View from Westminster: Local Newspaper Column

View from Westminster: Local Newspaper Column

When the House of Commons is in summer recess it means that Parliamentary business such as debates in the Chamber, questions to Ministers, work on Select Committees and voting on legislation must wait until September. Constituency work continues though. Life does not...
View from Westminster: Local Newspaper Column

View from Westminster: Local Newspaper Column

One of the local issues landing in my inbox in recent weeks, with increasing frequency, is one which many readers will be aware of: that of unauthorised traveller encampments which have been springing up across the constituency. Nothing upsets and frustrates people...
View from Westminster: Local Newspaper Column

View from Westminster: Local Newspaper Column

Last week brought Summer Budget Day and all eyes were on the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, and what he was going to do about tax rates, welfare spending and reducing the deficit.  The Chamber was jam-packed with MPs from both sides of the House, eager...
View from Westminster: Local Newspaper Column

View from Westminster: Local Newspaper Column

As a new Member in the House of Commons, my first opportunity to speak came with my maiden speech. It was a chance to pay tribute to my predecessor Sir Richard and to follow the tradition of sharing with other MPs in the Chamber a few facts about the wonderful and...