On Friday, I caught up with Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County and Elmbridge Borough Council. We discussed a number of local issues such as school funding, Elmbridge’s Local Plan and council finances. We also discussed Heathrow’s latest airspace consultations, which set out plans to accommodate more flights on the existing two runways, and propose […]
Read MoreYesterday, I wrote an article for The Sun on Sunday, setting out what the government should do next on Brexit, and the optimistic vision we need for the post-Brexit UK economy. I appeared on BBC’s The Andrew Marr Show and Sky’s Sophie Ridge Show to discuss the issues. You can read my article here, watch […]
Read MoreYesterday, I spoke in the House of Commons debate on the government’s Brexit deal explaining why I could not support it. In my speech, I set out how the draft deal would have severe, long-term, risks for our economy and trust in our democracy. The deal would also stifle the positive opportunities of Brexit that […]
Read MoreToday, I delivered a speech at the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) think-tank in London. I explained why I am optimistic about the UK’s future after we leave the EU. I set out a positive vision for post-Brexit Britain, based on free trade, competition-based consumer reform - and, above all, a focus on making the enterprise […]
Read MoreYesterday, I wrote a column for The Sunday Telegraph about why I will vote against the Prime Minister’s deal onTuesday, but how we can still make a success of Brexit. This current deal would weaken our negotiating position with the EU and leave us bound indefinitely by EU-imposed rules. Rather, the UK should return to […]
Read MoreToday, I took the difficult decision to resign from the Cabinet as Secretary of State. I resign in sorrow not in anger, and with enduring respect for the determination and fortitude of the Prime Minister. I do not agree with the terms of the proposed Brexit deal, and I cannot in good conscience support the […]
Read MoreYesterday, The Chancellor, Philip Hammond, announced the government’s Autumn Budget. First, there was good economic news. GDP growth forecasts have been revised up for 2019 and 2020, whilst unemployment forecasts have been revised down - with unemployment forecast to be just 3.7% in 2019. With unemployment already at a 43-year low, and wages growing at […]
Read MoreYesterday, I opened the Second Reading debate for the government on the Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty Dwellings) Bill. Put simply, the Bill does two things. First, it allows councils to charge double the rate of Council Tax on homes left empty for over 2 years. Currently, local authorities can levy […]
Read MoreToday, the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, delivered his Spring Statement - billed as an update on the state of the economy, rather than a mini-budget. The Chancellor confirmed that the UK economy is performing better than previously forecast. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), the UK’s independent economic watchdog, increased its forecasts for UK growth to […]
Read MoreToday, I announced proposals for action to protect consumers from the minority of cowboy companies, who find their credit rating devestated when county court judgments are enforced against the wrong address without their knowledge. You can read the Law Society Gazette reporting here.
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