Double Standards - from Equality to Extradition
I wrote an article for the Sunday Times - highlighting the risk that double standards will undermine public confidence in our equality and human rights laws. You can read the article here.
Read MoreSupport for People with Learning Disabilities
On Friday, I opened a new sensory room, at Mencap Elmbridge, for people with learning disabilities. The money for the facility was raised through a mix of fund-raising, including a generous contribution from Glaxo Smith Kline. Jean Rigden and Veronica Collins are part of a fantastic team, doing inspirational work. It was great to see […]
Read MoreEquality Cuts Both Ways
I wrote an article today on Politics Home arguing that we need to ditch Labour’s Equality and Diversity agenda, which pits couples against each other in an outdated battle of the sexes. Instead, we should promote meritocracy and family friendly policies, so couples can strike the right career-family balance together. You can read the original […]
Read MoreAffordable Housing in Elmbridge
Development is one of the thorniest local issues. On the one hand, we are blessed with 57% greenbelt in this borough - and we want to protect our open spaces. On the other hand, there is an acute shortage of affordable homes. The government’s answer is twofold. First, to scrap the top-down housing targets (such […]
Read MoreHuman Rights - Who is in Charge?
Over the last week, I have been dealing with two cases relating to the Human Rights Act. First, our ability to deport criminals in cases where they claim family ties to stay in Britain under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The case arose in relation to a constituent, Bishal Gurung, […]
Read MoreMoving House
Knee deep in boxes - Erika and I are moving house this weekend. We’ve enjoyed a wonderful year renting in Claygate, and have been looking for a place to buy here and around the area. Eventually, we found the right place for us in Thames Ditton - looking forward to getting settled in.
Read MoreClaygate Clubhouse
Congratulations to Nigel Abbott for another successful fund-raiser for the new Claygate Clubhouse. I only managed to drop by late on, but the Sportsman’s Evening at the Bengal Lancer was a great success - when I arrived Tony Gale was holding court, entertaining a packed venue. Nigel et al have made great progress towards the […]
Read MoreControl Orders: A Security Sideshow
I have written an article for The Guardian today on Control Orders. You can read it here.
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