Visiting Rowan School

Last week, I visited Rowan Preparatory School for girls in Claygate (pictured below with students and headteacher, Kathy Kershaw). I spoke a bit about the role of an MP and took questions. It is always interesting to hear back what students think an MP does - and indeed what he or she should do! It […]

Read More

Strasbourg Demands UK Prisoners Given Vote

Today, in the Scopolla case, the European Court of Human Rights has demanded the UK introduce legislation to give prisoners the right to vote within 6 months. I responded to the ruling on the BBC here. Update (23 May): At PMQs, the PM rules out capitulating to Strasbourg, giving a clear signal that Britain will […]

Read More

Lessons from Kyoto

International negotiations continue this week, in Bonn, on climate change - in the aftermath of December’s stalled Durban summit. I have written an article for City AM on the two lessons that need to be learnt from experience under the Kyoto Protocol. You can read it here.

Read More

The Campaign for Sergei Magnitsky

I have been campaigning for targeted sanctions on the henchment of despots and dictators, in light of the tragic Russian case of murdered lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky. I blogged on the issue here. A short film, linked here, gives an overview of the various initiatives across the world seeking justice and accountability, including the House of Commons […]

Read More

Grist to the Mill

The Cobham Mill Preservation Trust do a fantastic job keeping this wonderful local historical gem, dating back to the sixteenth century, in great working order for people to enjoy today. I dropped by, last week, to visit the team, having worked together to get their lease of the mill renewed by the Environment Agency. They gave me a […]

Read More

Promoting Small Businesses

On Friday, I met up with the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (pictured below), to hear directly their concerns. The feedback from local entrepreneurs focused on finance, red-tape and the burden of taxation. I have signed up for their campaign aimed at addressing the challenges faced, and sought their advice in particular on measures to […]

Read More

Victim Support - the Local Dimension

Today, I was briefed by Victim Support on the local dimension in our community. Victim Support assess those who are the victims of crime, identifying a need for support in around a third of all cases (in the South East). They are backed up by community-based volunteers, who can help with emotional counselling, practical support […]

Read More

Type 1 Diabetes

Last week, I met up in Parliament with two local lads, Nick Taylor and Tom Parker (pictured below), to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes. The event was organised by the charity JDRF. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic, life-threatening condition which can afflict young children and stays with them through life. It affects the immune system, […]

Read More