is always dangerous to make comments particularly about other peoples morality without knowing what you’re talking about.

[Geoffrey Cox KC MP @Geoffrey_Cox]

I have been re-elected six times. At every election, my opponents have sought to make it an issue. I have lived in my Constituency with my family over a quarter of a century and my constituents know perfectly well I continue to practice the law as. KC. Coming to me frequently with legal problems in my regular surgeries. The only evidence either of his hands is the evidence of the ballot box. Thank you for your comments.

[Geoffrey Cox KC MP @Geoffrey_Cox]

@SimonCheapGrace @Verbal_Vortex It may be that you object to an MP having any outside occupation. That is a perfectly respectable view but it is a different argument.

[Geoffrey Cox KC MP @Geoffrey_Cox]

On the contrary, it creates no conflict of interest whatsoever. The banister is in no way tied to his clients causes. He is instructed solely on the case and is as much to be identified with his clients beliefs or interests as a doctor is his patient’s. I’m not sure what the amount has to do with it.

[Geoffrey Cox KC MP @Geoffrey_Cox]

I am genuinely fascinated why you think so, I am a barrister. I have advised Mauritius on its legislative reforms and and constitutional appeals to the privy council in London for years. What is it about being an MP that makes it a betrayal absent any conflict of interest? As for the rest of the nonsense I have lived in Devon well over a quarter of a century and it is my family Home.

[Geoffrey Cox KC MP @Geoffrey_Cox]

A moments thought will show you that is an absurd remark. Lawyers advised foreign government all the time. Are you suggesting that anybody who buys or sells good or services or takes a holiday in Mauritius is acting unethically? And if not, what difference does it make that I am an MP?

[Geoffrey Cox KC MP @Geoffrey_Cox]

@realmaxfirth I imagine they will show a good deal more intelligence and common sense than you have. Are you seriously suggesting that anybody who buys or sells goods or services from to Mauritius is betraying the country?