Interview for Con Home
You can read my recent interview for Con Home …. here.
Read MoreOpen Town Hall Meetings
Next week, I will begin hosting a series of open public meetings across the constituency. I will speak for up to 10 minutes, giving an update on my activities and priorities - both locally and in Westminster. Then, I will be open to any questions from residents. All events start at 7.30pm and will go […]
Read MoreLobby Group Politics
MPs get hundreds of emails and letters from constituents. I try to answer every one in reasonable time. But, MPs have finite time and resources, and I also want to prioritise those in the greatest need. It is a difficult balance. My approach is to ask those with a problem or issue they want me […]
Read MoreWhy do MPs have such long holidays?
It is a common myth that MPs have ludicrously long holidays. Parliament went into recess last week. With the exception of two weeks in September, MPs will not return for two and a half months. But, Parliament not sitting is not the same thing as MPs not working. I can’t speak for others, but I’m […]
Read MoreEnd of Term Report Card
As I came through the general anaesthetic last week (from key-hole surgery to repair some hip cartilage), I gazed through bleary eyes at the TV screen for some news. The Sky News ticker read: “North Korea threatens to invade South Korea”. Next item: “Conservative MP criticises Coalition in Pub”. It was a typical illustration of […]
Read MoreWeek’s Round Up - From Schools to Hospital
This week started with the second reading of the Academies Bill, the new government’s first educational reform. The aim is to free local teachers, parents and community groups from state bureaucracy, allowing them to apply for academy status for their local school. With that status comes a range of freedoms - to tailor the curriculum […]
Read MoreDebate on Pre-Charge Detention
The House of Commons today debated whether to continue the temporary - and emergency - measure of extending pre-charge detention to 28 days. You can watch the debate here (with my contribution at 49mins in the debate).
Read MoreInterview for Sky News
Sky News’ Joey Jones interviews myself and some of the other new MPs. You can read his blog post, and watch the interview here.
Read MoreWe Owe How Much?
Today, The Independent ran an interesting article on the true scale of the debt inherited from the last government. It points out that, if you include all public sector liabilities, total debt is £3.8 trillion - around four times higher than the official measure. For policy wonks and bean counters, the article is based on […]
Read MoreThe Selfishness of Socialism
Last week, the opposition seized on selective Treasury figures suggesting the government’s emergency budget would lead to 1.3 million job losses - ignoring the 2.5 million expected to be created. It is a sign of the shrill, partisan and selective politics we can expect in the months ahead. What surprises me most is the sheer […]
Read More